Yukon Bermudagrass: Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence

DLF is proud to celebrate more than a quarter century of Yukon Bermudagrass, one of the turf industry’s most durable, cold‑tolerant, and high‑performing seeded bermudagrass varieties. First licensed in 1996–1997 and commercially harvested beginning in 2000, Yukon stands today as a testament to long‑term scientific partnership, sustained production excellence, and global turfgrass impact.

Developed through pioneering research at Oklahoma State University (OSU) and early financial support from the U.S. Golf Association (USGA), Yukon continues to meet the demands of sports turf managers, golf course superintendents, and landscape professionals across a broad range of environments.

A Variety Rooted in Scientific Leadership

Yukon’s success began with the groundbreaking work of Dr. Charles Taliaferro, OSU’s long‑time turfgrass researcher known for advancing cold‑tolerant seeded bermudagrass. His close collaboration with Seed Research of Oregon (now DLF) helped bring the variety from research plots to global distribution.

Instrumental in this journey was Dr. Leah Brilman, DLF’s Director of Product Management, who played a critical role in securing Yukon for commercial release and ensuring the quality and consistency of its seed production.

“Working with Dr. Taliaferro to establish production guidelines for Oregon was essential,” said Dr. Brilman. “That foundation continues to be a key message we share with turfgrass managers today. Yukon is built on proven science and consistent production practices.”

From Oklahoma to Oregon: A Production Legacy Built to Last

Yukon seed production began in Oklahoma where Mike Hills, Regional Sales Manager and Agronomist, helped establish and plant foundational seed fields as early as 1998. Production transitioned to Oregon in 2005, where the variety continues to thrive.

“Yukon has outlasted a lot of flashier introductions because it does the simple things exceptionally well — strong cold tolerance, reliable seed set, and dependable turf quality,” said Hills.

DLF records show that more than 250,000 pounds of Yukon seed have been distributed globally since licensing began, with coated-seed equivalents nearly doubling total delivered volume.

“In a global bermudagrass seed market that’s relatively small, Yukon has punched above its weight for decades,” Hills added. “Season after season, field after field, it simply performs.”

A Global Performer With Proven Staying Power

More than 25 years after its introduction, Yukon remains one of the most trusted seeded bermudagrasses in professional turf management. It continues to stand out for:

• Exceptional winter survivability
• Fine leaf texture and overall turf quality
• Reliable and consistent seed production
• Strong resistance to Spring Dead Spot (Ophiosphaerella korrae)

“Yukon continues to top Spring Dead Spot ratings — and that disease resistance is a major reason it remains trusted by turf managers,” said Dr. Brilman.

“Yukon works everywhere from the tropics to colder growing zones, where its winter-hardiness and cold-weather survival come into play,” she added.

A Lasting Partnership and a Variety Built to Endure

Over its lifespan, sales of Yukon have generated more than $80,000 in royalties supporting OSU’s ongoing turfgrass research programs. A designated portion of these royalties also supports USGA initiatives in recognition of its early investment in bermudagrass improvement.

“For more than two decades, Yukon has been one of the most requested seeded bermudagrasses for landscapes, schools, parks, sports fields, and golf courses,” said Hills. “Its staying power comes from proven performance and a dependable seed supply.”

Yukon Bermudagrass remains a shining example of long-term scientific collaboration and production excellence, and DLF looks forward to supporting its continued success worldwide.

About DLF

DLF is a global seed company owned by Danish seed farmers with more than 2,200 employees in 22 countries worldwide. It is the global market leader in forage and turf seed supplying seeds to more than 100 countries. DLF has a complete supply chain within forage and turf seed, sugar and fodder beet seed, seed potatoes and multiplication of vegetable seed. For more information on DLF’s North American business visit www.dlfna.com.