The annual Grower Awards are TurfBreed’s way of recognising the businesses in the grower network that excel in different areas.
It is important to note that it is not just the size of the farm that counts but also the effort and passion that goes into growing and selling premium quality turf.
Charlie, Pauline and Paul Saliba from QualTurf, New South Wales, were judged winners of the TurfBreed – Ann McKeon Memorial Award.
MC Brendan Bailey said the 2022 floods had a devastating effect on the Hawkesbury community, but in particular the Saliba family – Charlie, Pauline and Paul – at Qualturf.
“They were left with only 10 per cent of their farm and even that 10 per cent of the farm was damaged,” he said.
“What really strikes you upon meeting the family and the team for the first time is their passion for this industry, their community spirit and the ability to get back up again after being knocked down countless times.
“Plus, they are always up for a piece of cake, just like their BDM.”
The Award honours the contribution of the late Ann McKeon, who was TurfBreed New South Wales Business Development Manager from 2016? until her death in November 2021.
Brendan, who worked with Ann at Masters and sought her help with turf selection after she joined TurfBreed, described her as more than a colleague, and an integral part of TurfBreed.
This year’s awards included a new category, the TurfBreed Young Generation “Turfies”. This section was added to recognise the importance of fostering and nurturing the next generation of potential turf farmers by inviting all family members to attend the annual TurfBreed conference.
The foundation members representing the next generation of turf farmers were Thomas, Joel and Justin Micallef, Billy Ryan, Flynn Granlund and Harry Nichols.
Other awards:
Syngenta – Excellence in Variety Marketing – Allenview Turf, Queensland.
Judges hailed Allenview Turf for thinking outside the box, literally, and installing an enormous billboard in a strategic position on Brisbane’s M1 motorway at Tanah Merah to prominently promote their business and their top three varieties: Stadium® Sports Couch, Palmetto® Soft Leaf Buffalo and Empire Zoysia.
LawnPride/Greenway Turf Solutions – Turf Project of Distinction – Lawn Industries, , New South Wales, Augusta® Zoysia lawn.
Lawn Industries realised the potential for a niche market for a premium Zoysia grass in NSW, planting Augusta® Zoysia in spring 2020 and becoming the state’s only grower. Even though the variety was wiped out during the 2022 floods, they have replanted and will continue to supply this niche market through relationships established with premium landscapers.
Firefly Equipment Australia – Excellence in Google Reviews – Glenview Turf, Queensland.
Judges were impressed by Glenview Turf’s 133 Google Reviews and star rating of 4.9 out of five. The reviews consistently mentioned friendly, excellent customer service and highlighted the quality of turf delivered.
Trident Commercial Finance – New Grower Award – South Gippsland Turf Solutions, Victoria.
Chris Verboon is an inspirational young turf farmer who thoroughly explored the market and found the local sports turf sector was greatly in need of hardy turf varieties. He has planted Kenda® Kikuyu and is now trialling IronCutter™ Elite Hybrid Bermudagrass.
TurfBreed – Grower Business Award – Kentucky Turf Nursery, Victoria.
Innovations include installing a frost fan, and building the “Lake Terrence” project that will allow the farm to source both the river and bore water, once it’s complete. Kentucky Turf Nursery also saved time and money by installing a farm fuel bowser and have become a founding farm for IronCutter™ Elite Hybrid Bermudagrass.
Trimax Mowing Systems – Inspirational Young Grower – All Year Round Turf, New South Wales.
Daniel Saliba, Josh Cassar, Jasper Anderson and Amber Pace stepped up to run the farm after Bill and Margaret decided it was time to look at retiring. Despite facing numerous challenges – including Bill’s serious workplace injury and six floods in little more than a year – the business didn’t suffer, confirming Bill and Margaret’s decision to hand it over was the right one.
Turfcare Australia – myhomeTURF Quoting Tool Leaders – Australian Seed and Turf Farm, Victoria.
Based on data from the myhomeTURF website quoting tool, Australian Seed and Turf Farm at Carrum Downs received 185 requests for quotes and had a 93 per cent response rate during 2022-2023. This reflected the attention to detail and excellence in customer service by staff. It’s the second year in a row that Australian Seed and Turf Farm has won this award.
Living Turf – Best Customer Service – Mardi Park Turf, New South Wales.
Determined by the TurfBreed 2023 Secret Shopper Independent Survey. The Secret Shopper reported that the staff member from Mardi Park rang straight back and was very friendly and knowledgeable. He asked every question about the customer’s needs and spoke in detail about possible varieties and suitable options.
