Spotlight on MTA Members in the News

Bob McCurdy Receives Tennessee Turfgrass Association’s Tom Samples Professional of the Year Award

Bob McCurdy, the 2022 recipient of the Tom Samples Professional of the Year award, is the senior partner of McCurdy Sod Farm in Dyer, Tennessee and a stalwart leader in the turfgrass community. Bob McCurdy’s influence in the sod production segment has certainly been immense, but it’s the impression he’s made across the industry that has allowed him to be a true leader and example for turfgrass professionals of all stripes.

The family began growing sod alongside other crops and operations in 1986, and in 2006 they transitioned into only sod. McCurdy Sod Farm is now around 500 acres and employs six full time, year-round staff, a number that doubles in the spring and summer months.

In his decades of work, Bob has served on several industry association boards and has been a dedicated member. Bob is a past president of TTA and served on the board for eight years. He is a founding member of Midsouth Turfgrass Council, which represents five states and 25-30 sod farmers, and serves the primary purpose of raising funds for university research.

In January, Bob began his tenure as President of Turfgrass Producers International (TPI), an organization which exists to serve the turfgrass production industry “by uniting and representing turfgrass sod and seed producers as well as the many suppliers and manufacturers who are a part of this thriving industry.”

Upon being recognized for this award, Bob shared his appreciation. “A really elite bunch of folks have already gotten this award. To have been able to achieve or influence or baffle your way through is such a nice thing. I hope that I can continue to earn what’s been bestowed in this award. I want to thank those who thought enough of me to give me a chance.”

The Tom Samples Professional of the Year is Tennessee Turfgrass Association’s highest honor, bestowed upon one member each year. Past recipients are a “Who’s Who” of leaders in the Tennessee Turfgrass family, each having demonstrated the hard work and dedication necessary to not only thrive in business, but also to help foster the industry through cooperation and service. •