The 2025 Autumn Meeting brought TGA members together on 3–4 December for two full days of visits, discussion and networking. Delegates were split into two groups, alternating between DLF Seeds and the Jaguar Land Rover Experience so that everyone had time to explore both venues in depth before coming together for an open growers-only discussion and a social dinner on the evening between the two days.

At DLF Seeds, members were given a detailed insight into how one of the world’s leading grass and wildflower seed companies is investing heavily in the future of amenity and turf production. The visit highlighted DLF’s significant capital investment in its UK operations, particularly the development of its new state-of-the-art mixing and processing facilities. Delegates were shown how the upgraded system allows for far greater precision, consistency and efficiency in seed blending and cleaning, with automation reducing risks of contamination and enabling much higher throughput. This, combined with DLF’s expanding UK wildflower production, reflects a long-term commitment to supporting professional growers with reliable, high-quality products.

Members also visited DLF’s impressive Showcase “Living Catalogue”, a six-hectare demonstration and trial site at Inkberrow, which brings together plots from across DLF’s Johnsons Sports Seed, Masterline and MM ranges. The sports zone, featuring a hybrid winter sports pitch, cricket wicket, tennis court, and small-scale golf tee, fairway and green, illustrated how different mixtures perform in varied and demanding environments, while wider trial plots highlighted ongoing work on new varieties, disease tolerance and sustainability.

The trip to Jaguar Land Rover offered a very different but equally impressive perspective. Members toured the company’s Solihull facility, a site that combines cutting-edge robotics, precision engineering and skilled craftsmanship to produce some of the brand’s most recognisable vehicles. The tour highlighted the scale and sophistication of the plant, the extensive use of automated systems and the level of detail involved in quality control and manufacturing processes. The contrast between large-scale automotive production and agricultural turf production generated plenty of discussion across both groups.

The growers-only discussion held on the evening between the visits encouraged an open and candid exchange about the current trading climate. Many growers reflected on the difficulties faced during the year, including drought conditions, rising input costs and continued downward pressure on prices. Although the conversation highlighted the challenges facing the industry, it also demonstrated the passion within the membership and a shared desire for the TGA to strengthen its role and influence. Members discussed opportunities for the Association to build stronger links with builders, landscapers, architects and other specifiers, to increase the recognition and value of the TGA logo, and to explore additional benefits that could support members’ businesses.

Following the discussion, members, affiliates and Council representatives came together for a relaxed social dinner, giving attendees the opportunity to continue conversations informally, reflect on the year and strengthen relationships across the Association. Overall, the Autumn Meeting underlined both the pressures currently facing turf producers and the strong sense of commitment within the membership. The TGA Council now has a clear set of priorities and expectations from the membership, with plenty of constructive suggestions and challenges raised for the year ahead.