Terry Walker - Turf Expert

Terry Walker - Turf Expert

Talk turf with Terry Walker and you’ll need a coffee and a seat. There’s far more to growing and manicuring grass than most would imagine, and Terry is the man ensuring the two main grass arenas at the Cartown Kiwi Super Classic are in top condition. Despite decades in the industry, he never tires of getting the best result.

Planning starts months out, and it’s familiar territory for him. He’s prepared surfaces for the All Blacks, the Argentine rugby team, national bowling and croquet championships, and the Dannevirke A&P Show. “Especially when you must do it with little money,” says Terry. “It really tests your knowledge, skills and ability.”

As operations mana

ger for Green by Nature in Feilding, he oversaw major improvements at the Dannevirke A&P Showgrounds. “The key is that care is ongoing – jumps are moved after each round, the grass length has to be just right, not having sheep as your lawnmower, under sowing with rye grass, using fertiliser and spraying weeds out. It all adds up to a footing that makes equestrian people smile.”

“A horse needs a surface that has stability and gives cushioning so equine limbs can absorb impact,” he says. “An equestrian surface must have firmness, grip, cushioning, energy return, uniformity and consistency.” He also emphasises the importance of good topsoil, adequate drainage, healthy root growth, and effective turf aeration.

“I have a great passion for turf,” says Terry. A keen outdoorsman “in his day,” he’s happy to be now the one helping others chase their dreams on a sports field.