A survey was conducted amongst Kentucky bluegrass growers in Washington and Idaho to determine their information needs and preferred method of obtaining information (see survey). This information was then used to help establish the focus of a new Kentucky bluegrass extension program at the University of Idaho. The majority of growers in both states were interested in obtaining information on residue management, variety selection, weed management, and fertility (Table 1). In addition, the majority of growers in Idaho were interested in obtaining information on disease and insect management, harvest and residue management equipment, haying bluegrass, and soil erosion (Table 1). One producer indicated that additional information was required on stand establishment. Growers in both states were less interested in obtaining information on forage utilization of bluegrass and air quality (Table 1). The lower interest on obtaining information on forage utilization of bluegrass may be indicative that the majority of growers do not raise livestock.

Most growers in Idaho and Washington prefer to obtain information through regular mailings. The second most preferred method of receiving information is through e-mail and meetings in Washington and Idaho, respectfully. Surprisingly, growers in Washington preferred to obtain information least through meetings, markedly different than growers in Idaho. This discrepancy may be the result of the way the survey was conducted. In Washington the survey was sent out with a regular mailing of the state's grass seed commission while in Idaho the survey was conducted at a grower meeting. Those surveyed in Idaho may have been a segment of growers which preferred to obtain information through meetings while the growers surveyed in Washington may have been a more encompassing group of growers. A small percentage of growers in both states indicated they would like to receive information through a website or county extension educator.

The University of Idaho Kentucky bluegrass extension program plans to continue to seek input from growers as to the information they need and the method in which they would like to receive the information. In fact, you may complete the survey on the website (click here) and mail it to the extension program leader:

John Holman
University of Idaho
P.O. Box 442339
Moscow, Idaho 83844-2339