PRESIDENT’S TURF Thankful That TPI is Truly International
2024 TPI Board of Trustees
Officers Diane Mischel
When I talk to friends outside the green industry and tell them about TPI, they are surprised that it is an international organization, and that natural grass is grown for sod production all over the world. Most people just haven’t given it much thought. Te truth is growers from around the globe could sit down over a pint and tell each other very similar stories about the highs and lows of turfgrass production. At the core, we are more alike than different. However, it is those small differences that bring the real value to an international organization like TPI.
Why do we all love going on a farm tour to kick tires? Because we are looking for that one thing that farm does differently that makes it better, easier, cheaper, faster. Te ability to do that on a global scale opens the door to concepts and ideas far beyond just “one little thing.” Some areas of the world are a study in efficiency due to land scarcity and regulations. Some regions excel at marketing to elevate their product above a commodity to a premium brand. And the different options for equipment! We all know farmers are the best inventors, and if you visit a different part of the world, you will see how farmers solved the same problem with a different answer!
During my younger years, my parents participated in the TPI South Africa Study Tour. Not only did they gain new perspectives, but they also made lifelong friends and connections that later led to an internship opportunity for me. As I write this final column, I am preparing to embark on the TPI Italy Study Tour. Tis is a valuable opportunity to tour farms, connect with growers from across Europe at the ETP meeting, and gain new perspectives that could impact my own business. Judging from my parents’ experience, it could have lasting effects that I can’t even imagine right now.
We are an international organization, and I am grateful for all our members around the globe. And, TPI has room to grow our membership in every country, including the U.S. Te more we reach new members and connect our growers, the more value and clout TPI brings to the table. So, let’s all gather around the big TPI table and share a few stories.
Tank you to those who encouraged me during my time on the board, it has been a fantastic experience, and very humbling. While I am not certain I made any lasting impacts on TPI, this opportunity has made a lasting impact on me, how I operate my business, and even within my own family. Te best part of my job this past year was seeing how proud my three daughters are to have their mom in this role. I can’t think of any better reward.
Yours faithfully,
President Diane Mischel DeBuck’s Sod Farm, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-810-653-2201
office@debucksodfarm.com
Vice President Daniel Huggett Columbus Turf Nursery – U.S.A. +1-740-983-6580
danielh@columbus-turf.com
Secretary-Treasurer Larry LeMay A-G Sod Farms, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-559-289-2302
llemay@agsod.com
Past President Bob McCurdy McCurdy Sod Farms – U.S.A. +1-731-692-3515
mccurdysodfarms@gmail.com
Executive Director Casey Reynolds, PhD Turfgrass Producers International – U.S.A. +1-847-649-5555
CReynolds@TurfgrassSod.org
Trustees Charles Harris Buy Sod – U.S.A. +1-910-992-6080
charris@buysod.com
Eric Hjort Tater Farms – U.S.A. +1-904-692-2246
eric_hjort@taterfarms.com
Albrecht Knigge Rasenland – Germany 495 101 915361
knigge@rasenland.de
Lindy Murff Murff Turf Farm, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-281-328-2812
lmurff@murffturf.com
Adam Russell MVP Genetics – U.S.A. +1-971-718-4525
arussell@mvpgenetics.com
Eric Webb Raft River Sod – U.S.A. +1-208-878-5740
eric@raftriversod.com
Wade Wilbur Sod Shop – U.S.A. +1-913-814-0044
wade@sodshops.com
DeBuck’s Sod Farm, Inc. 2 TPI Turf News November/December 2024
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