b'RYAN FLOYDEDLF is Helping Lawns ThriveTERRITORY MANAGERALBERTA, NEXEEDwith Fewer Inputs rfloyde@nexeed.ca @NexeedIncnexeed.caNEEDLESS TO SAY,lawn care is aWe conduct these trials across big businessand nobody knowsmultiple locations worldwide, this better than the turf sector. Toallowing them to screen for be able to provide the market withdrought resistance in different cli- Repeat Business and Rave turf varieties that perform wellmates and soil types. By focusing with fewer maintenance inputs,on developing drought-resistantReviews: What Good Service seed developers must focus on notturf grasses, DLF aims to provide a only breeding targets, but also seedsustainable solution for maintain- Quality Can do For Youenhancements. ing lush green spaces, even in areas DLF researchers are commit- prone to drought. WE ALL KNOWgood service quality matters. Bad ted to developing drought-resistantBut its not all about varietyservice quality can have negative consequences for turfgrasses through various trialsdevelopment. Seed enhancementsa business. It can lead to dissatisfied customers who and methods. In Oregon, weveare an essential tool used in the turfmight leave negative reviews, spread negative word-of-conducted turf development trialsindustry to improve the perfor- mouth, and ultimately, stop doing business with you.without irrigation, subjecting themance of turfgrass seeds. The question is, what does good service quality grass to at least 100 days withoutOne of the primary benefits oflook like? Is it a pleasant voice on the other end of the rain and temperatures above 100 Fseed enhancements in turf is thephone telling you to have a nice day? When does good during the summer. To extend theimprovement in seed germinationservice quality really make an impact on someone?length of time without water, theand establishment rates. WhenI have a customer who always calls me first when trials are conducted under rainoutseeds are coated with a protectivethey want to buy something. They trust my recom-shelters. layer, they are better protectedmendations and respect my expertise. It wasnt always While focusing on droughtfrom environmental stresses such aseasy to earn their trust, but I stuck with it, and now resistance, we dont overlook otherdrought or extreme temperatures.they operate with the mindset that if I recommend it, essential characteristics, includingWe expect to open DLFsits probably worth considering.turf quality, disease resistance andnew seed enhancement facilityOne instance that stands out is when we had seed yield. in Oregon this coming fall. Theequipment coming in during the height of the One of the species that DLFfacility will apply seed coatings,COVID-19 pandemic, and shipping delays caused has improved is turf-type talltreatments, and nutrients to seedsit to arrive later than expected. Garry Hamilton, fescue. DLF has developed culti- to enhance their germination,our technical services manager, went out to help the vars that require less water or cangrowth, and health. customer turn on the equipment and provide in-depth withstand longer periods with- Were anticipating increasedtraining.out irrigation. As temperaturesdemand for seed-enhanced prod- The operator was blown away and said how much increase, the heat tolerance of thisucts in the future. As a result, weresense everything made after Garrys visit. It was a species will become increasinglyconstantly bolstering our ability tounique experience for the customer, and they were important. produce high-quality seeds withgrateful for it.improved performance character- This positive experience led to the customer istics such as higher germinationpurchasing more equipment from us, which required rates, faster growth, and betterthe expertise of our optical sorter technician, Bob disease resistance as lawns aroundSalnykov. Bob was able to start the equipment with-the world need to thrive in the eraout any issues and provide effective training, leaving of climate change. the customer so satisfied that they told me they want to buy everything from us just so they could keep working with Bob.Its not just the technical expertise that matters to the customer; its also the relationship they have built with us. They like working with me locally, and they CHUCK FAGIN appreciate the effort and dedication Garry and Bob VICE PRESIDENT CONSUMERput in to ensure their needs are met.PRODUCTS (NORTH AMERICA), DLF All of us at Nexeed have played a role in building cfagin@dlfna.com this relationship, and its a testament to the impor-dlfna.com tance of delivering exceptional service to our custom- @DLFCAN ers.30GERMINATION.CAJULY 2023'