Jack Baxter gains FACTS qualification

Jack Baxter gains FACTS qualification: Somerset-based fertiliser company GreenBest have long been renowned not just for their technical expertise, but also the care and consideration they invest in upskilling their staff. All of the Sales and Product Managers at GreenBest come from a scientific background, and now another member of the team, Jack Baxter, has joined the ranks of FACTS Qualified Advisors at GreenBest.

Jack has been working at GreenBest (which also owns the Velvit and SmartLawn brands) for three years, having worked in various labs following his Biological Sciences degree. Working predominantly with the domestic and European markets, Jack has helped a variety of businesses find the perfect fertiliser for their needs, and in turn has seen many customers’ businesses grow in size under his care.

Jack Baxter gains FACTS qualification

Jack Baxter gains FACTS qualification

James Whittick, Sales & Marketing Director at GreenBest explained “At GreenBest we have always prided ourselves on the technical knowledge of our staff – our business is built on being able to match the needs of our customers to the right fertiliser. We believe that having the right staff and giving them the training they need to progress is what makes us so special.”

Jack Baxter added “One of the standout benefits of working at GreenBest is the investment they make in your training. I enjoy a good rapport with my customers, and like to think they trust me anyway, but having gone through the rigorous training provided by the STRI this FACTS qualification will add greater weight to my recommendations.”

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Johnsons Sports Seed announce new cultivars

Johnsons Sports Seed announce new cultivars: DLF Seeds undeniably set the bar when it comes to seed research and development, giving turf professionals the mixtures they need and trust to achieve first-class results.

As they launch the Johnsons Sports Seeds mixture guide for 2021, the introduction of new cultivars and 11 updated formulations promise further improvements to disease resistance, wear tolerance and visual performance across a number of key mixtures in their golf and sports portfolio.

Johnsons Sports Seed announce new cultivars

Johnsons Sports Seed announce new cultivars

With sustainability an increasingly key consideration for turf managers, many are discovering the benefits associated with DLF’s 4turf® Tetraploid Ryegrass technology. New in the 4turf® stable for 2021 is Tetragame, a cultivar which significantly improves disease resistance and sward recovery, as well as demonstrating strong germination and establishment even at temperatures as low as 4oc. Tetragame features in the new formulation of J Outfield, together with updated J 4Turf and J 4Turf 100 mixtures to deliver the strength and durability demanded for winter sport and equestrian use.

With a trusted track record for high performance, Johnsons J Premier Wicket and J Premier Pitch mixtures will continue to set the standard for cricket and football respectively – with ProNitro® coated options available for even faster establishment and reduced input costs. DLF’s ProNitro® 5G seed coating contains a targeted combination of controlled release nitrogen, together with hydroactive water management technology, which leads to stronger germination and improved nutrient utilisation during the early stages of plant growth.

Also new for 2021 is Absolom. This highly-rated Slender Creeping Red Fescue cultivar delivers exceptional disease resistance and tolerance for close mown management making it a great addition to a number of Johnsons golf mixtures including J Fescue, J Premier Fairway and J Green. In addition, all mixtures across the Johnsons putting surface range are now ‘DLF Select’ purity as standard, meaning Course Managers can be assured that only seed from the purest crops and meeting the stringent cleanliness grade makes it into the bag.

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EGO’s first cordless mower with multi-blade system

EGO’s first cordless mower with multi-blade system: As a leading provider of cordless gardening tools, EGO Power+ is on a mission to deliver products that will surpass even the expectations of professional gardeners. With the introduction of their latest product – the LM2130E-SP 52cm Self Propelled Mower – the company have created a product that delivers precision mowing with a host of useful features.

At 52cm, the extra wide cutting width is ideal for covering large areas quickly, while the 70-litre cutting bag with fill-level indicator means less time-consuming trips to the compost heap.

EGO releases first cordless mower

EGO releases first cordless mower

The Select Cut™ multi-blade cutting system consists of an EGO Upper Blade used in combination with a lower blade to slice the grass into fine fragments; this greatly enhances cutting performance with all grass types. The Bagging Blade supplied with the mower is a heavy-duty blade that ensures cut grass is collected and thrown efficiently into the grass bag. The Mulching Blade set which can be purchased separately is ideal for weekly mowing, giving you the cut quality and run time expected from a high-end petrol mower. Both blades can be used interchangeably based on the desired cut.

EGO’s Self-Propelled Touch Drive™ Technology comes from years of research and development. Touch Drive™ Technology puts complete control of the self-propelled system in the palm of your hands by using pressure to engage the system. Easily control the variable speed with a dial positioned at your fingertips for safe and convenient operation.

For those looking for a pitch-perfect finish, centralised height adjustment at 25/32/40/51/64/77/90mm makes achieving precision well within reach. With lower noise output, less vibrations and zero emissions, the mower is cleaner, safer and quieter than its petrol-powered rivals.

With a dual deck system crafted out of high strength polypropylene, users benefit from impact, corrosion and weather resistance which outstrips metal equivalents. The lightweight deck also reduces the overall weight of the mower, easing the strain on both the lawn and the operator alike. Sturdy and robust wheels with double ball bearings offer a longer life and smoother glide over rougher terrain.

Powered by industry leading 56V Arc Lithium technology, you won’t need to worry about being constrained by cable length and won’t have to deal with petrol or refuelling. The 7.5Ah battery can cut up to 1000sqm on a single charge, while the market-leading rapid charger can get you moving again quickly, with a recharge time of just 60 minutes.

With the LM2130E-SP 52cm Self Propelled Mower (RRP £849), EGO has added to its market leading range of cordless equipment, offering a greener, cleaner alternative to petrol power.

EGO Power+ products come with extended domestic warranties up to five years when registered within 30 days of purchase. For more information, visit www.egopowerplus.co.uk.

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New Etesia dealer in Scottish Borders

New Etesia dealer in Scottish Borders: Etesia UK is delighted to welcome Border Chainsaw and Lawnmower Services to its ever-expanding dealer network.

Border Chainsaw and Lawnmower Services, based in Earlston, Scotland, was founded in 1974 by the Cowe family. The business stayed within the family until January 2019 when it was acquired by Pearsons of Duns Ltd, who were picked as the perfect suitors for the business.

New Etesia dealer in Scottish Borders

New Etesia dealer in Scottish Borders

It was at this point that the experienced Allen Whellans was appointed as Groundcare Division Manager in a bid to increase the company’s commercial offering. Allen knew immediately where to start.

“In a previous role, I worked with dealers and end-users who had a large fleet of Etesia pedestrian mowers. They always commented on how good they were.” he said. “They never used to have any problems with them – it is that knowledge of knowing what the mowers are capable of doing that confirmed that I wanted to work with Etesia.”

Etesia UK is renowned for providing its dealer network with unrivalled support and resources – and Allen revealed that it was this reputation which further appealed to him.

“We only deal with premium brands and it was a case of looking at what Etesia offered in terms of the products but also how they work with the dealer,” he said. “Etesia is very much focused on working with dealers as opposed to online discounting. Customers want support and back-up; they want to be able to speak to someone and they want to demo the mowers.

Border Chainsaw and Lawnmower Services and Etesia have the same ethos – we want to work together for the customer – and that is the sort of partnership we are looking for.”

With immediate effect, the range of Etesia pedestrian mowers will be available from Border Chainsaw and Lawnmower Services throughout the Lothians and the Scottish Borders.

Etesia pedestrian mowers have been providing absolute efficiency, excellent ergonomics and top-quality standards. The pedestrian mowers are designed to offer unique cutting capabilities, comfort and safety at work and unrivalled reliability and productivity.

Etesia’s reputation for excellence in mowing performance has been supported by each of the 12 product families, and the qualities of ruggedness, reliability, user-friendliness, and innovation have become synonymous with Etesia.

“I particularly like the fact that they can cut and collect long wet grass,” continued Allen. “The Borders are lush areas and there is always lots of thick wet grass. The fact that that operators can get out and cut in all conditions, even in the rain, is going to be fantastic for our customers.

“These Etesia mowers just go that extra mile and therefore I am confident that they are going to significantly grow our attraction to commercial customers.”

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on Twitter @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK

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Golf greenkeepers ask for support

Golf greenkeepers ask for support: BIGGA has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding the timetable for the reopening of golf.

As the members’ association for golf greenkeepers in the UK, BIGGA is acutely aware that golfers are eager to get back out on the course and start enjoying the limitless physical and mental health benefits of our wonderful sport.

Golf greenkeepers ask for support

Golf greenkeepers ask for support

However, as golfers have found in Scotland, where courses have remained open for limited play, this has been an incredibly wet and difficult winter and many greenkeepers have reported being able to do very limited maintenance throughout the colder months.

As such, while disappointed that the restart of golf will not be until 29 March in England, BIGGA welcomes the notice period as it will enable golf facilities to complete any essential winter maintenance and prepare the course for play to a standard that will not be detrimental to the long-term health of the facility.

Over the coming weeks BIGGA will be working alongside the governing bodies in golf to provide information regarding reasonable expectations of course presentation, so that returning golfers are aware of the challenges greenkeepers have faced with regards climate, staffing and COVID-19 restrictions and to ensure a safe, happy and prosperous return to golf for everyone.

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