In October 2013, the Georgia Urban Ag Council conducted the twentieth consecutive survey of sod producers. The purpose of the survey was to determine the status of inventory levels and projected price changes for spring 2014.
Summary of key points from the 2014 Sod Producers Survey
- Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass supply is low, regardless of grower category.
- The delivered price for bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and St. Augustinegrass are expected to increase by more than 13%.
- Bermudagrass and centipedegrass prices are at historic levels.
- Considering the “big 3” species (i.e. bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and zoysiagrass), the preponderance of growers anticipate rising prices in 2014.
- 2014 continues a seven year trend of increasing average prices for certified grass.
- Freight rates per mile shipped to Atlanta, or within 100 miles of the farm, are unchanged from 2013.
- Fewer growers reported adding a fuel surcharge in 2014.
- No grower expects to remove acres from turfgrass production.
- More turfgrass acreage could come into production in 2014.
- The primary markets for Georgia sod are landscape contractors and homeowners.
- Get price quotes regularly.
- If possible “book” or lock prices to ensure availability and price.
See the entire survey here or visit Georgiaturf.com.