TEXAS SOD VALUED AT OVER $200 MILLION

            According to preliminary figures coming from an economic study, the value of turfgrass sod in Texas is over $200 million in farm sales.  Dr. Larry Falconer, Extension Economist, presented the results of the study at the recent TPT annual conference in Bay City.

            The study was funded by TPT in an effort to obtain data on the industry.  Dr. Falconer mailed a survey to all turfgrass producers in Texas in November 2005.  Forty-eight surveys were returned.  The survey asked for information on types of grasses grown, acreages, markets, costs and other items.

            Based on the survey results, Dr. Falconer estimates that over 56,600 acres are in production in Texas.  Seventy-nine percent of the growers who responded said that they grow St. Augustine while 60 % said they grew Bermudagrass.  Other grasses grown include zoysia (14%), buffalo (10%), centipede (5%), paspalum (2%) and 5% listed other grasses.

            Raleigh (90%) was the most common variety of St. Augustine followed by common (37%), and Palmetto (13%).  Tif-419 (79%) was the most commonly grown Bermuda followed by Celebration (46%).

            The survey indicated that the number of acres planted in sod production has increased 22.5% in the last three years.  Fifty percent of the respondents indicated they plan to increase their acreage in the next three years.

            A full report on the study will be available by this summer.  Dr. Falconer reports that surveys are still being received.  He also is surveying County Extension Agents to confirm the acreages by county.