Will Nugent to Be Honored With the Wreath of Grass Award

PO Box 14836 Bradenton, FL34280

Phone (863) 688-9413

CONTACT: Heather Russo Berg
Executive Director

Will Nugent to Be Honored With the Wreath of Grass Award

BRADENTON, Fla. (October 6, 2021): Florida Turfgrass Association member Will Nugent, President and CEO of Bethel Farms LLLP, has been honored with the Florida Turfgrass Association’s highest award, the Wreath of Grass.

The coveted Wreath of Grass a ward pays tribute to individuals who have shown outstanding service to the Florida Turfgrass Association and to the turfgrass industry.

Executive Director of Turfgrass Producers of Florida (TPF) Betsy McGill says, “Will Nugent has been a consistent, encouraging, collaborative presence to so many people in many different segments of the industry, for researchers and the Extension at University of Florida, and for both TPF and for FTGA.”

Nugent is known throughout the industry for his leadership and success in incorporating those traits as guiding principles of the Bethel Farms culture. He overseas 4000-acres devoted to sod, citrus, pasture and turfgrass plug production in four Florida locations. Under his leadership, Bethel Farms has led the way in early adoption of new production concepts, developed new products and launched innovative marketing concepts.

One of the charter members of the Florida Sod Growers Cooperative (FSGC), established in 1989 (now TPF), Nugent served multiple terms on the board of directors and two terms as president. In 2008, he was recognized with the association’s Award of Merit for his contributions. He has extended that leadership beyond Florida, representing the state on the Turfgrass Producers International Board of Directors, as president of that organization, and most recently, on the formation committee for a proposed Sod Industry Checkoff.

The Florida turfgrass industry has a $5 billion economic impact in the state and provides about 84,000 jobs. FTGA, founded in 1952, advocates for and promotes the turfgrass industry with research, continuing education, and networking opportunities for turfgrass professionals. For more information, visit www.ftga.org.

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