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

The climate is changing, and sports pitches, golf courses and municipal parks have to adapt.

DLF Seeds, the world’s leading grass seed breeder, is to invest £3.5 million in new state-of-the-art mixing and distribution facilities at its main seed processing site at Inkberrow in Worcestershire.

Delivering fast, attractive, highly resilient putting surfaces with increased rounds and greater player satisfaction – all with reduced chemical inputs and costs – it’s no wonder in recent years that Colonial Browntop Bent grass (Agrostis capillaris) has seen a resurgence in popularity for golf greens. However, increasing Bent populations doesn’t happen overnight. Some careful consideration of mechanical and nutritional approaches is required to maximise the efficiency of a bent overseeding programme. Northern Regional Technical Manager for DLF & Johnsons Sports Seeds Stuart Yarwood explores.

In the 12 years since he established Greensward Sports Consultancy, it’s been seed from DLF that Director Andy Boyce has turned to for reliable results on surfaces from across the sporting spectrum. Whether it’s bowls, cricket or winter sports, Andy swears by mixtures from both Masterline and Johnsons Sports Seed for germination, presentation and plant health that never fails to hit the mark.

As the only club in Essex to make it onto the England Top 100 list, Thorndon Park in Ingrave has a reputation to uphold for its putt-perfect greens and feature fairways.

DLF trials show the positive effects of raising cutting height

A break in play caused by the first COVID lockdown provided Ageas Bowl Head Groundsman Simon Lee with a window of opportunity to conduct a full renovation of the club’s nursery ground.

When Europe's 24 qualifier teams will entertain millions of football fans worldwide at this summer's football tournament round Europe, the hopes and dreams of an entire continent rest on the performance of the turf. DLF's top-ranking sports grasses won't let the fans down.

Researchers have provided new knowledge about root architecture in grasses, and DLF is now able to provide customers with verified guidance, when they ask for the most drought tolerant species and varieties.

Doing a fantastic job at retaining the natural links characteristics, Perranporth Golf Club Course Manager Rob Cook has been delighted with his switch to Johnsons J Fescue mix. Having used Johnsons Sports Seed at his previous club, Rob swapped with confidence two years ago, sowing the greens with a combination of Chewings and Slender fescues, with another 100% fescue blend, J Premier Fairway, employed across the fairways.

"Dry matter yield is still very important, but animal performance will always be enhanced if the varieties and species used are both palatable and their digestibility is maximised."

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.

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.

A wildflower meadow at the heart of a brand-new retirement village in Alcester has been praised for its outstanding, long-lasting visual impact. For the contractors, HFN Landscapes, the project was fraught with challenges – difficult ground conditions and high magnesium soil required a bespoke mixture, created by DLF Seeds.

A wildflower meadow at the heart of a brand-new retirement village in Alcester has been praised for its outstanding, long-lasting visual impact. For the contractors, HFN Landscapes, the project was fraught with challenges – difficult ground conditions and high magnesium soil required a bespoke mixture, created by DLF Seeds.