TPI international conference reports record number of Australians

Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) hosted its 2014 International Education Conference & Field Day February 24-27  in Orlando, Fla. More than 700 people from about 140 farms worldwide attended the event. Representatives from 14 countries attended, including nearly 60 turfgrass producers and industry representatives from Australia, many of whom had never participated in a TPI event before.

Attendees had the opportunity to see more than 15 presentations featuring 25 presenters, making the event extensive in education. There were numerous “show and tell” presentations by turfgrass producers. Other sessions addressed varied subjects such as “diversifying your business” and “sustainable turfgrass production using biosolids.” Leading turfgrass extension specialists and a panel comprised of research advisors representing The Lawn Institute addressed a variety of timely and informative issues. Other sessions included the cost of doing business, customer relations, scouting for winterkill of bermudagrass as well as soils, fertilizers and environmental considerations.

One member commented that this year’s educational program had something for everyone.

TPI also held a demo field day at Bethel Farms in nearby Sumterville, Fla. with a wide range of equipment and leading turfgrass manufacturers and suppliers.

There were also two days of indoor exhibits for attendees to meet with sales representatives, look at a wide variety of product and service offerings and network with other turfgrass producers.

“I recently attended the TPI conference in Orlando from Australia,” said Michael Muscat of Green Life Farms in New South Wales, Australia. “We truly appreciated your hospitality, a great conference and the beautiful slide show that made all of us feel very special and warmly welcomed.”