Sod Solutions partners with Australian Turf Solutions to expand turfgrass technologies to Australia

Sod Solutions is adding Australian Turf Solutions (ATS) to its worldwide network of international associates. This strategic relationship will strengthen marketing and educational efforts across Australia, one of the world’s most diverse and environmentally challenging turfgrass markets, according to the company.

Owned and operated by Jessica and David Micallef, ATS builds on more than 30 years of turfgrass production experience through Abulk Turf Supplies, a family-owned company based near Windsor, New South Wales, that supplies Sydney and surrounding regions. ATS is well-positioned to support growers, turf managers and consumers nationwide as Cobalt Buffalo and future turfgrass innovations enter the Australian market. 

Australia’s unique range of climates and soil types, combined with growing concerns over water use, demand turfgrass varieties that are both adaptable and resource-efficient. ATS will play a key role in coordinating outreach and supporting the introduction of advanced turfgrass technologies tailored to these conditions. 

The first turfgrass to be introduced through Australian Turf Solutions will be Cobalt Hybrid St. Augustine, marketed in Australia as Cobalt Hybrid Buffalo grass. Developed by Texas A&M AgriLife breeder Ambika Chandra, Ph.D., using advanced embryo rescue technology, Cobalt represents the world’s first hybrid St. Augustine variety. Chandra has emphasized that Cobalt will change the way people think about St. Augustine grass and water usage.

Selected as an elite line after decades of evaluation against leading St. Augustine grass varieties, Cobalt offers shade tolerance, winter color and wear tolerance, making it an ideal choice for landscapes, commercial turfgrass and home lawns throughout Australia. As a low-input, low-maintenance turfgrass, Cobalt is exceptionally well-suited to Australia’s climate and water-use priorities. 

Cobalt establishes quickly in sod production, offering efficient farm turnover and high-quality harvest characteristics. Ideal planting windows and production cycles will be provided directly to licensed growers. Initial Cobalt production at ATS will begin in 2026.  

“Sod Solutions is excited to work with Australian Turf Solutions as we continue expanding our international footprint,” said Tobey Wagner, Sod Solutions president. “Jessica and David Micallef bring deep industry knowledge, high-quality production, strong relationships, leadership and a shared commitment to sustainable turfgrass innovation. Together, we look forward to delivering high-performance grasses that address Australia’s environmental priorities.”