DSV UK recently organised a trip for distributors and end users to the company's Netherlands division, offering attendees an in-depth look into the world of grass breeding.
Hamish Crichton, from DSV UK, led the trip, which aimed to showcase the scale, history, and expertise of DSV.
The Netherlands trip was designed to provide a comprehensive view of DSV’s operations, including a tour of their state-of-the-art facilities. Hamish explained the purpose behind the visit: “We got everyone together – both distributors and their customers – to show them what DSV is all about. From our long-standing pedigree to the level of investment in new facilities and products, the tour provided valuable insights into our capabilities.”
One of the highlights of the trip was viewing turf trials, where visitors could see the cultivars in their purest form. “It was great for the attendees to see the cultivars, not just in mixtures, but in isolation, which really helps to showcase the quality,” Hamish said. He added that the group were impressed by the breeding process, which can take up to sixteen years for a single variety to be developed and approved.
Holger Lurmann, Product Manager of Turf Grasses, provided an expert perspective on the breeding process during the visit. He explained the various stages involved in producing a single variety of grass and how these varieties are composed into specialised mixtures.
"I gave an introduction into our breeding efforts and what is required to get the final product," Holger said. “We also discussed what goes into creating a mixture that works for the customer’s specific needs, whether it's for sports or ornamental purposes. The group visited our trial plots, which are part of the official trial system here in the Netherlands.”
These trials ensure that only the highest-quality turf varieties make it to market, providing end users with confidence in the products they purchase.
Beyond the technical insights, the trip was also an opportunity to strengthen relationships with distributors and customers. As Hamish emphasised, “Days like this help create more awareness of the DSV brand and build stronger connections with those who use and sell our products.”
The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many finding the trip highly beneficial. “The feedback has been great, and everyone has taken something valuable from it,” Hamish said. “It’s been a great opportunity to not only showcase what we do but also to build a deeper understanding of our products among those who use them.”
While DSV has long been recognised as a leader in grass breeding across Europe, the trip also helped to further cement DSV’s reputation in the UK. “DSV is still a relatively new name to the UK market, and we wanted to show people the scale of the business and the quality of the cultivars we produce. Now, the industry is realising that DSV has been around for decades, producing first-class grass seed mixtures,” Hamish said.
