2022 GA Sod Survey shows limited inventories, higher prices for spring

The Georgia Urban Ag Council conducted their twenty-sixth survey of Georgia sod producers.  The purpose of the survey was to determine the status of inventory levels and projected price changes for spring 2022.  This year, 18 producers participated in the survey, representing farm sizes which were less than 300 acres (8 participants), 300 to 600 acres (3 participants), 601 to 900 acres (3 participants), and more than 900 acres (4 participants).

The survey obtained estimates of the inventory for bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and tall fescue based on estimated sales for the first five months of 2022 as excellent (more than 10% of demand), adequate (equal to demand), and poor (more than 10% shortage).  Pricing information included farm price and price for truckload orders to the Atlanta area or within 100 miles of the farm, all costs were reported as price per square foot of sod.

Key takeaways from the 2022 survey: 

1. 2022 will be a year of higher sod prices.
2. Supply of turfgrasses may be limited in early 2022.
3. Freight rates will increase in 2022.
4. The average price for certified grass increased to 4.0 cents per square foot, still an acceptable price to ensure varietal purity.
5. Some producers are considering adding acreage into production during 2022.

For complete survey, click here