Ventrac Praised In Northampton

/in , , /by

Ventrac Praised In Northampton: Despite a summer of prolonged dry periods and drought conditions, Northampton Borough Council’s green spaces are still looking in great shape. This is due to a unique contract between two major facilities management companies – Veolia and idverde – along with a little help from a Ventrac 4500 compact tractor with ToughCut mowing deck.

“This is the first time that we have joined forces with a major resource management company on a sub-contractor basis to maintain green spaces,” says Angus Lindsay, Group Head of Assets and Fleet at idVerde. “We began the contract early in June and the green spaces were, to say the least, a challenge. Long grass, especially in public spaces, is difficult to get back into specification when neglected, but the Ventrac with its ToughCut deck has certainly helped us get on top of the job quickly.  In my opinion, this deck is a good as a flail, if not better. Without a doubt it’s a very good, reliable and robust compact tractor and mower combination, which has proved ideal for this contract.”

Ventrac Praised In Northampton

Craig Langford, idverde’s Operations Manager for Northampton added,

“The Ventrac has been a godsend! At the start of the contract we were faced with acres of significantly overgrown and unmaintained space, but the Ventrac with ToughCut deck quickly got to grips with these areas. Being able to operate on 30 degree banks is one of its main attributes and it has worked brilliantly for us.”

Operator Steve Glover, who began his career with the council and has been employed by various contract management companies, has maintained the Borough’s green spaces for over 32 years.

“This is the best machine that I have operated over the last 32 years,” he said. “Although I spend a lot of time on banks and slopes, I feel extremely safe. Its wide footprint, eight tyres and low centre of gravity make it incredibly stable and the articulated frame makes it highly manoeuvrable.

“This ToughCut deck is amazing; it cuts down anything and leaves a really acceptable finish. It has simple to use controls and the visibility of the out-front attachments is very good. I have used it for 108 hours and it hasn’t missed a beat, apart from one puncture when I ran over a broken bottle! How it gets the power to do the job from a 24 hp engine, I do not know, but it just keeps on delivering. The managers at idverde have certainly given us the tools to do the job and I’m sure we’ll be getting more attachments over the course of the contract.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

SALTEX Reveal Learning Live Details

/in , , /by

SALTEX Reveal Learning Live Details: The all-encompassing Learning LIVE education programme will once again be a prominent feature at this year’s SALTEX exhibition. The CPD-accredited seminars are free to attend and registration is now open for all sessions that are due to take place in four purpose-built seminar theatres on the SALTEX show floor in Halls 6, 7 and 8 at The NEC, Birmingham on 31 October – 01 November.

Last year’s Learning LIVE programme was the biggest one yet and featured more than 100 industry experts who took to the stage to address a variety of topical issues and highlight best practice case studies within the turf care industry – and feedback gathered from seminar delegates has helped organisers to create an even better line up of speakers and learning opportunities to suit the needs of all SALTEX visitors at this year’s event.

SALTEX Reveal Learning Live Details

Day one will feature an interesting panel debate featuring Professor Colin Fleming (Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute), Neil Stubley (AELTC), Tony Bell (Middlesbrough FC) and Andy Gray (Southampton FC), who will discuss a chemical-free alternative to clean up your soil. Adam Witchell (Forest Green Rovers FC) and Roy Rigby (Manchester City FC) will be among those highlighting emerging trends in groundsmanship and a panel of professional groundsmen including Anthony Facey (Colchester Utd FC), Dave Mitchell (Carlisle Utd FC) and Stuart Vause (Castleford Tigers) will be discussing groundsmanship on a budget and sharing valuable money-saving tips.

Elsewhere on day one HR consultant Frank Newberry and Scott Tingley (Watford FC) will be on hand to provide career development tips and reveal how to secure the top jobs, while delegates will get the chance to ask questions to a panel of pest and disease experts in a session run by the Amenity Forum. There will also be plenty of technical advice on offer within Dr Ruth Mann’s (STRI) presentation on how technological advances are helping to improve turf grass quality on playing surfaces.

On day two, Phil Garrod (Advance Grass Solutions) will be sharing new ideas that have had successful outcomes in preparing pristine turf for multi sports on a single site and Ted Mitchell and Corin Palmer from the RFU will explain how the RFU and Premiership Rugby are raising the standards of groundsmanship. Andy McKay (Sussex CCC), Gary Barwell (Warwickshire CCC) and Chris Wood (ECB) will also explain how to prepare a cricket wicket to world-class standards.

In addition, phosphite for cool-season turf grass management; sports pitch renovations; the benefits of topdressing and education in the sports turf industry will be addressed by expert speakers including Andy Spetch (British Sugar Topsoil) and Dr Stewart Brown (University Centre Myerscough).

This is just a snapshot of sessions available at this year’s show. Go to www.iogsaltex.com to check out the full programme, register your visit to SALTEX and book into your preferred sessions to avoid the queues.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Thatchers Purchase Spider Mower

/in , /by

Thatchers Purchase Spider Mower: Thatchers, the iconic Somerset-based cider makers, have purchased a Spider 1 remote controlled mower from supplying dealer, Loxston Groundcare. The new mower will be used to ensure that the premises are maintained to an exceptional standard around the ever-growing cider mill and the adjoining orchards.

Commenting on the new mower Neil Day, Operations Director at Thatchers said,

Thatchers Purchase Spider Mower

“We were founded on this site in 1904 and the current Managing Director, Martin Thatcher, is the fourth generation of the family to head the company. Under Martin’s stewardship the business has grown substantially and with that success we have had to increase the infrastructure here. Most notably the production facilities and warehousing. As a rural company with an international profile, we are considerate about our impact on the environment and keeping the profile of our buildings as unobtrusive as possible.

“As an example, to construct our new Jubilee building we excavated down into the existing ground level, which enabled us to lower the roofline. However, the result was that we now have grass banks to maintain and so we needed a mower that could help us do that, so I tasked our Maintenance technician, Ed Young to review the market.”

“Using the internet, I found various videos of Spider mowers and their tracked competitors,” he said. “I discounted the tracked versions as they appeared too aggressive on the turf and then reviewed the Spider website. I sent an enquiry to Spider’s UK Sales Manager, Nick Penn and a demo was quickly arranged here at Myrtle Farm. I was very impressed, as was Neil, and we virtually placed our order ‘on the spot’.

“We have many visitors to Myrtle Farm including regular tours and our biennial Open Day, which has been in our calendar since 1993 and attracts thousands of people each time. It’s important that we keep the premises in pristine condition all year round and the Spider is now integral to our grounds maintenance regime.”

Thatchers Purchase Spider Mower

 About Thatchers

It 1904 William John Thatcher first made his apple cider at Myrtle Farm. His farm workers enjoyed William’s finest as part of their wages and were said to be the best around. Today, the company still has the best cidermakers working at Myrtle Farm, just like the cider! Stanley Thatcher was born in 1910 and was the real cider business pioneer; he was the person who decided to start making draught cider and sold it to local pubs.

John Thatcher took over the business in 1970, expanding the orchards and the presses. Although he’s now retired and enjoying a much-earned rest, like most farmers John is still a big presence around the farm, offering his opinion and experience, and is always on hand to do a bit of ‘quality control’. In 1981, the historic 150-year old oak vats were moved into a new warehouse on the farm; they are still used to mature the company’s cider.

In 1992 Martin Thatcher took over from his father, John, and is still in charge today. His job involves looking after the whole operation, from the orchards to the bottling and beyond. Thatchers now produces more cider in a day, than it did in a year back in the early 1990s.

Thatchers very first television advert was launched in the summer of 2010 and in the same year they purchase a further 180 acres of orchard at Shiplate, overlooking the Bristol Channel. In 2014, their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Myrtle Farm to open the new Jubilee Building and a year later Thatchers Gold was exported to North America for the first time. Thatchers products now sell in over 22 countries worldwide. Last year saw the introduction of Orchard Cut Gin and Family Reserve, using the company’s knowledge of apples to create something a little different at Myrtle Farm.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

R Hunt & New Forest Merge

/in , , /by

R Hunt & New Forest Merge: John Deere dealerships R Hunt Ltd and New Forest Farm Machinery Ltd are set to merge under the new name Hunt Forest Group. The family owners of both companies have signed an agreement which will commence on January 1, 2019. Until then, the two dealers will continue to trade as they do today.

Tim Hunt will become managing director of the new business while Ed Smales, the current dealer principal of New Forest Farm Machinery, will take a director’s role. Hunt Forest Group will continue to operate from the same outlets across southern England, with the same staff.

R Hunt & New Forest Merge

R Hunt is a longstanding John Deere agricultural and homeowner equipment dealer with four outlets covering Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight. It has been a John Deere dealer since 1971 and currently employs 71 staff.

New Forest Farm Machinery is an agricultural, professional turf, homeowner and construction equipment dealer employing 43 people and trading from two outlets, one in Hampshire and one at recently opened turf premises in Somerset. It has been a John Deere agricultural dealer since 1979 and has held the company’s turf franchise since 1986.

“Both companies are well-established, profitable businesses that place a strong emphasis on customer service, and the merger is perfectly aligned with our Dealer of Tomorrow strategy,” says John Deere’s division sales manager Joedy Ibbotson. “This will provide the new business with more resources for both customers and staff, more inventory, more product support capability and a greater knowledge base, all of which will help deliver an even more distinctive customer experience.”

R Hunt managing director Tim Hunt says: “Both families feel confident that this merger will help to establish Hunt Forest Group as a frontline ag and turf dealer in the UK. The emphasis is very much on the ability for both companies to grow and have the opportunity to engage with more customers, with a more diversified product line-up for the entire business.”

New Forest Farm Machinery managing director Ed Smales adds: “We are excited about working with the Hunt family to further grow our business as Hunt Forest Group. Their experience in large ag machinery and precision farming will enhance the customer experience within our existing territory and help us create a more diverse and robust dealer business for the future.”

For more information, visit: www.JohnDeere.co.uk

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Sherriff Impresses At Sweetwoods

/in , , /by

Sherriff Impresses At Sweetwoods: Two tank mixes containing a range of Sherriff Amenity products have been impressing at Sweetwoods Park Golf Club in Cowden, Kent, with Course Manager Allan Tait reporting excellent results. Based on the borders of Kent and Sussex in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Sweetwoods Park offers a fantastic golf experience through its par 72, 18-hole golf course.

Widely praised by its 450 members, the Championship course is kept in impeccable condition from season to season thanks to Allan Tait and his greenkeeping team.

Sherriff Impresses At Sweetwoods

Allan, who has been the Course Manager at Sweetwoods Park for just over 4 years, predominantly uses Sherriff Amenity products on key areas of the golf course and has singled out two tank mixes for particular praise.

“The majority of products I use on my greens, fairways, tees and approaches are all from Sherriff Amenity and I’ve always had consistently good results. I’m a fan of foliar feeding as I feel I have more control over growth and more flexibility with regards to tank-mixing,” said Allan.

Therefore, on his fairways, tees and approaches he relies on a liquid tank mixture which consists of Evolution Xtra 46.0.0 Soluble, Ferromel 20 – a water soluble formulation of iron sulphate hepta-hydrate and Primo Maxx II growth regulator.

“I use this mix for recovery in spring; Evolution Xtra encourages steady growth, whilst Ferromel 20 provides colour and discourages moss. The Evolution Xtra provides rapid greening, while the iron in the Ferromel 20 discourages the moss and the Primo Maxx II keeps control of the growth.

“For fairways I normally budget for two applications per year of this mix and that is more than enough because it has great longevity. It is nice and controlled and you don’t get a flush from it. I also like how soluble the product is. With some solubles you really have to grind them down but with the Evolution Xtra 46.0.0 Soluble, you simply run a hose over it and it disperses perfectly into the tank. I never get any blockages either. For me, it’s been a game changer.”

Allan admits that he prefers the preventative route, but most recently, following a prolonged dry spell, he turned to a tank-mix containing Aqua-Zorb 45 wetting agent, Rootmass Plus soil and plant conditioner and Amino Turf – a bio-stimulant.

Sherriff Impresses At Sweetwoods

“I’ve experimented with wetting agents before but for the past couple of years I’ve not really touched them – I’ve mainly used penetrants. However, after the recent weather conditions the greens were beginning to show signs of heat stress, drought stress and disease. I had watered them quite heavily and it was clear that it wasn’t enough or that it wasn’t getting into the right places so I decided to look at Aqua-Zorb 45 as a solution. I had heard of numerous golf clubs reporting great results from it so thought I would give it a go. With the seaweeds and amino acids in the mixture, which have been proven to reduce the stress and lessen the chance of getting disease, it seemed like a perfect tank-mix.

“We applied it down and the next day, literally within 24 hours, the greens had a completely different look to them – they were so much healthier. I will continue to apply that mixture every four to five weeks right through until the end of the season. It has made a huge difference to the greens and it means that I could sleep easy at night!”

Ever the perfectionist, Allan is always looking at ways in which he can take the course to another level and he believes that the technical support he receives from Amenity Specialist Joseph Dormer is another benefit in his decision to work with Sherriff Amenity.

“I like to think I’m quite technically minded and I like to know every product inside out – Joseph is exactly the same and we are quite often having discussions about the technical aspects of greenkeeping. It’s great to be able to bounce ideas off one another.”

For further information, please contact Sherriff Amenity on 01638 721 888 or visit www.sherriffamenity.com

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.