MEMBER UPDATE: Evergreen Turf owners Jeff Nettleton and Jimmy Foxs’ families have an update to share with the turfgrass community, and requested that we pass it on to you: "Dear Friends and Colleagues, It is with heavy hearts that we share this news, and we are so sorry to have to do so by email. This is not the outcome we were hoping and praying for. Today, the trauma physicians informed our family that there is no chance of recovery for Jeff. The damage spans too large a part of his brain, and the improvements we believed we saw over the last few days proved only temporary. He regressed significantly today, and his injury is simply too great to overcome. Ever the planner, Jeff had prepared advance directives outlining his wishes should he ever face a situation like this. He made the decision to donate his organs so that others may live. Our hope for those recipients is that they honor this gift with the same enthusiasm and genuine love of life that Jeff carried every day. He lived a big life and enjoyed it to the fullest, and he will be missed beyond words. Nick, BettyAnn, and Kay are with him in El Paso and will remain by his side until it is time for donation. This is an unimaginable loss for his family, and we ask that you continue to lift them up in prayer in the days ahead. No arrangements have been made at this time; a celebration of Jeff's life will be held at a later date. We are grateful to share better news about Jimmy, who remains in recovery at the hospital and is in good spirits. Thankfully, he has suffered no brain or spinal injury. This week he has undergone two surgeries to repair his leg, jaw, and facial fractures. We expect him to move from the hospital to a recovery facility soon. His jaw will be wired shut for the next six weeks, so he will not be able to take phone calls for some time, and we do not yet have a timeline for his return home. We are also glad to report that the pilot's surgeries were successful, and he is expected to return home this weekend. Thank you for your friendship, your patience, and your prayers.” TPI is keeping Jimmy, Jeff, the pilot, and their families in our thoughts and hearts during this time.

Do you have a stunning picture of your sod farm? TPI is creating a member only calendar featuring member farms from around the world. If you have a horizontal, high quality photo (minimum 300dpi, preferably greater), and would like to be featured, please email it to our Membership Experience Manager at latwater@turfgrasssod.org.

ADVOCACY ALERT - MSMA: TPI is seeking public comments from sod producers on MSMA Herbicide. Many uses of MSMA were cancelled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2009, and its use in sod production is still currently registered as conditional. However, MSMA remains an important post-emergence herbicide for sod producers managing grasses and sedges in warm-season turfgrass systems, particularly when pre-emergence herbicide programs break down during mid- to late-summer conditions. As a result, it plays a critical role in maintaining sod quality and marketability. An industry group is working on a registration package for submittal to the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs seeking permanent registration for the current turf uses that are conditionally registered. Additionally, they will be applying to have some of the turf uses that were cancelled in 2009 restored to the label. Those are additional rights of way (utility, railroad, etc), parks & athletic fields, residential & commercial lawn care by professional applicators. If you use MSMA and would like to submit public comment on behalf of the sod production industry, please contact Casey Reynolds, PhD at creynolds@turfgrasssod.org or (919) 907-8238. Support letters are due June 12th.

MEMBER UPDATE: Evergreen Turf owners Jeff Nettleton and Jimmy Fox were injured in a plane crash this weekend. The family has released the following statement: "The owners of Evergreen Turf were involved in a plane accident this weekend. Jeff Nettleton and Jimmy Fox were aboard a small aircraft that experienced a hard landing and subsequently ran off the runway. Jeff, Jimmy, and the pilot all sustained serious injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time, their personal belongings remain with the aircraft, and they are unable to receive phone calls or emails. We kindly ask that you keep them, the pilot, and their families in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult time.” Jimmy Fox is a TPI Past President, and Evergreen Turf hosted TPI's 2026 Field Day. TPI is keeping Jimmy, Jeff, the pilot, and their families in our thoughts and hearts as they navigate this difficult time. We know our members go above and beyond when help is needed, we will keep you updated if any opportunity to provide support arises.

Beauty. Adventure. Turfgrass. Travel to Spain with TPI this fall to attend the 2026 ETP Farm tour and meet producers from around the world. Space is limited, and registration closes July 1st. Grab your spot today! turfgrasssod.org/event/tpi-g…

LAST CHANCE: Help us bring you the content that drives your business forward by telling us what you think of recent Turf News issues, and what you’d like to see in Turf News moving forward. Be a part of shaping Turf News and be entered to win a $25 Visa gift card! All you need to do is check your email for the link to our 10-minute Reader Survey and share your opinions on Turf News! All surveys must be completed by May 22. No personal data from the survey will be sold or shared with third parties. We’re always working to bring you the most relevant and newsworthy information, now is your opportunity to tell us where we can improve! Not seeing it? Make sure your membership is up to date so you’re not missing out on your next copy of Turf News, the latest advocacy efforts and so much more.

ADVOCACY ALERT: Our Executive Director, Dr. Casey Reynolds will be heading to the Hill on MONDAY, MAY 19th to express support for two initiatives impacting the turfgrass industry. The first is the upcoming Senate discussion of a new Farm Bill, and the second is potential economic relief for specialty crops. Now is your chance to speak up for bills that could positively impact the sod industry! TPI has drafted an outline to help you voice your support for these initiatives, please reach out to Casey Reynolds, PhD at creynolds@turfgrasssod.org or 919-907-8238 to request it. Local support from farms in a Representatives' district are vital to these discussions. The House Farm Bill could potentially strengthen support for specialty crop research and disaster relief funds while new funds for specialty crops being considered through a potential farm aid package of $15 billion that could provide immediate relief to specialty crop producers as it recently did to row crop and food crop producers in the Farmer Bridge Program. As always, TPI will work diligently to make sure Congress understands that sod producers are a vital piece of the specialty crop industry.

TPI is always looking to help its' members solve problems. Whether it’s advocacy, connecting people, or education, we want to know what challenges you’re grappling with. Is it on the business side? Turfgrass production? Let us know so we can sit down with leading industry experts and get solutions to the struggles you’re facing today. Help us improve Turf News and also be entered to win a $25 Visa gift card! All you need to do is check your email for the link to our 10-minute Reader Survey and share your opinions on Turf News. All surveys must be completed by May 22. No personal data from the survey will be sold or shared with third parties. We’re always working to bring you the most relevant and newsworthy information, now is your chance to let us know what’s important to YOU. Not seeing the email? Make sure your membership is up to date so you’re not missing out on your next copy of Turf News, the latest advocacy efforts and so much more.

If you’re free June 10th and in the Columbia, Missouri area, check out the Pinnacle Ag Research Center (PARC) Field Day! Designed for professionals in the green industry to witness the latest advancements in turf and forage research, from new genetics to innovative management practices and pest management solutions. While you can get tickets the day of the event, you can also pre-register and save!

Have you seen our latest email? Help us improve Turf News and be entered to win a $25 Visa gift card! All you need to do is check your email for the link to our 10-minute Reader Survey and share your opinions on Turf News! All surveys must be completed by May 22. No personal data from the survey will be sold or shared with third parties. We’re always working to bring you the most relevant and newsworthy information, now is your opportunity to tell us where we can improve! Not seeing it? Make sure your membership is up to date so you’re not missing out on your next copy of Turf News, the latest advocacy efforts and so much more.

Turfgrass Producers International will be hitting legislative offices in Washington, DC in the coming weeks to express support for two initiatives impacting our industry. The first is the upcoming House discussion of a new Farm Bill, and the second is potential economic relief for specialty crops. AmericanHort is working on both of these initiatives on behalf of specialty crops, and TPI is simultaneously providing support from sod producers. The House Farm Bill could potentially strengthen support for specialty crop research and disaster relief funds while new funds for specialty crops being considered through a potential farm aid package of $15 billion that could provide immediate relief to specialty crop producers as it recently did to row crop and food crop producers in the Farmer Bridge Program. If you have any interest in writing a letter in support of either of these initiatives please reach out to Casey Reynolds, PhD at creynolds@turfgrasssod.org or 919-907-8238. We will be visiting legislative offices to meet with congressional offices, and local support from farms in their districts are vital to these discussions. As always, TPI will work diligently to make sure Congress understands that sod producers are a vital piece of the specialty crop industry.

Advocacy isn’t the only thing we do here at TPI. We also connect producers and suppliers from across the US and around the globe. Our annual conference is always the must attend event of the season, but we also have our membership directory that’s printed every year to keep everyone connected. Not sure if you’ll be getting one this year? Log into your account to make sure your annual dues are current! While you’re there, make sure your contact information is up to date as well. Time is running out soon until these go to print, so act fast!

ADVOCACY ALERT: The House Farm Bill is scheduled for floor consideration next week. This bill includes significant wins for specialty crop producers; including (but not limited to) recognizing plant pests as natural disasters, improving coverage for specialty crops and expanded access to capital. Call your congress person to voice your support! For more information on what the bill covers check out the link below. As always, TPI is devoted to supporting and advocating for the natural turfgrass industry and will continue to post updates on how you can be an advocate as well. americanhort.org/advocacy/vo…

The Turfgrass Producers of Florida held their annual meeting and show on April 9th and 10th in Okeechobee, Florida. Casey Reynolds, PhD provided TPI’s annual “Lawn and Order Update” which highlights local, regional, and national regulations and policies impacting sod producers.

It’s National Lawn Care Month! Lawns are where people gather, relax, and spend time outdoors. From backyards to shared spaces, healthy lawns support everyday life in our communities.

Are you looking to sell equipment? Buy? Post a job in the turfgrass industry? You might not know this, but TPI has a special classifieds section on our website where you can post or browse everything from equipment to job openings. turfgrasssod.org/listings/.

The March/April edition of Turf News is now available online! Members can log in to their online account, and check it out under ‘Digital Resources’. turfgrasssod.org/

TPIs’ Future Leaders Fellowship deadline is almost here! Please remember to submit your letter of intent, resume and recommendation from a current TPI member to latwater@turfgrasssod.org. For more details on the program, check out our website at turfgrasssod.org/future-lead…

A huge supporter of the sod industry for many years, Justin Gregoire is undergoing surgery this week. TPI is keeping him in our thoughts, and hopes he has a swift recovery. gofundme.com/f/support-justi…