Bionema launches BioProtection courses

Bionema launches BioProtection courses: Bionema, a UK based BioProtection (Biopesticide) technology developer, has launched digital, classroom and bespoke training courses to educate end-users, distributors and consultants on the effective use of BioProtection products as an alternative to chemical pest control.

BioProtection products are being developed and used across the world to ensure safe and sustainable agricultural. However, many end users are not fully familiar with the effective use of biocontrol agents – such as nematodes fungi, bacteria, viruses and beneficial insects and need a better understanding of how best to apply them, as the way they are stored, handled, and applied are important considerations and can result in improved efficacy.

Bionema launches BioProtection courses

Bionema launches BioProtection courses

Bionema’s courses have been developed to maximise the efficacy of biological products in a learning environment that suits customer needs and ensures product success.

The digital training courses are designed to allow self-paced learning in the delegate’s own time – giving flexibility to study around other commitments. These courses have been written with the needs of commercial distributors and end users – such as growers, farmers, greenkeepers, grounds personnel, foresters, agronomists and integrated pest management practitioners – in mind.

Delegates can also learn in a classroom format and a bespoke version can be designed to reflect a client’s environment, knowledge and individual needs. Each course is worth 12 BASIS or 4 NRoSO CPD points.

These courses include presentations, practical workshops and demonstrations of different BioProtection products.  Every course delegate will develop a complete understanding of product application within an integrated pest management system, which will help them maximise pest control performance.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema said: “These courses have been designed for those who are new to BioProtection or who would like to refresh their knowledge. For example, learners will receive a complete introduction of the use of entomopathogenic nematodes as well as an introduction to pest identification, product formulations and application.

The training courses have been carefully developed by specialist biocontrol experts to ensure that product end users have a thorough and complete knowledge of effective use. By having a better understanding on how to use the product correctly, growers we have worked with have already seen a 30-40% uplift in effective pest and disease control, using BioProtection products, which makes the additional knowledge found in these courses invaluable.”

Bionema is inviting training providers who would like to partner in the delivery of digital courses.  The current courses include:

Course 1 – Application of entomopathogenic nematodes for insect pest control

Course 2 – Application of BioProtection products for pests and diseases control

Course 3 – Application of beneficial biocontrol agents for insect pest control

More information regarding  training can be found here:  https://bionema.com/training-and-advice/

To find out more about becoming a training provider or embarking on a Bionema course contact: Dr Minshad Ansari, m.a.ansari@bionema.com or call +44 (0)1792 606916

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Huxley puts trust in employee ownership

Huxley puts trust in employee ownership: Huxley Golf is entering a new era in its already impressive history.

The well-known specialist supplier and installer of all-weather surfaces for golf, is now owned by an Employee Ownership Trust, following the Huxley family’s decision to provide for the long-term future of the business. The Huxley family has provided funding for the Employee Ownership Trust to purchase 100% of the shares of Huxley (UK) Ltd, which it holds on behalf of employees. The employees continue to run the company and will benefit from sharing the company’s profits.

Huxley puts trust in employee ownership

Huxley puts trust in employee ownership

Paul Chester and Jo Lyon will continue to manage the Huxley Golf business, both becoming Directors. Hugh Fraser, who manages Scotland and the North East of England, has become a Director of the Trust company to represent Huxley staff. Paul Huxley will be staying on for the time being as a Director of Huxley (UK) Ltd and a Director of the Trust company.

Paul Huxley commented: “My father founded the Huxley company nearly seventy-five years ago in 1946 and it has been a very successful family-owned business ever since, largely because we’ve always been blessed with amazing staff. The creation of our Employee Ownership Trust will ensure that, for many years ahead, the Huxley Golf business will retain its independence, culture and values built up over decades, as well as providing long term stability for staff, distributors, suppliers and customers.

“This new and exciting chapter in Huxley Golf’s growth could not have happened without the company being financially strong, with an excellent track record, enviable reputation and first-class team. I am grateful to our three new Directors and to all staff for their support for this important step in the Huxley Golf journey.”

Several hundred British businesses are employee-owned in this way, the best known being The John Lewis Partnership. It’s an innovative and successful formula, which the UK Government is encouraging to boost and incentivise employee ownership.

For over half a century, the name Huxley has been synonymous with premium all-weather golf surfaces and products. Endorsed by the UK’s leading golf organisations as well as many legendary golfers and celebrities and their coaching teams, the Hampshire-based company’s artificial golf surfaces are in use all around the world at top-flight courses, resorts, and training academies. For more information visit www.huxleygolf.com.

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JCB machine restored to former glory

JCB machine restored to former glory: One of JCB’s longest-standing customers has unwrapped a unique present – a vintage backhoe loader restored to its former glory to mark the digger maker’s approaching 75th anniversary.

Lincolnshire-based Eric Carnaby & Son has been a customer since 1959 and over the following six decades has bought more than 150 JCB machines. Now JCB has said thank you to the firm for its loyalty by restoring the Carnaby family’s cherished 1964 JCB 1 backhoe.

JCB machine restored to former glory

JCB machine restored to former glory

The project was kept a closely guarded secret until George Bamford – grandson of JCB Founder Joseph Cyril Bamford CBE – sprung the restoration surprise during a visit to the company’s base in Immingham, near Grimsby, to collect the machine. Now six months later the backhoe has been handed back to the company after a team at JCB’s World HQ in Rocester, Staffordshire spent hundreds of hours lovingly restoring it.

Eric Carnaby & Son Director Roland Carnaby Junior said: “My family and I are over the moon with the restoration. Our JCB 1 is precious to us and we’ve been meaning to restore it for some time, but you know how it is – a business to run, and all that!”

George Bamford said: “It has been amazing to see an old machine brought back to life by the JCB team. It looks just as it would have done on the day it came off the production line in 1964.”

Founded by Eric Carnaby in 1946, the plant hire and road haulage firm is now run by father-and-son team Roland Carnaby Senior and Roland Carnaby Junior. The company’s first JCB purchase was a JCB 4 backhoe in 1959 and it was the JCB backhoe loader which formed the backbone of the Eric Carnaby & Son fleet for many years to come – with up to 12 in operation during the 1970s and 1980s. The company’s most recent purchase was the latest X Series excavator. The two family businesses have been strongly intertwined throughout the 61-year period, with 95% of the Eric Carnaby & Son fleet now made up of JCB equipment. JCB marks its 75th birthday on October 23.

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GMA opens door for feedback

GMA opens door for feedback: The Grounds Management Association (GMA), the leading not-for-profit membership body, has this week launched two surveys giving everyone working or volunteering in the industry a chance to shape the future of its member offering.

Members and non-members can give their view on what they value and would like to see going forward, by taking part in two surveys – one for individuals working across the sector and one for businesses or suppliers operating in it. The surveys will be open to all respondents until Sunday 13th September.

GMA opens door for feedback

GMA opens door for feedback

All respondents of the survey will also have the opportunity to enter a prize draw, with four £50 Amazon vouchers up for grabs. Respondents who wish to remain anonymous can do so.

The GMA previously conducted member research in 2016 and looks to do so every five years. Through gathering qualitative and quantitative data, this review will analyse the benefits and offering of the membership, looking at what respondents believe are the most valuable, and what aspects of the offering may require improvement. Any necessary feedback will start to be implemented later this year, following an analysis of all data gathered, and continue beyond 2020.

Geoff Webb, CEO at the GMA, explained:
“We know it’s been a really difficult year, with Covid-19 causing huge disruption and anxiety for grounds staff, volunteers as well as businesses across the country. It felt like the best time to stop and listen to everyone in the industry, so we can determine as an organisation where we can best support through our products, benefits and services.

“With hard times still ahead, we recognise the need for GMA to continue to remain a relevant and leading voice for its members and the sector. To do so, we need to hear current and up-to-date views and feedback to capture how the industry thinks and feels right now.

“With your help, we can ensure we’re supporting, and communicating with, members in the right way and our offering aligns with what the sector needs the most”.

To take part, follow the below links:

For the individual survey, click here: https://bit.ly/3loqXwm
For the corporate survey, click here: https://bit.ly/3ldokNJ

For the full T&Cs, follow the below link: https://thegma.org.uk/GMA-membership-survey-2020

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Collaborative approach to supporting women’s golf

Collaborative approach to supporting women’s golf: THREE leading names within the amenity turf care sector have joined forces to show a commitment to supporting women’s golf, by sponsoring the club that is hosting this year’s Women’s Amateur Championship.

Agrovista Amenity, ICL and Syngenta have provided the greenkeeping team at West Lancashire Golf Club with new Helly Hansen workwear for use during the championship, which is taking place this week (August 25-29).

Collaborative approach to supporting women’s golf

Collaborative approach to supporting women’s golf

Although being played behind closed doors this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the tournament attracts an impressive line-up of talent. The winner will then gain entry to the AIG Women’s Open, US Women’s Open, The Evian Championship and Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship.

With live scoring, news and video feeds being more important than ever, the greenkeepers at West Lancashire will not only play an important part, but also look the part with their new workwear.

Head of Commercial for Agrovista Amenity, Dan Hughes, said: “Course Manager, Stuart Hogg has been a committed user of Syngenta and ICL technologies, building an excellent relationship with ICL’s Phil Collinson and our Amenity Specialist, Gary Potter.”

“As an organisation, Agrovista is keen to support customers where possible, and in a challenging year it was great to work with three keen partners to support women’s golf and provide the greenkeeping team with first class workwear, something they have appreciated given the week’s weather.”

Stuart attributes a programme which includes Syngenta’s Qualibra and ICL’s H2Pro TriSmart wetting agent for helping to maintain excellent water management of greens, fairways and surrounds.

Prior to the tournament, the club used a combination of Greenmaster Pro-Lite and Sierraform GT granular fertilisers as inputs into the greens to maximise tournament presentation.

“The technical support from Gary Potter and Phil Collinson has been extremely helpful with the tournament preparation,” said Stuart.

“I and all the team are very grateful for the gesture of workwear which befits hosting such a high-profile tournament at The West Lancashire Golf Club.”

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Toro irrigation talk of the town

Toro irrigation talk of the town: With an irrigation system in desperate need of replacing, Pennard Golf Club opted for a combination of Toro Lynx Central Control and Toro sprinklers, based on multiple recommendations from within the industry. 

Club manager Rhys Morgan explains: “Our previous irrigation system was nearly 40 years old and was suffering everything from leaks to electrical failures, so we needed a new system fast. Instead of spending time seeing different systems demonstrated, we opted for Toro based on multiple recommendations, and in particular from Royal Cinque Ports, who’d seen great results from Toro irrigation. In fact, Toro comes recommended throughout the industry, so we knew it would be a success.”

Toro irrigation talk of the town

Toro irrigation talk of the town

But what the club didn’t bet on was how quickly they would start to see those great results for which Toro irrigation is renowned. “We knew that we would see an improvement to the course, but we didn’t think it would happen so fast. We’ve had the irrigation operational since March and the change to the course has been drastic, particularly to areas such as the approaches which weren’t irrigated previously. It’s almost unbelievable how quickly the course has changed, so it’s obviously very exciting for us to think what the long term results will be.”

And the improvement has been noticed by the club’s members too. With the course having to close in March due to the lockdown, members have come back to quite the surprise.

“Our members hadn’t seen the course for a good couple of months,” says Rhys. “And when they came back, they saw the full effect that Toro irrigation had made. The feedback from them has been fantastic. They are all amazed by the difference!”

The club is now benefitting from a winning combination of Toro Lynx Central Control system and FLEX 34, 35, 55 and FLEX B sprinkler heads installed across the tees, greens and approaches. And it’s not just the products that have won over the club, but the customer service from Reesink Turfcare as well.

“The installation began in November last year,” explains Rhys. “We appointed Roger Davey, a well-known independent irrigation consultant, as our project manager because we wanted to make sure we had the best expert advice.

“Lakes and Greens was the successful installing contractor supported by Reesink Turfcare. Both have been fantastic the whole way through, and in particular Rob Jackson from Reesink. He’s always been on hand for any questions, and we know that even now after the installation has been completed, if we need any help from Reesink and Lakes and Greens they will be there.”

As a club that has made significant strides in the last few years and is now consistently making the cut for a number of Top 100 golf course lists, the new Toro irrigation system is set to help boost the club even more.

“We’ve been making steady improvements to the course in recent years, and this new irrigation system is the cherry on top of the cake,” concludes Rhys. “And with our 125th anniversary next year, Toro has come at just the right time to help make the course the best it’s ever been.”

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A fleet perfect for artificial turf maintenance

A fleet perfect for artificial turf maintenance: GKB Machines, the company behind sustainable, reliable and robust maintenance machinery for natural, synthetic and hybrid turf provide groundsmen with a trustworthy range of machinery to rejuvenate, decompact and assist in the deep cleaning of artificial sports turf.

Consisting of the GKB Rotobrush, Quick-Brush and Quick-Clean, this combination of machines leaves grounds in prime condition.

A fleet perfect for artificial turf maintenance

A fleet perfect for artificial turf maintenance

Built with a straightforward and simple operational principle, the GKB Quick-Clean is a synthetic turf cleaner made for powerful in-depth cleaning of all types of synthetic turf pitches. Hitched within two minutes and thanks to the high max operating speed of 5 km/h, this machine can work quickly and effectively. Cleverly engineered the GKB Quick-Clean features a synthetic turf brush, this works to brush the infill material to remove contamination that is within the layers and throws it onto a vibrating screen. Also featured on this innovative machine is a collection container which helps to remove coarse dirt and for dust and other lightweight dirt, the GKB Quick-Clean houses a suction unit with a dust bag.

Enabling to brush deeper and more effectively is the GKB Rotobrush. This machine uses the rotating brush disc to provide rigid bristles which are pressed into the synthetic turf. Where the functioning of normal brushing and cleaning stops, the GKB Rotorbrush will continue.

No matter the requirements, the GKB Quick-Brush allows the carry out of correct synthetic turf maintenance. Included are a spring tine rake bar, two brushes and rubber finishing mat, this machine gives you the ability to adjust the height of the modular brush to suit each specific task. The cleverly engineered ‘flip-over tool,’ means the GKB Quick-Brush is also able to add infill material easily to new fields and always orientates itself in the operating direction.

For more on GKB Machines and their reliable and robust range of machinery for natural, hybrid and synthetic turf, please visit www.gkbmachines.com or contact Tom Shinkins on 07495 883617 for a demonstration.

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JCB expands E-Tech line

JCB expands E-Tech line: JCB has introduced an electric version of the popular HTD-5 Dumpster tracked carrier, adding to its growing range of innovative fully electric E-Tech models.

The HTD-5e E-Dumpster is offered as a high-tip, walk-behind model, capable of carrying up to 500kg. The addition of electric drive makes the machine suitable for urban and indoor applications, that require low noise and zero exhaust emissions. Key features include:

JCB expands E-Tech line

JCB expands E-Tech line

·        9kW electric motor delivers travel speeds of up to 3km/h
·        Maximum two-hour charging time
·        Zero emissions at point of use
·        500kg capacity and 1,450mm skip ground clearance in tipping position

The E-Dumpster is powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged using a standard 240V or 110V electrical supply. Maximum recharge time is just two hours, making it possible to top up the battery when not in use during the working day or overnight.

Designed to meet the needs of contractors and rental companies, the E-Dumpster provides a zero-emissions carrying solution for indoor work, tunnelling applications and other urban sites requiring zero emissions equipment. With no internal combustion engine, service and maintenance requirements are also greatly reduced, boosting uptime and availability.

JCB has taken an industry-leading position in the development of innovative E-Tech fully electric construction and industrial machinery. The company has already introduced the increasingly popular 19C-1E fully electric mini excavator and the 30-19E Teletruk industrial telescopic forklift. In addition, JCB offers a wide range of electrically-powered access platforms, while JCB’s Power Products division has launched a line of electric powerpacks, to provide recharging facilities for electric machinery in off-grid applications.

The HTD-5e E-Dumpster adds to this rapidly-growing range of zero-emissions construction, agricultural and industrial machinery solutions, offering customers additional choice in the compact dumper market.

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Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher

Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher: Lukas Böttcher has been appointed by Rain Bird Europe as Golf Sales Specialist for Germany and Switzerland.

Having spent all his career in greenkeeping and golf course management working at golf courses throughout Europe, Lukas joins the company to strengthen the team in Germany. In his previous role as Head Greenkeeper, he managed strict water restrictions and focused on water conservation during multiple drought-affected seasons.

Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher

Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher

Lukas comments on his appointment: “Working in golf course construction and turf management has given me a significant amount of hands-on experience building, maintaining and running irrigation systems. Having dealt with water restrictions, constant heat stress during the summer and tight irrigation windows, I understand the pressure a lot of golf courses are under to use every drop of water in the most efficient way. As Golf Sales Specialist I will be helping clubs with Rain Bird systems to optimise their efficiency. I am also looking forward to supporting those looking to upgrade or renovate their irrigation system with Rain Bird technology.”

Didier Genty, Europe Golf Sales Manager for Rain Bird added: “I am delighted to welcome Lukas to Rain Bird. He brings valuable, practical experience in the golf sector and considerable expertise in irrigation and water management.”

Lukas can be contacted via email at lbottcher@rainbird.eu.

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Whitecraigs GC updates Jacobsen fleet

Whitecraigs GC updates Jacobsen fleet: Whitecraigs Golf Club on Glasgow’s south side has renewed its fleet of Jacobsen machines with dealer Fairways GM.  Six new machines will help maintain their main 18 hole and nine hole Par 3 courses.

Delivered to the club were two LF570 lightweight large area reel mowers, an Eclipse 322 greens mower, two GP 400 greens mowers and a TR 330 tight area mower.

Whitecraigs GC updates Jacobsen fleet

Whitecraigs GC updates Jacobsen fleet

Peter Hall, Course Manager, said: “We had a good look around elsewhere before we made what I think are some sound choices. It’s ’like for like’ with everything improved. Everyone was comfortable with what we had so we are just going that step further. We’ve also got a maintenance contract which is peace of mind and guarantees everything to be in top working order. It’s a good deal for my team and for the club.”

“The two GP400s for example are three wheel drive, as opposed to the two wheel drive machines they replaced. They climb steep bankings effortlessly, even in wet conditions. The TR 330 with cutting units that move side to side allows us to alter wheel tracks around bunkers each time we cut. This enables us to spread the wear and keeps the turf healthier.”

Fairways GM’s Regional Sales Manager, Rob Hogarth, said “The whole package was delivered shortly after lock down ended so it’s great to see Peter and his team enjoying their new machines as much.  We pride ourselves on good service so their contract means we absolutely go the extra mile to keep everything running smoothly. At demo the TR 330 impressed. Its technology allows operators to effortlessly shift all three cutting reels to either side of the machine, creating up to 45 cm of offset. Bunkers and other hazards can be trimmed while keeping the mower away from the edges.  You can see already the difference the TR 330 is starting to make.”

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