Turfgrass professionals gathered at A-G Sod Farms in Lodi, CA, on Sept. 17, 2026, for a firsthand look at Lobo® Zoysiagrass and the opportunity to learn about the grass directly from its breeder, Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis of NC State University.
The Lobo Zoysiagrass Field Day brought together golf course superintendents, landscape professionals, customers and other industry members to see Lobo growing in a California production setting, learn about the research behind the variety and consider its potential for landscapes, golf courses and other applications across the state.
For A-G Sod Farms, which is producing Lobo, the event was an opportunity to get the grass in front of professionals who could see, touch and evaluate it for themselves in Northern California.
“This is our first field day, and we’re quite excited about it. It just brings together the industry to introduce a grass. It gives them a chance to touch it, feel it, and talk to other people in the industry and what their thoughts are of our future and how maybe we can change it with this grass,” said A-G Sod Farms President Larry LeMay.
From the Breeder to the Field
Milla-Lewis, professor of turfgrass breeding and genetics at NC State University, presented in the field about the research and development behind Lobo and answered questions from attendees as they evaluated it firsthand.
Lobo was developed through the university’s turfgrass breeding program with an emphasis on reducing inputs while maintaining the qualities expected from an attractive, functional turfgrass. At the field day, attendees learned more about its water efficiency, reduced mowing and fertilization requirements, shade tolerance, fine texture and versatility across different applications.
For California professionals, the event also offered an introduction to a turfgrass species that has historically had a limited presence in the state. A-G Sod Farms Manager Greg Searle explained that zoysia is new to the California market, so the field day allowed end users to learn more about the grass, get to know A-G Sod Farms as the grower and consider how they could implement Lobo into their operations.
He also pointed to water efficiency as one of the characteristics that could help drive interest in Lobo throughout the state.
“The water efficiency is, I think, the main driving force. Through the research of the breeder and what we've seen here is, that it's (Lobo) about a 30-50% savings on the water,” Searle said.
A Lower-Input Option With Versatility
A-G Sod Farms sees potential for Lobo in applications ranging from residential lawns to golf course fairways. The turnout in Lodi also gave the Sod Solutions team an opportunity to hear directly from professionals evaluating Lobo and see the interest surrounding the grass as it becomes more established in the West.
For LeMay, the goal is to build on the interest in Northern California and eventually expand Lobo’s presence throughout the state.
“Thanks to A-G Sod Farms for partnering with us for this event at their Lodi farm. It was great to see so many people eager to learn about Lobo Zoysia and its potential. We’re excited about where Lobo is headed and the continued growth of this versatile zoysiagrass on the West Coast,” said Sod Solutions COO Christian Broucqsault.
Following the field presentations and time spent evaluating Lobo, attendees wrapped up the day over a tri-tip barbecue lunch, providing another opportunity for conversation and fellowship among turfgrass professionals.
Watch the video below for highlights from the Lobo Zoysiagrass Field Day:
