Demonstrating product excellence with Toro

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Demonstrating product excellence with Toro: Toro, a global leader in turf and landscape maintenance, is going the extra mile when it comes to product demonstrations, with the launch of the new Toro® Demonstration and Support Trailer.

The support trailer is an exciting step forward and sees Toro bringing the product closer to the customer for a real-life demonstration of capability and quality.

Demonstrating product excellence with Toro

Demonstrating product excellence with Toro

When it comes to products seeing a demonstration is essential in deciding whether it is the right one for your business. The Toro Trailer aims to bridge this gap by bringing the solution direct to the customer for demonstration. And not only that, customers will get to see a whole range of Toro products on board. The support trailer offers a new, professional and completely secure way to transport and showcase Toro products.

With a secure, sleek design, the Toro Demonstration and Support Trailer is able to securely transport multiple machines and product ranges ensuring stock arrives in perfect condition. Whether products are requested for a demonstration or are being dropped off for a trial period, the Trailer can carry everything from the smallest handheld tools to the largest lawncare and construction machines.

Stamped with the distinctive red Toro branding, the Trailer is a real standout presence on site and when travelling. For trade show demonstrations, the Trailer will be invaluable at not only showcasing the full range of Toro products, but supporting the brand with this unique asset. With more people realising the joy and value of outdoor spaces in the past year, the Toro Trailer will
play an invaluable role in supporting customers to care for these spaces, while helping make the Toro brand even more present in the market.

Discussing the new Trailer and its potential, Sales Manager Matthew Coleman said: “Having the Toro Trailer means we can bring products right to customers and demonstrate what they can do on site. Customers get to see the products doing what they do best, in the environment where they would be used. I am excited to get the Trailer and Toro products out on the road in 2021, delivering demonstrations and trials to customers new and existing. It’s great to be able to visit customers again and see how Toro can support their landscaping and turf care needs face-to-face.”

For more information, visit toro.com

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BIGGA announce master greenkeepers

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BIGGA announce master greenkeepers: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association is incredibly proud to reveal the identities of the latest members to achieve the Master Greenkeeper Certificate.

Joining some of the leading names within the turf management industry from across the globe are five outstanding BIGGA members who have achieved what is widely perceived to be the highest recognition in greenkeeping.

BIGGA announce master greenkeepers

BIGGA announce master greenkeepers

For the first time since 2019, BIGGA is delighted to reveal the names of those who will be added to the roster of Master Greenkeepers, which began in 1991. They are:

  1. Gregory Jones MG CGCS, 40, Golf Course Superintendent, Champions Run, Nebraska
  2. Anthony Williams MG CGCS, 57, Director of Golf Course Operations, TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas, Texas
  3. Matthew Aplin MG, 40, Course Manager, Goring & Streatley Golf Club, Berkshire
  4. Alan FitzGerald MG, 45, Golf Course Superintendent, LedgeRock Golf Club, Pennsylvania
  5. Greg Fitzmaurice MG, 42, Course Manager, Hunley Hotel & Golf Club, North Yorkshire

The Master Greenkeeper Certificate is awarded to those members of BIGGA who have reached the highest standards of greenkeeping and golf course management. Examination is rigorous and candidates must pass three stages to achieve the certificate, including an assessment of golf course operation and a case study and technical examination, on top of 10 years’ experience as a greenkeeper with at least three years spent in a course manager, head greenkeeper or superintendent position.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “Congratulations to our latest batch of Master Greenkeepers, who join a prestigious list of some of the brightest and best names the industry has ever seen. Achieving the Master Greenkeeper Certificate is no mean feat and for a number of these candidates, the process has been long and has not been without setbacks. For those candidates, the courage and conviction to deal with the knock back and then return and achieve their goals is testament to the commitment and passion they’ve shown the profession throughout their careers and I’m delighted to welcome all five to the ranks of those we are proud to call Master Greenkeepers.”

Gregory Jones MG CGCS, golf course superintendent at Champions Run in Nebraska, said: “When I saw a phone call from the UK on my cell phone, I almost didn’t want to answer it. After failing the written exam before, I wasn’t prepared for another let down, but I gathered up the courage and answered it anyway. Receiving the news that I had passed was a feeling like none other! I was in the middle of spraying greens and I think I scared a couple of folks having coffee on their decks when I did a couple of fist pumps!”

Anthony Williams MG CGCS, director of golf course operations at TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas, said: “To become a Master Greenkeeper is the grandest of achievements for a greenkeeper. I thought, how can I say I have served my club at the highest level and not be a Master Greenkeeper? Being Master Greenkeeper number 82 is a dream come true and I will work hard to be worth it each and every day.”

Matthew Aplin MG, course manager at Goring & Streatley Golf Club, said: “It means the world to me to become a Master Greenkeeper. Once I attended the Master Greenkeeper workshop at BTME three years ago, I realised how much I wanted to challenge myself and my team, to see how far we could go. To pass the course assessment at Goring & Streatley was great and a reflection of what a great team I have the privilege to work with.”

Alan FitzGerald MG, golf course superintendent at LedgeRock Golf Club, said: “I cannot remember the last time that I was as excited as I was when I got word that I had become Master Greenkeeper number 84. The standards to become one are extremely high, which is shown by how few have gained the distinction over the last 30 years. Becoming a Master Greenkeeper is the accumulation of everything I have done over my career, which is why I am extremely excited and honoured to be a member of this select club.”

Greg Fitzmaurice MG, course manager at Hunley Hotel & Golf Club, said: “I have always looked at ways to improve, in order to be the best that I can be. Attaining the Master Greenkeeper Certificate has been another way of doing this and the process has been very challenging, motivating, rewarding and enjoyable. I have not only been able to improve my own attributes, but also improve the facilities at Hunley along the way.”

To find out more about the Master Greenkeeper Certificate and to get involved, head to the BIGGA website.

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Etesia launch ET Lander

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Etesia launch ET Lander: Etesia UK is proud to announce the launch of the ET Lander – a new fully electric utility vehicle built specifically for use on roads and all types of paths in both the town and countryside.

Always attentive to professionals – particularly local authorities and contractors, Etesia has developed a unique vehicle to meet the future needs of their customers. Designed and manufactured at the Etesia factory in France, the 100% electric ET Lander brings together over 60 years of expertise in green space maintenance.

Etesia launch ET Lander

Etesia launch ET Lander

Spacious, well-equipped and user-friendly, the ET Lander is built on a robust chassis and has an array of options including a three-way tipper bed with dual control from the fully-fitted two-seater cab or by remote control when outside the vehicle.

With a length of just 3.72 meters, the ET Lander is very compact. Thanks to the power steering, the short turning radius of 4.40 meters and 360 ° visibility, it goes anywhere. Fitted with lead acid batteries (72V 220 Ah – producing 15.8Kw), the autonomy of the vehicles lasts for a full working day – without noise pollution. A Lithium battery option will also be available in the future.

The ET Lander can transport loads of up to 940kgs and can also tow up to 750kgs. With its all-road tires and powerful transmission, it is a real all-terrain vehicle for use in a variety of conditions on slopes and difficult terrain.

Another technical feature aimed at making the life easier for its users is the innovative integrated loading ramps. The loading ramps, which double-up as side-fitting panels to the tipper, easily allow the transport of materials, ride-on mowers and other grounds maintenance equipment from site-to-site.

The ET Lander also allows the charging of portable battery-powered tools and the use of wired 230v electrical devices such as hedge trimmers.

Complete with a comprehensive two-year warranty, now is the time to be outlandish with the Etesia ET Lander.

To find out more information, or arrange a free demonstration, please visit the new dedicated ET Lander website www.etlander.co.uk

You can also follow Etesia on Twitter @EtesiaUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Green spaces transformation

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Green spaces transformation: Seeking to transform dull spaces into inspiring havens for nature and the local community, is the mission of a new venture called YourGreen.

The new eco-seed and tree business is calling on the public and private sector to think differently about green space and consider the breadth of environmental, emotional and brand benefits of planting wildflower seed mixes, trees, hedgerows.

Green spaces transformation

Green spaces transformation

Co-founder of YourGreen, Bethan Pugh, points to their YourPact consultancy package, supporting the development of a sustainable and eco-friendly brand; offered alongside advice on the practical and technical aspects of creating inspiring green spaces.

“We work hand in hand with organisations to create a package of activities that help realise their green ambitions, from supporting a sustainable food chain to creating natural public spaces for the local community,” she says. “This could mean planting grassland, meadows, woodlands, hedges, environmental mixtures or donating wildflowers to community projects.

“Carbon sequestration is one aspect, but it’s wider that that – we’re thinking about offsetting biodiversity loss as well as focusing on the community, health and wellbeing.

“We’ve developed a whole range of wildflower mixes that have been created with those benefits in mind – right down to thinking about the impact on mood and mindset, with mixtures which promote relaxation, positivity and creativity. At YourGreen, the service goes well beyond supplying a generic seed mix,” adds Bethan.

The launch of YourGreen follows a year when the pandemic exposed the importance of getting closer to nature.

“There’s definitely an appetite for businesses and the public sector to make their premises and outdoor spaces more attractive and create a positive experience for all. The motivation could be one of mental health, conservation or attracting home workers back to the workplace.

“There’s an untapped demand that’s seeing organisations looking for ways to give staff, customers and the local community an opportunity to connect with nature,” she adds.

Bethan says that the firm is also equipped to offer technical growing advice and has a strong philanthropic outlook.

Marking the launch of the new venture, YourGreen is supporting Children’s Gardening Week by donating wildflower packs to schools across Shropshire.

“Our aim is to encourage schools to take part in rewilding areas of the UK, educating children across the county about how planting wildflowers can support wildlife, conservation and connect with nature to increase quality of life,” she adds.

To find out more about YourGreen, visit the website at https://your-green.co.uk/ or follow on Facebook or Instagram at @yourgreenltd.

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COMPO EXPERT introduce Kick® ‘Fairway’

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COMPO EXPERT introduce Kick® ‘Fairway’: Leading European fertiliser producer COMPO EXPERT has introduced the highly-effective Kick® Fairway wetting agent into the Kick® product portfolio – to help Turf Managers economically and effectively deal with water efficiency issues on sports turf and golf course fairways by keeping the grass sward in excellent condition during drought periods.

Kick® Fairway joins the well-established and highly-effective Kick® family of wetting agents, which includes the Kick® concentrate and Kick® LDS brands for sand-based turf environments. These best-selling European wetting agents are between four and six times more concentrated that other wetting agents on the market – offering superior performance and economy.

COMPO EXPERT introduce Kick® ‘Fairway’

COMPO EXPERT introduce Kick® ‘Fairway’

Designed to improve water infiltration in hydrophobic situations, the environmentally-friendly Kick® Fairway wetting agent, helps Turf Managers increase their effective water management by improving water penetration and absorption in all natural soil profiles. Kick® products reduce the effects of drought conditions and stress by promoting root growth into deeper horizons. This NEW product provides a cost-effective answer to large outfield areas across golf and sports turf, while utilising the unique global Kick® technology.

Kick® Fairway application rate is 2 litres per hectare in 600 litres of water. For best results, apply monthly from April to September.

COMPO EXPERT National Sales Manager, Matt Williams, says that the extremely effective Kick® Fairway wetting agent has been introduced to the Kick® portfolio to allow Turf Managers to improve the quality of their fairways and sports surfaces in a cost-effective manner, while having the benefits of Kick® technology. Kick® Fairway will ensure that turf can respond to the vagaries of the weather and retain that much valued sward in the height of the season.

Kick® Fairway is available from Agrovista Amenity. https://amenity.agrovista.co.uk/

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