In acreage, it's the state's fifth biggest crop. It was people in the turf industry that made the Noer facility possible. The station is named for a UW-Madison alumnus and internationally respected turfgrass agronomist. Researchers use this site to compare different turfgrass varieties, mowing practices, equipment and strategies for fertilizer, irrigation and pest management. The station is also used to evaluate prairie and ornamental grasses.
Environmental protection is another important research goal.
Researchers use the Noer facility to evaluate cultural practices and turfgrass varieties that require less use of pesticides and fertilizer while still maintaining quality landscapes. The Noer facility also plays an important educational role. Classes in horticulture, soils, entomology and plant pathology often meet at the facility. Many homeowners call to get unbiased, university-based turf research answers. Every summer the Noer facility cooperates with the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association in putting on a field day where researchers present their latest findings.