Central Wisconsin Sod
In the spring of 2003, Bob Heath had an idea. Always looking for new challenges while farming 400 acres in the sandy heart of Wisconsin, he was convinced that he could produce sand-grown sod that would be perfect for golf courses and athletic fields. He and his daughter, Heidi, teamed up with experts to consider which seed blend would allow them to achieve this goal. Bob and Heidi then headed to the UW-Madison to discuss their ideas with the professors there. Did Heath Farms have the ability to grow a successful product? Would there be a market for sand-grown sod?
The UW staff, a bit skeptical at first, eventually concluded that Bob and Heidi had the perfect combination of ingredients to succeed - center-pivot irrigation, acres of sand-based fields, an extraordinary pool of motivated employees, and an unquestionable drive to succeed. That spring, the first 15 acres of Kentucky bluegrass was seeded. When Wadsworth Development and Northern Bay Resort asked Central Wisconsin Sod to be part of their multi-million dollar project that fall, Bob and Heidi said yes! The project was completed over the course of 2 years and included the harvesting and installation of several hundred thousand yards of sod. Since this beginning, they have also worked with the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field, the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota United FC Soccer in Blaine, MN, Whistling Straits n Kohler, WI, and SentryWorld Golf Course in Stevens Point, WI.