Ames, Iowa
July 22, 2003

The Iowa Turfgrass, Nursery and Landscape field day on Thursday will focus on a $1.3 billion dollar
business in Iowa.

David Minner, Iowa State University horticulture professor, said a survey conducted last year by the Iowa Turfgrass Institute indicated that turfgrass is a bigger business in Iowa than previously estimated. "We knew it was big but we were surprised by the survey results," Minner said. "The biggest growth area is in equipment."

The field day will be held at the Horticulture Research Station, which is located 1.5 miles east of the Gilbert corner. The field day will include research trials and a trade show. Minner said exhibits will include information on lawn care, landscaping, sports turf, pesticide recertification and equipment demonstrations.

"This is the 24th annual field day featuring turfgrass," Minner said. "We will have everything from pond maintenance to herbicide trials and grass varieties to pest control. It offers good hands-on experience."

The cost to attend is $35. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with programs starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m. To register call (515) 232-8222.