Biography:

Wayne Thorson is president and owner of Todd Valley Farms, a 36 year old company producing turfgrass as sod and plugs. He is on the Advisory Board for the University of Nebraska Center for Grassland Studies, and is the past president of the Turfgrass Producers International. Wayne is a buffalograss specialist, focusing on the newest generations of buffalograss that have been bred for different parts of the country. Todd Valley Farms is the largest producer of buffaolgrass in North America

Course Title: Buffalograss: A Sustainable Turfgrass Choices

Course Description: Buffalograss is known for being extremely drought tolerant, but most plantings in California have left contractors and property owners disappointed. Wayne Thorson and Tom Hawkins will provide a brief overview of the history of buffalograss, the only turfgrass native to North America, and discuss the reasons for the poor performance often experienced with older cultivars. Focus will then move to the newest generations of buffalograss, including two varieties that are well-suited for California's unique climate that are as much as 75% less water-requiring than traditional turfgrasses used in our state. In addition to water savings, other sustainable features will be highlighted including reduced mowing, chemical applications, and very low pollen production. Planting, establishment, and maintenance techniques will be covered in addition to cost comparisons with other common turfgrasses.

Schedule subject to change