ITGAP visits Australia for third party quality inspections
From the 16th to 20th of September Mr. Billy Skaggs, GCIA Executive Director and ITGAP Program Administrator, visited Australia to inspect and provide training to AusGAP certified farms in New South Wales and Queensland. Mr. Skaggs was initially scheduled to visit in the Spring (Autumn in Australia), however, after being promoted to GCIA Executive Director on January 1, the trip was postponed to allow time for the transition.
While he hadn’t been in Australia for two years, Mr. Skaggs was confident the AusGAP growers and the program as a whole were running on all cylinders. He was especially appreciative of the AusGAP staff, Mick Sutton, and Megan Ford.
“I hated to push my trip back from Spring to Fall, but I really didn’t have much of a choice. That said, I speak with Mick frequently, and he and Megan do an awesome job of keeping ITGAP informed of what’s happening on the farms. Their inspections and quarterly reports are well done and very informative.”
During Mr. Skaggs’ visit, job one was to ensure genetic purity had been maintained for AusGAP certified paddocks and that producers understood what it takes to remain compliant.
“ITGAP, and by extension AusGAP, expect certified growers to produce the best, highest quality turf possible – meaning it’s genetically pure and is free of noxious and objectionable weeds. This can only be accomplished when the growers and AusGAP work together collaboratively. ITGAP and AusGAP work hard to provide the farmers with the proper tools and resources to make good management decisions. From what was seen, the growers are putting in the necessary time and effort to scout their fields for potential problems.”
Mr. Skaggs also took the time to deliver varietal morphology and inspection training to new and existing AusGAP clients, while emphasising how ITGAP is the only internationally accepted and recognised verification program for turfgrass production. Around the world, golf and sports turf facility owners, architects and designers see ITGAP as a respected source for quality assurance.
“Working hand in hand, AusGAP has extended ITGAP’s circle of influence by reaching new growers and, ultimately, new turfgrass consumers. In addition, the introduction of TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda grass and Sir Grange Zoysia grass has added value for growers. We’re equally excited about the newest releases, Zoysia Australis and research and development plantings of new buffalo varieties.”
When asked what he most enjoyed during his visit to Australia, Mr. Skaggs fired off a number of highlights including the growers’ attention to detail and the quality of the turfgrass.
“I have encountered good folks all over the country. Everyone is very welcoming and hospitable. Of course, the AusGAP growers are great. They often have questions about how growers in the US are tackling certain challenges. While answering their questions is fun, I’m sure I’m learning just as much from them.”
“I continue to be impressed with the quality of the turfgrass in Australia and this time was no different. The growers have TifTuf figured out for sure; it definitely stacks up against what our farms are producing in the US.”
Mr. Skaggs was also keen to learn more about Zoysia Australis as it is an exclusive release only available in Australia.
“It was great to see Zoysia Australis in production. I was able to look at some of the early plantings last time I was in the country. It’s exclusive release to Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) members; US growers do not currently have it in production. So far, this variety is looking outstanding. I think it could be a nice alternative to buffalo in some situations. Frankly, I wish we had it in the states.”
Mr. Skaggs expressed his appreciation to everyone who made his visit possible.
“A big thank you to Mick Sutton for making all the arrangements and for spending a few days with me visiting farms. Also, thanks to Joe Rogers from LSA for inviting me to be on the Turf Talk Podcast and to Simon Adermann (LSA) for spending a few days out in the field with me as well. I am very grateful for the opportunity!”
Following his trip, Mr. Skaggs will be providing a full report on his findings to AusGAP, Lawn Solutions Australia and the University of Georgia Research Foundation.
