Turfgrass prices expected to rise in 2024

/in , /by

Turfgrass prices expected to rise in 2024: The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) has noted a concerning trend following a year of unpredictable and extreme weather conditions across the UK in 2023. Members of the association have reported that the changeable weather, combined with other factors, is likely to lead to an increase in turfgrass prices in 2024.

The past year saw a spectrum of climatic challenges, from prolonged summer droughts to heavy rainfall in autumn and winter. These conditions, exacerbated by stringent chemical legislation have
led to increased disease vulnerability and impacted turfgrass harvest yields.

Turfgrass prices expected to rise in 2024

Turfgrass prices expected to rise in 2024

The Met Office has highlighted the visible effects of climate change globally, including risks to water supplies, localised flooding, altered seasonality, heat stress, and the expanding habitat range of pests – all of which are concerns for the turfgrass industry. Predictions of warmer, wetter winters, hotter, drier summers, and more frequent intense weather events add further pressure to turfgrass cultivation.

Richard Owens, Chair of the TGA, stated, “Our members are finding 2023 to be a particularly challenging year for turfgrass production. This trend is expected to continue, necessitating an industry-wide adjustment in turfgrass pricing to offset the increasing costs of production.”

In addition to weather challenges, other factors contributing to the anticipated price increase include the rising cost of fertilisers and fuel, supply chain disruptions, and the need for more sustainable growing practices. The TGA is committed to supporting its members through these challenges, advocating for industry needs, and promoting best practices in sustainable turfgrass production.

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 and Instagram 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.

FSI embark on new chapter in the UK

/in , /by

FSI embark on new chapter in the UK: FSI Stump Cutters, leading manufacturer of high-quality stump grinders, are pleased to announce a strategic expansion in the UK market with the establishment of FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of the Danish manufacturing company.

The move signifies FSI’s commitment to strengthening their market position and providing a more streamlined, localised service to meet the requirements of end users.

FSI embark on new chapter in the UK

FSI embark on new chapter in the UK

A prominent name in the UK arb industry for over a decade, FSI are widely recognised for their high-quality, reliable range of stump grinders – especially the popular collection of handlebar stump grinders which set the industry standard for processing efficiency and have therefore been market leading in their category for many years.  The strategic decision taken to work directly with carefully selected distribution partners facilitates new growth opportunities, streamlined communication between the UK and head office and enhanced support, training and development for those providing sales and support to operators old and new.

A key component of the new distribution strategy is the introduction of Lee Hatton, who brings a wealth of arboriculture, groundcare and agricultural knowledge and experience to his new role of Sales Director for FSI Stump Cutters UK. Lee is a passionate and dedicated sales professional having spent the last six years with leading machinery dealers Lister Wilder and is committed to building and supporting the new network of FSI partners around the country.

On his new role, Lee commented “My passion for the industry, coupled with my extensive experience in machinery sales will drive our efforts to provide top-notch service. I look forward to working closely with our valued partners, providing them with technical and practical support where required, to ensure that FSI remains the preferred choice for stump cutting solutions.”

FSI Stump Cutters Managing Director Kim Schmidt adds, “We are thrilled to deepen our roots in the UK with this new subsidiary and are delighted to welcome Lee on board to help us achieve that. Our commitment has always been to provide exceptional quality and service. By establishing a closer connection with local partners, we aim to elevate the level of support and expertise available to owners and operators throughout the UK and reinforce our position as a leader in the arboriculture industry.”

Further details on the new nationwide network of distribution partners will be announced over the coming weeks.

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 and Instagram 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.

MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

/in , /by

MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence: Attendees at BTME 2024, visiting DLF’s stand 126 in Hall B, can anticipate a showcase of cutting-edge products from the world’s premier grass seed breeder and producer.

In the face of increasing demands and pressures on modern greenkeepers to maintain a consistent playing surface, the pivotal elements for a top-tier golf course are seed quality, purity, and vigour. The MM range of seed mixtures stands out by utilising materials from the DLF Select programme, ensuring high purity and germination rates.

MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

For over three decades, greenkeepers and course managers have reaped the benefits of choosing the MM brand and its superior quality varieties. All MM varieties undergo thorough testing at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), guaranteeing that the final product meets the requirements for play, appearance, and maintenance.

Leading the way for golf greens is MM9, a three-way Browntop bent mixture that remains a top choice for renovations and species exchange. MM8, designed for links-style courses and sustainable golf, offers a three-way fescue mix with excellent disease resistance, drought tolerance, and minimal fertiliser requirements. MM Coastal is a great alternative to MM8 where salt spray is a concern, providing excellent salt tolerance for golf greens, tees, and fairways with its 100% Slender Creeping Red Fescue mix.

For golf course managers seeking a 100% Ryegrass Greens mix option, MM Supreme Ryegreen mix is the answer. It includes Singapore Perennial Ryegrass, known for its fine leaves, good shoot density, high disease resistance, and wear tolerance. This mix embodies the main benefits of perennial ryegrass, including fast establishment and wear tolerance in close mow situations.

If you’re in search of a mixture ideal for tees and fairways, consider MM50, a 100% ryegrass blend. It boasts rapid establishment, quick recovery from divot scarring, high wear tolerance, and an extremely fine appearance. Meanwhile, for links-style fairways where damage and wear are less prevalent, MM13 is well-suited. With a high percentage of Crystal Hard Fescue, it offers excellent drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements for this challenging environment.

DLF’s stand also provides information about the DLF Pro Flora and Colour Boost range of Wildflower mixtures, perfect for those looking to establish a traditional perennial flower meadow or create a vibrant display of annuals and perennials.

The MM team of amenity seed specialists will be present at BTME to discuss these products in more detail and offer their expertise to address any queries attendees may have.

For further information, please contact DLF UK on 01386 719758 or visit the MM website www.mm-seeds.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 and Instagram 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.