Prestige Buffalo may be the new kid on the block but for New South Wales turf growers, Mick and Anne Walburn from Windsor Turf, it is the new Soft Leaf buffalo variety that Australian customers have been anticipating.
It also has a point-of -difference that Windsor Turf believes will see it positioned as the number one buffalo over the next 12 months.
Windsor Turf is the largest turf farm in north-western Sydney with 103 hectares positioned ideally alongside the Hawkesbury River.
The property itself has been growing and supplying turf for over 40 years, with the Walburn’s taking ownership in 2014.
This new ownership has seen a resurgence in farm production, management, service and delivery.
And, according to Mick and Anne “… it’s varieties such as Prestige that fit into their marketing strategy – delivering a high valued product with the characteristics that the customer wants”.
“It’s year-round, deep green colour makes it the most attractive buffalo on the market and demand is already outstripping supply.”
Manager of Windsor Turf’s Sales and Logistics, Matt Parker added that the aim for Windsor Turf is to see Prestige take-over the Buffalo market from Sir Walter.
“Sir Walter has been around for more than 15 years and the market is now ready for something different,” Matt explained.
“We currently grow both but as customers like to be offered ‘something different’ – Prestige can do this and we believe will take preference over Sir Walter.
“One of it’s stand-out characteristics is it’s intense green colour which is darker than all the other buffalo varieties on the market. It also maintains it’s colour for longer during the winter and doesn’t go brown as fast as the other buffalos.”
Before taking over the farm in 2014, both Mick and Anne were employed by Windsor Turf for many years.
Today, their passion for the turf industry is demonstrated in their commitment to the success of Windsor Turf.
“One of it’s stand-out characteristics is it’s intense green colour which is darker than all the other buffalo varieties on the market. It also maintains it’s colour for longer during the winter and doesn’t go brown as fast as the other buffalos.”
Mick is a turf farm expert, having many years’ experience in the industry. In his previous life, Mick was a Greenkeeper, doing a three-year apprenticeship at Richmond Golf Course and then working as the Second In-Command at Ellerston Golf Course in the Hunter Valley.
His love of turf, and growing it from scratch, saw Mick become Farm Manager for Windsor Turf which led him to eventually purchase the property with his wife Anne.
“I now have control of what and how I grow which is a very fulfilling role,” Mick said.
Mick is regularly reviewing and improving farm practices, to ensure better turf production and environmental practice.
He also believes in the use of effective technology, and is currently introducing an innovative online ordering and management system for running the day-to-day ordering and delivery of Windsor Turf products.
But back to Prestige. Mick and Matt concur that the variety is easy to grow, doesn’t take much looking after except regular watering, herbicides and pre-emergents prior to harvesting.
“We have back-orders mounting from householders through to landscapers,” Matt said.
Looking ahead, both men are very positive in terms of turf production and sales.
“In NSW, the amount of residential housing is increasing and many of today’s young consumers like the lifestyle choices turf offers so they want a back or front lawn,” Mick explained.
“However as many blocks are getting smaller they need a variety that can cope with shade and looks green most of the year – this is where Prestige is really hitting the spot.”
“However as many blocks are getting smaller they need a variety that can cope with shade and looks green most of the year – this is where Prestige is really hitting the spot.”
And in terms of pricing turf, Mick stressed that in the past growers had been quick to sell turf too cheaply.
“Today growers must start, or continue, to sell turf for what it is really worth – they need to stop undercutting themselves,” he said.
“Most of our customers don’t buck at the price – 90 per cent are fine. And with our costs of production continuing to rise we all need to get a fair and reasonable price.” TB
Above: Sir Walter farmed-out making space for Prestige which is been planted across the entirety of these paddocks.
If you want to talk to Mick and Anne Walburn about this story they can be contacted via T: (02) 4577 2550.