WSU Grass Breeding and Ecology Research
The WSU Grass Breeding and Ecology Research program is undergoing a transition and re-visioning. The Turfgrass and Agronomy Research Center has been relocated and renamed the Grass Breeding and Ecology Farm, reflecting a new focus for the program. Students can pursue the Turfgrass Management major in the Integrated Plant Sciences degree program. Students can intern in a variety of turf management areas, and gain work experience in various department programs. Scholarship and travel grants for undergraduate students are available.
If you would like to support further breeding, extension, and research efforts at Washington State University, you can make a donation to the Grass Breeding and Ecology Farm Fund.
News
Turfgrass professor among 2025 AAAS Fellows
Michael Neff, WSU’s Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission Professor, is one of two Washington State University faculty members in this year’s class of new fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Dr. Michael Court, an emeritus professor with the College of Veterinary Medicine, is the other WSU professor among those announced today as 2025 AAAS Fellows.
Elected individuals play a critical role in shaping public policy, advancing scientific research, and influencing global perspectives on critical issues.
Since 2010, more than 30 academics affiliated with WSU have been selected as AAAS Fellows.
Dr. Michael Court, an emeritus professor with the College of Veterinary Medicine, is the other WSU professor among those announced today as 2025 AAAS Fellows.
Elected individuals play a critical role in shaping public policy, advancing scientific research, and influencing global perspectives on critical issues.
Since 2010, more than 30 academics affiliated with WSU have been selected as AAAS Fellows.
WSU turfgrass professor and area farmer make national ‘Ask This Old House’ appearance
“Ask This Old House” is a public broadcasting institution that provides televised tips to homeowners on topics ranging from ceiling fan installation to fixing leaky faucets to landscaping issues. A Washington State University professor will soon lend his expertise on that last topic.
Michael Neff, WSU’s Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission Professor, will appear on the PBS show talking with host Lee Gilliam about grass seed production. Washington is the second largest producer of grass seed in the nation and produces 80% of the Kentucky bluegrass seed used worldwide.
Photo courtesy of Paula Lundt, Seed Program Manager, Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Michael Neff, WSU’s Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission Professor, will appear on the PBS show talking with host Lee Gilliam about grass seed production. Washington is the second largest producer of grass seed in the nation and produces 80% of the Kentucky bluegrass seed used worldwide.
Photo courtesy of Paula Lundt, Seed Program Manager, Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Watching grass grow ‘endlessly fascinating’ for newly endowed WSU professor
MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Roughly 80% of Kentucky bluegrass seed is produced in Washington, so it’s logical for the turfgrass seed industry to work closely with the state’s leading scientists. Furthering that relationship, Washington State University recently named Michael Neff as the Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission Professor, a position endowed by the industry.
Michael Neff shows bluegrass varieties grown at WSU’s Perennial Grass Breeding and Ecology Farm.
“Dr. Neff has a passion for turfgrass, which can be seen in the results of his work,” said Travis Meacham, a seed grower, former chairman of the commission, and current chair of the industry-advocating Washington Turfgrass Seed Association. “It’s important to have our land-grant university support growers. The future looks brighter when we have someone on the academic side who can help us.”
Industry partnership is vital to Neff’s research.
Michael Neff shows bluegrass varieties grown at WSU’s Perennial Grass Breeding and Ecology Farm.
“Dr. Neff has a passion for turfgrass, which can be seen in the results of his work,” said Travis Meacham, a seed grower, former chairman of the commission, and current chair of the industry-advocating Washington Turfgrass Seed Association. “It’s important to have our land-grant university support growers. The future looks brighter when we have someone on the academic side who can help us.”
Industry partnership is vital to Neff’s research.