DLF Seeds have been recognised as one of the top 20 most ‘Climate Friendly Companies’ of 2021 in a recent list compiled by European Seed Magazine.

In response to the increase in reported instances of Brown Patch in the UK football industry, DLF have undertaken a screening programme for the last two years to analyse the tolerance of different varieties.

The right seeds should be part of any strategy to reduce the impact of drought on grass swards for cutting and grazing.

While we may be heading towards the traditionally cooler and winter months, the changing climate means that Turf Managers are not only having to consider the immediate pressures – but those likely to lay ahead as spring arrives and new season growth begins. As spring and summer droughts become more common, and water becomes a more valuable resource, turf managers need to consider ways of maintaining lush green grass all summer long. The solution could well be in the form of DLF’s drought-tolerant 4turf® tetraploid range.

This week's big event to feature DLF grass is the Waste Management Phoenix Open, hosted by the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course in Scottsdale, Arizona. Commonly referred to as “The Greatest Show on Turf”, this annual PGA golf tournament will kick-off on Thursday, February 4th and run through Sunday, February 7th.

One of the most well-known names in the seed industry, John Hughes, will be leaving at the end of February to embrace his well-earned retirement. After spending most of his working life at some of the country’s leading seed providers to the golf and sports turf markets, John has made many friends and contacts who will be sure to miss his invaluable support, knowledge and advice.

DLF Seeds undeniably set the bar when it comes to seed research and development, giving turf professionals the mixtures they need and trust to achieve first-class results. As they launch the Johnsons Sports Seeds mixture guide for 2021, the introduction of new cultivars and 11 updated formulations promise further improvements to disease resistance, wear tolerance and visual performance across a number of key mixtures in their golf and sports portfolio.

On Sunday 24th January the AFC Championship Game was played at Arrowhead stadium, Kansas City, Missouri.

It isn’t just Grounds Manager Nigel Harvey who has moved from the Stanley Park Training Ground to the main Stadium pitch of Forest Green Rovers FC – his Johnsons Sports Seed programme has made the switch too! Having used Johnsons mixtures for near-on 15 years, the club’s renowned eco and environmentally friendly approach means the combination of J Premier Pitch and J 4Turf will become Nigel’s main weapon in the fight against weed ingress and disease.

Delivering the strongest coverage, density and recovery Head Groundsman Andy Ellett has seen in his 13 seasons at the club, J Nitro Premier Wicket is taking the quality of Exeter’s County Ground to new levels. Having switched to the Johnsons Sports Seed mixture two seasons ago, Andy says the improvements in surface quality have delivered a wicket that now resembles a bowling green!

The dual-purpose track at Ffos Las Racecourse in Carmarthenshire stages Flat meetings throughout the summer months and National Hunt meetings for the rest of the year. The challenge of keeping the track fit for the year-round schedule falls to Estate Manager and Clerk of the Course, Dai Jones. For Dai, the combination of Masterline PM79 and Johnson’s J Nitro 4Turf is the odds-on favourite for delivering hard-wearing, quick-recovery surfaces even under the most challenging of conditions.

In conjunction with DLF Seeds, over 40 Grounds Professionals from schools, colleges and sports clubs across the country were recently invited to a behind-the-scenes tour of Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium. Visitors gained an insight into the grounds programme that keeps the surfaces performing at elite levels, and how new technologies are playing an ever-increasing role in monitoring and maintaining these professional standards.

The Johnsons Sports Seed team were joined by members of the press and over 30 distributors and customers to toast their 200th anniversary at BTME 2020. At a special drinks reception that took place on their stand in Harrogate, they celebrated the company’s rich and varied history since it was founded by 17-year old William Wade Johnson in 1820.

Having a healthy and well-established grass field is the most important job for greenkeepers and landscape architects. To achieve the perfect pitch the establishment phase is crucial. To give the seed a head start, wrapping the seed in a coating is an efficient and time saving solution for grass sowing and early plant development. A crucial factor in establishment is speed. Grass plants need to establish fast so that weeds do not stand a chance. This requires two main ingredients: fertiliser and water.

Sports, Lawn and Wildflower seed will all be under the spotlight as DLF Seeds return to SALTEX. The technical team will be on hand to provide mixture advice across the Johnsons Sports Seed and Masterline ranges, but also, visitors to stand J100 will have the chance to win innovative tools for effective on-the-spot overseeding, worth over £600!

The summer of 2018 posed a challenge for turf managers throughout the UK and wider Europe. The prolonged dry and hot conditions, which went down as the joint hottest on record, caused damage and turf loss to surfaces up and down the country. However, the wider effects of this are still being felt as seed crops also fell victim to the unprecedented conditions. Derek Smith, Amenity Sales & Marketing Manager of DLF Seeds explains how climatic conditions are a major headache in the planning of seed supply, as demand spiked and stocks fell.

Cheshire’s Adlington Golf Centre has recently undergone major construction works to create a brand new 9-hole par 3 course. With a new bypass rendering the old site non-viable it was back to the drawing board for Owner & Managing Director David Moss. One thing that hasn’t changed however is the choice of Johnsons Sports Seed mixtures, from DLF, which are delivering strong coverage as they prepare to open the course to the public.

A change in career is a daunting prospect, but it can often be made easier with training and support from new industry peers. For Max Sandford, a joiner by trade, he is swiftly learning ‘all things turf’ after taking over as Head Groundsman at Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club 18 months ago. One of those trusted contacts is Ian Barnett of DLF Seeds who has supported Max with the Johnsons J Premier Pitch, in use across the club’s stadium and training facilities.