European Turf Grass Producers met in Oslo

The fall ETP farm visit was well attended. Here is a little recap of the nice event.

The European Turf grass producers met for the farm tour event, general assembly and a small meeting seminar at the Ulleval station conference room this September.

DLF was happy to sponsor the event.

Ullevaal stadium is the home turf for the Norwegian nation football team. It has capacity for 27.000 spectators and also hosts numerus concerts and shows. The week before ETP visited the rock band RAMMSTEIN visited the stadium and the turf was still recovering. We met the groundsperson Hilde Knutzen for a nice intro and tour of the Norwegian national stadium.

Next morning we started the day at Bærum Ferdigplen in Lommedalen near Oslo. For almost 20 years, this family business has delivered quality turf grass for all kinds of uses in Southern Norway.

Next stop was Oslo Golf Club, established 1924, is the oldest golf club in Norway. Wet met head green keeper, John Riiber, who told us about the total reconstruction of the course back in 2008. Including a rainy season future proof triple drainage, fully automated water irrigation system, sub-air under all greens, sand capped fairways, “sportcrete” in all bunkers, bent grass on greens, tees and fairways, the course is among Europe’s most technologically advanced. An impressive work and John was generous in sharing the "ups and downs" in the process.

Then it was time for a tourists moment. The next stop was held at the Holmenkollen ski center. Where it was possible to visit the museum, and some tried the cable ride which illustrated a ski jump. There were also good time to talk to the other participants.

The last visit of the day was at Østfold grass south of Oslo. The visit started with a machine demo; from lawnmower to sod harvester.

After the demonstration, there was a small seminar, where the sponsors have a few minutes time to talk about their company and products. DLF´s International Product Manager Marie Ellesøe Oskarsson gave a speech on DLF's Seeds and Science innovation.

It all ended with a big barbecue party for all the participants and additional guests coming in to celebrate Østfold grass 30 years anniversary.

Good times. DLF look forward to future evnets on the group.