Turfgrass Producers International preceded their 2014 field day with a preview jubilee that provided attendees an opportunity to get a personal tour of Johnson Farms in Deerfield, N.J., prior to the actual field day scheduled the following day. In addition to seeing an impressive farming operation that covers over 1,600 acres with quality nursery stock such as trees, perennials, shrubs and ornamental grasses, they also saw 800 acres of premium turfgrass sod. But what really made the Jubilee especially memorable were a few activities that helped raise money for The Lawn Institute to support turfgrass research and education.
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The Lawn Institute’s first tricycle race saw seven competitive teams sponsored by Barenbrug USA, Bucyrus Equipment Company, Grassland Oregon, Kesmac Brouwer, Trebro Manufacturing, Trimax Mowing Systems and Turf Merchants, Inc., competed to raise money for the foundation. Many thought the race would be a hit, but the competitive spirit of the 42 riders (six per team) and the excitement of onlookers who entered a 50/50 raffle and cheered their team on exceeded everyone’s expectations. The crowd pleasing competition saw onlookers cheering their teams and helped to raise nearly $5,000 for the foundation.
A Live Auction followed the trike race and generous sponsorship support raised an additional $20,000 for the foundation. John Owens of Kesmac Brouwer served as the auctioneer as bidding commenced on assorted items that included a prized collectable J.I. Case 300 Tractor (1956-58), a Columbia Heritage Lawn Mower, a two-day Duck Hunting Trip in Missouri and a three-day snowmobiling trip through West Yellowstone, Mont. All the tricycles featured in the tricycle race were donated by sponsoring companies for the auction.
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The Lawn Institute was created in 1955 to assist in and encourage the improvement of lawns and sports turf through research and education. TLI monitors, interprets and reports on the latest advances in turfgrass research, landscape horticulture and agronomic science. TLI also funds research conducted by some of the world’s most respected turfgrass scientists and institutions.