Stephen Bernhard to receive Outstanding Contribution Award

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Stephen Bernhard to receive Outstanding Contribution Award: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), has announced the finalists of the BIGGA Awards 2025, while also revealing that a lifelong supporter of greenkeeping is set to receive the association’s Outstanding Contribution Award with Kress.

The BIGGA Awards will be presented at the BIGGA Celebration with Kress, which takes place on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Celebration (BTME). Held in Harrogate each January, BTME is Europe’s largest gathering of golf greenkeepers and provides world class education and networking opportunities for BIGGA members and those working in the sports turf and golf industries.

Stephen Bernhard to receive Outstanding Contribution Award

Stephen Bernhard to receive Outstanding Contribution Award

At the BIGGA Celebration with Kress, Bernhard and Company founder Stephen Bernhard will be presented with the Outstanding Contribution Award. With an unwavering commitment to education and professional development, Stephen has provided countless opportunities for greenkeepers to achieve new heights, not least through his support of the BIGGA Delegation to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show and the establishment of the Bernhard Academy in 2019.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “Stephen Bernhard has been an inspirational character in our industry for decades and via his generous support – in particular of the BIGGA Delegation to the United States – he has made positive contributions to countless careers in greenkeeping. His enthusiasm for greenkeeping and the wider sports turf and horticultural sectors have been undimmed with the passing of time.

“He has always sought to innovate and challenge were appropriate and time spent with Stephen is always thought-provoking. I’m thrilled that we are able to recognise his outstanding commitment to our industry in this way.”

Stephen worked in his father Jeffrey Bernhard’s turf nursery and landscaping business from a young age. He formed Bernhard and Company in the 1970s and the business became a leading name in spin grinding in the 1980s with its renowned Anglemaster and Express Dual machines. Throughout its history Bernhard and Company has built a reputation for providing a range of innovative sharpening tools alongside educational support for greenkeepers and groundspeople and in 2008 the company was awarded the Queen’s Award for Industry.

Also to be presented at the BIGGA Celebration with Kress are the Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year with Bernhard and Company and the Greenkeeping Project of the Year with Price Turfcare awards. In both cases, the innovative thinking and creativity of BIGGA members are celebrated, with nominations being received throughout 2024. BIGGA is delighted to be able to reveal the finalists of these awards below.

BIGGA Awards finalists 2025:

Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year with Bernhard and Company

  • Burnham & Berrow Golf Club for the hosting of Final Qualifying for The 152nd Open in July.
  • Morlais Castle Golf Club for hosting the Men’s Welsh Team Championship in August.
  • Woburn Golf Club for hosting The G4D Open in May.

Greenkeeping Project of the Year with Price Turfcare

  • Cowdray Golf Club
  • Long Ashton Golf Club
  • Parkstone Golf Club

Further information about the finalists can be found in the January edition of Greenkeeper International and on the BIGGA website.

The BIGGA Celebration with Kress will be hosted by Sky Sports’s Sarah Stirk and is a free, informal event that will be held in the Harrogate Convention Centre’s Royal Hall on Tuesday 21 January 2025. All attendees to BTME are welcome to attend and more information can be found on the BIGGA website.

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New Origin launches at BTME

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New Origin launches at BTME: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), a leader in premium turf care solutions, will launch two groundbreaking fertiliser ranges at BTME 2025: their revolutionary Xtend CRF (Controlled Release Fertiliser) range and their precision-focused Microlite range.

These launches result from OAS’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge innovations for turf professionals.

New Origin launches at BTME

New Origin launches at BTME

Visitors to BTME 2025 will be able to explore OAS’s products in Hall 2, Stand 230, and discover TurfKeeper, OAS’s innovative digital platform, at Stand 200.

Xtend CRF: Featuring innovative technology

The Xtend CRF range is the first fertiliser on the market to benefit from two key fertiliser technologies, which, when combined, provide a true controlled release of nutrients.

The Xtend CRF range will feature four products. All will contain Origin’s ProTect controlled release technology, which uses temperature-primed nutrient release blended with inhibited nitrogen to slow the release. When formulated with freely available nitrogen, this combination provides a quick turf response followed by a consistent release of nutrients over three months.

Microlite: Precision Fertiliser for Optimal Performance

Launching alongside Xtend CRF is Microlite, a premium micro-granular fertiliser range containing multiple nitrogen sources for a consistent release of nutrients without any significant growth flushes. Micro-granule for maximum performance, Microlite can be applied at low application rates with superior coverage over other products in the market. The granules disperse quickly into the sward and break down rapidly to become available for plant uptake. The inclusion of methylene urea in some grades improves the longevity and slower availability of nitrogen.

TurfKeeper – A Digital Solution for Turf Management

OAS will also feature the TurfKeeper digital platform at stand 200, showcasing its capabilities to improve operational efficiency in turf management. TurfKeeper helps turf professionals manage tasks such as job scheduling, resource management, and performance tracking, providing valuable insights for optimised surface performance.

OAS Speakers at BTME 2025

OAS experts will lead several educational classes, sharing insights on cutting-edge research and practical turf management techniques. Don’t miss these key sessions:

  • Collecting & Using Data to Optimise Surface Performance
    January 19, 2025. | 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Queens Suite 6
    Geoff Fenn and Kelly Clack, will focus on collecting and utilising site-specific data to optimise turf performance.
  • Building a Fertiliser Plan for Beginners
    January 20, 2025. | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Crowne Plaza Ripley
    Geoff Fenn and Kelly Clack will advise on creating effective fertiliser plans.
  • The Latest UK Research – Data and New Technologies
    January 21, 2025. | 10:00 am – 10:45 am | Seminar Theatre, Hall 3
    Presented by Geoff Fenn and Kelly Clack, this session will explore research findings from the OAS Turf Science & Technology Centre, focusing on data, disease management, and sustainable turf practices.
  • Simple Repairs to Your Irrigation System
    January 22, 2025. |1:15 pm – 4:30 pm | Queens Suite 6
    Led by Peter Robin, this practical session will cover essential skills for maintaining and repairing irrigation systems.

For more information, visit www.originamenity.com

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Foley showcases the benefits of precision grinding

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Foley showcases the benefits of precision grinding: Foley Company’s UK and Ireland distributor, ProSport UK Ltd, will be on stand 550 Hall 5 at BTME 2025, demonstrating the unrivalled benefits of relief grinding and the new floor level Foley 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder.

A selection of Foley automated Accu-Pro cylinder grinders and Accu-Pro bedknife grinders will be on the stand for visitors to see and ask any questions they may have on this important aspect of workshop maintenance techniques.

Foley showcases the benefits of precision grinding

Foley showcases the benefits of precision grinding

The unrivalled automated features on the Accu-Pro 633 provide a step-by-step tutorial for new technicians and a quicker setup and spin grind feature for the more experienced operators. You tell the machine what you’re working on, and it automatically spin or relief grinds to completion. Pre-programmed spin speeds, relief torque, and in-feeds are only a few features in the ACCU-Touch 3 system that ensure efficiency and guarantee a quality grind with every use.

Joining the other machines will be Foley’s new floor level 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder. The new grinder is designed to accommodate the widest of mower cylinders and is a simple roll-on roll-off solution to grinding, with the machine sitting at floor level. The roll-on roll-off solution removes the need for heavy lifting facilities, revolutionizing how equipment managers view touch-up spin grinding.

It offers a fast, easy-operated option for providing a quick touch-up spin between regular relief grinding schedules, and is a solution for sharpening the extra wide, heavy mowers used on sports fields/pitches. The Foley 642 Quick-Spin features simple to use controls, counter balanced spin drive, patented front and rear clamping system for pedestrian mowers, and power rear positioning levers for cylinders. It will accept up to 42-inch reel width and operates on 240v/15a power.

ProSport UK Ltd Managing Director Ian Robson will run demonstrations throughout both days of GroundsFest and be available to discuss any questions or requirements.

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BOSS lines up for LAMMA

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BOSS lines up for LAMMA: BOSS Off-Road Vehicles will be at the LAMMA agricultural show to showcase the latest addition to their line-up.

The PathCross ATV is described by its manufacturer, AODES, as its newest sensation and a trailblazer in their off-road series. The PathCross boasts a modular design and a choice of several models featuring V-Twin engines in 650cc, 1000cc and the new single cylinder 525cc displacements. The main features include an Active Emission Cooling (AEC) system, superior ground clearance and suspension travel, hydraulic breaking operating four-wheel disc brakes, and an adjustable front and automatic rear differential system. BOSS says the PathCross complements the range of vehicles they distribute and support in the UK.

BOSS lines up for LAMMA

BOSS lines up for LAMMA

The Corvus Terrain range comprises the EX4 100% electric 4×4 utility vehicle and DX4 rugged diesel UTV. The Terrain is designed from the ground up for agriculture, groundscare, forestry, and construction work. The Powerland Tachyon is a complete, fully electric (Li-ion) road-legal ATV with tractor homologation, and environmental benefits. The Paxster range features all-electric, compact, and agile utility vehicles suited to an exceptionally wide range of applications. Built for sustainability, they are available as new, and 2nd Drive last nut and bolt factory refurbished models. Faunamaster products include multifunctional and timesaving compact seed drills, sprayers, and flail mowers designed for use with an ATV, UTV, or tractor. BOSS also distributes the Air-ROPS AR-QUAD, an automatic rollover protection system for ATVs that expands when the rollover is irreversible. It provides, they say, the highest level of protection and the most ergonomic solution on the market. BOSS Off-Road Vehicles are on Stand 6.830 at LAMMA.

For more information you can call 01785 561046 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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Experience the future with Baroness at BTME

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Experience the future with Baroness at BTME: Golf course management has entered a new era of efficiency and innovation, the very best of both will be showcased by Baroness on stand 624 at BTME 2025.

Two never-before-seen machines will be making their global debut in Harrogate – combining the craftmanship and industry-leading cut quality renowned with the Baroness brand, with the technology of tomorrow.

Experience the future with Baroness at BTME

Experience the future with Baroness at BTME

Due for release later in 2025, but being showcased at BTME in January, will be the LMB12 battery mower. The LMB12 is a lightweight, battery-operated pedestrian mower, compact at just 42cm in width and ideal for the delicate cutting on slopes such as steep bunker edges or the delivery of precise presentation on ornamental lawns and gardens. Providing the epitome of operator safety, the LMB12 promises the renowned Baroness samurai-sharp cylinder cut in a package which all-but eliminates noise and harmful emissions.

There will also be a first glance at an incredibly exciting expansion to the Baroness portfolio, in the form of the fully-autonomous ULM272 fairway mower. While it remains in early prototype phase, attendees at BTME will be able to see this first machine from their Unmanned Machine Series which is set to become the new industry standard.

Scheduled for launch in 2026, the ULM272 pairs 110-years of manufacturing experience with cutting-edge GPS technology to create a machine that will bring labour savings, boost efficiency and maintain the availability of your expertly skilled workforce.

The solutions for tomorrow will sit proudly alongside the best of what Baroness has to offer today, with machines including the LM551B fairway mower, GM2810A five-deck rotary mower and LM311 all-hydraulic triplex also on display. Another highlight is set to be the AgriMetal GR-660 greens roller. The high-spec yet affordable GR-660 model features a 66” roll width and is equipped with the solid, low-maintenance synchro belt drive system which allows smoother direction transitions.

More information on the entire Baroness range is available by speaking to the technical team, on hand to assist visitors to stand 624 across the three days.

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