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NEWS ARTICLES

Glyphosate Roadshow A Success

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Glyphosate Roadshow A Success: Complete Weed Control’s glyphosate roadshow has been hailed as a huge success after the series of seminars offered vital guidance on the application of glyphosate to over 150 delegates throughout four UK locations.

Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used herbicide and has been proven to be effective in controlling unwanted vegetation in public spaces, gardens and in agriculture. However, over recent years it has been exposed to an abundance of scrutiny and debate which has left more unanswered questions and created further confusion.

Glyphosate Roadshow A Success

In this series of seminars, which took place in York, Bristol, London and Stirling, Complete Weed Control aimed to provide a greater clarity on glyphosate, as managing director Ian Graham explained in his introduction at each venue.

“As an organisation we felt it was time to put together a series of seminars to deal with the issues surrounding glyphosate and its use in the amenity sector. There has been a considerable and sustained volume bad press and a much negativity surrounding this product – so we felt it was essential that we explore the reality and present the data that exists from numerous agencies around the world that have all declared this product to be safe.

“As contractors we are very happy that our using it is entirely appropriate as it delivers a safe, environmentally sound and cost-effective means of dealing with weeds.”

Following Ian’s introduction, Bayer’s Roundup Technical Development Manager Barrie Hunt shared his wealth of knowledge and offered a fantastic insight into the history and development of glyphosate.  Barrie also discussed how and why glyphosate was re-approved for use in the EU back in 2017 and provided best practice information to help delegates plan ahead for their 2019 weed control programmes.

Commenting on his participation in the roadshow, Barrie said: “I got involved because I believe the stewardship of glyphosate and our Roundup brand is incredibly important – it is not something that can be left to chance.

“These seminars have been a great opportunity to engage with so many local authorities and contractors and to present the facts about glyphosate, present the science about glyphosate, and to address everybody’s questions which have ranged from glyphosate safety through to the specifics of controlling Japanese Knotweed.

“Without doubt this amenity usage is the place where pesticides meet the public so we have a responsibility to ensure that they have a good clear stewardship message and that they understand the safety of glyphosate.”

Delegates also got the chance to see a live demonstration of the Weed-IT machine and discovered the environmental and productivity benefits that this unique technology offers the industry. Developed specifically for the control of weeds on public footpaths and similar hard surface areas in urban situations, the WeedIT technology allows for spot treatment, which is a label requirement for glyphosate.

Complete Weed Control’s Technical Director Alan Abel then went on to further discuss spot treatment options and provide greater clarity on glyphosate label legislation.  Alan also talked about the relative costs of alternative treatments such as acid, heat and hand weeding, concluding that the WeedIT machine is both financially and environmentally economical.

To conclude Ian Graham presented information regarding the ongoing Japanese Knotweed trials currently taking place in Cardiff in partnership with Swansea University– which have demonstrated that glyphosate is the product that best controls Japanese Knotweed making it more important still that this valuable active ingredient is not lost through lack of knowledge and understanding.

Each seminar concluded with a Q&A session before lunch, and Ian Graham was pleased to see each event so well attended.

“Over the four venues we have seen in excess of 150 delegates, which we consider to be a success. These delegates are keen to learn the truth about glyphosate – they are the ones dealing with the public and are being asked the difficult questions. They want to make sure they have the answers at their disposal for when they are asked and I think these seminars have provided them with the knowledge they need.

“As an industry, I think it is very important that we collectively put our weight behind supporting glyphosate. It is important to us and it is important to be able to deal with weeds effectively and in an environmentally sound fashion.

“We are looking to reach out and gain more support from other organisations within our industry and hopefully that will continue to have positive results in representing the product.

As a consequence of the shows we are now developing an online product that will be launched in January that will serve as an information resource for clients and the public alike.”

For more information, please contact Complete Weed Control’s national office on 01325 324 277 or visit www.completeweedcontrol.co.uk

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Two Toro Launches At BTME

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Two Toro Launches At BTME: Reesink Turfcare are kicking off 2019 with the launch of two new Toro fine turf machines at BTME.

Full details of both machines are being kept under wraps until the show, but what the company can reveal is that one takes a popular ride-on greens mower and makes it super quiet, while the other brings new innovation to pedestrian mowing.

Two Toro Launches At BTME

In the first, a proven engine, no more hydraulics and a significant reduction in operator noise, but with the familiar feel of its series counterparts will undoubtedly create a great deal of interest with UK greenkeepers and course managers keen to up their green credentials.

The second launch improves the operator experience without affecting the quality of cut. The handle and suspension on this new pedestrian mower have all received the Toro touch and together means operation is simpler, cut is more consistent and adjustment is even easier.

This new Toro two will be joined on stand 420 in the Purple Zone by the Outcross, Toro’s first super-duty utility vehicle. The Outcross combines the best elements of a tractor with a utility vehicle that’s been purpose-built to expand the operators’ capacity for work, allowing them to do more with less. With the power to tow 16,000lbs and an optional cargo bed that can hold 4,500lbs of materials, its sheer strength is astonishing.

Completing the Toro machinery line-up will be the latest ‘flagship’ machines for greenkeeping professionals. They include the Reelmaster 5010-H; the machine which introduced the industry to a fairway mower with a true hybrid drive system to seamlessly match the power needed for traction and cutting based on mowing conditions.

Also in the Reelmaster category and at the show will be the RM3555-D, the hard-working, economical mower and lightest in its category, which can climb hills while running groomers and rear roller brushes yet uses less fuel per acre than traditional fairway mowers.

Completing the line-up are the Workman GTX-E, the mid-duty electric utility vehicle with over 300 configuration options, and myTurf Pro, the web-based asset management system providing machinery data for efficient fleet maintenance.

Holly Jones, marketing manager at Reesink, says: “These two machines promise to be a big hit with customers and the show provides the perfect launch platform. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the stand, where our specialist machinery team will be on hand to give help and advice about all our products.”

See all this – and more – on stand 420 in the Purple Zone.

For more information, visit: reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Dennis & SISIS To Exhibit At STMA

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Dennis & SISIS To Exhibit At STMA: Dennis and SISIS will be heading to Arizona in January to showcase an all-star line-up of equipment at the 2019 Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Conference and Exhibition, including the recently launched Dennis PRO 34R rotary mower and the Syn-Pro SVR 1500 synthetic turf cleaner.

As Dennis and SISIS continue to fly the flag for British turf maintenance equipment, it is no surprise that many of the machines are being relied upon by a large number of turf managers in the states. The British manufacturers have been regular exhibitors at the annual STMA Conference and Exhibition and have reported great success over recent years.

Dennis & SISIS To Exhibit At STMA

When the 30th STMA Conference and Exhibition takes place January 22 -25 in Phoenix, Arizona, Dennis and SISIS will be looking forward to continuing this trend as they introduce new products to existing and new customers.

One of which will be the hotly anticipated and newly launched Dennis PRO 34R rotary mower. This unique 34” (860mm) rotary mower has been designed to help turf managers achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance and desired playing surface. It is ideal for sports pitches producing the enviable ‘Dennis Stripes’ while a powerful vacuum flow collects debris quickly and efficiently. The angle of the cutting deck and twin blades can be easily adjusted using a single ‘click adjuster’ ensuring the mower is suitable for changing conditions and meeting groundsmen’s requirements.

The PRO 34R features 5 forward and 1 reverse selection for speed of operation, a front brush for standing grasses upright and a 2 section cast aluminium rear roller for that all-important presentation.

Visitors to the Dennis and SISIS stand will also be pleased to see the new SVR 1500 synthetic turf cleaner which is the latest product to be added to the Syn-Pro range. The SVR 1500 deep turf cleaner is a tractor mounted system that removes not only large debris from the infill but also finer dust particles before returning the ‘cleaned’ infill back to the surface.

Designed for use on either sand or rubber filled surfaces, the SVR 1500 is ideal for deep cleaning and aiding de-compaction. Operators will notice that this process allows water to permeate through, which can help to reduce bacteria, algae and moss and minimize the risk of player injury.

Dennis & SISIS To Exhibit At STMA

No doubt many visitors will already be familiar with the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 tractor mounted vertical action aerator, which has gained plaudits from turf managers, organisations and independent research institutes. This popular machine injects air directly into the root zone speeding up the aeration process, moving air uniformly throughout the root zone for complete aeration and not just where the tines have penetrated the surface. Those operating the Javelin Aer-Aid have the flexibility to alternate tines for other operations such as hollow coring prior to top dressing. Other benefits include a fast forward speed for excellent productivity, minimal maintenance and a smooth and quiet operation.

Also featuring prominently on the stand will be the SISIS SSS1000 – a tractor mounted sweeper which can be pulled by any machine. There are no tools required for the adjustment of the brush or the angle of the draw bar and to make storage easy the draw bar lifts to an upright position. With an aluminium hopper with stainless steel mesh, any infill that is collected when using the machine is returned back down to the surface leaving it free from contamination of debris.

Last but certainly not least is the Dennis G860 cylinder mower which is used at many high-profile stadia. The mower features a large diameter front roller with an adjustable scraper which has been designed for a precise height of cut control, giving an excellent finish.

Weighing just 166kg, it is light and extremely versatile due to the interchangeable cassette system. With a simple one minute changeover, users have the option of fitting eleven different types of heads including scarifiers, verticutters, brushes, spikers, slitters and cutting cylinders.

Further information about the range of maintenance products available can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com.

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Toro Instrumental For Golf Course Reinvention

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Toro Instrumental For Golf Course Reinvention: Toro machinery has been instrumental in the reinvention of two municipal golf clubs located in the South Liverpool and Merseyside areas.

Managed by golf operators Green Circles Estates, there has been a heavy investment in the vision to create two venues providing accessible, affordable golf for all. As a result, Allerton Manor Golf Club in South Liverpool and Sherdley Park Golf Course in St Helens, Merseyside have both undergone significant transformations in recent years.

Toro Instrumental For Golf Course Reinvention

When Green Circle Estates became the Operating Partner with Liverpool City Council in 2015 for Allerton Manor Golf Course, it was an easy decision to purchase a fleet of Toro machinery to maintain the greens. Confidence in Toro was confirmed when Green Circle Estates became the Operating Partner of St Helens Council in May 2018 for Sherdley Park Golf Course and additional Toro machinery was purchased.

Significant investment has gone into the leisure facilities at Allerton Manor Golf Club, there is The Old Stables Restaurant, The Hay Loft Function Room and Fletcher’s Bar. There are plans in place for a new clubhouse at Sherdley Park Golf Course and both have benefitted from substantial investment to the golf courses.

Bryan Joelson-Mulhall, director of golf says: “The investment and redevelopment of each is in a bid to provide an affordable and accessible golf offering true to the courses’ pay and play roots, but with the kind of facilities and standards expected at private members’ golf clubs. We support public access and welcome anyone to play and enjoy the facilities at either of these fantastic golfing locations.”

Allerton Manor Golf Club has benefitted from new Championship tees, bunkers and reshaped fairways, and Bryan says: “The investment in state-of-the-art Toro greenkeeping machinery will now improve the playability of the course, focusing on raising the standard and improving the quality of the turf across the site. Only Toro was ever considered for this role.”

Toro is used exclusively at both clubs and Richie Shields, as Allerton Manor’s new head greenkeeper explains: “I’ve used all the brands in my career and I always revert back to Toro thanks to its exceptional track record for performance and for, time and again, delivering a good result. It has been great to join Allerton Manor Golf Club at this exciting stage in its development, with investment being made, plans being realised and a brand-new fleet of machinery, to ensure we achieve the objectives for the course.”

The fleet deal includes the Reelmaster 3100-D, two Greensmaster 1600 and two Greensmaster 1000 pedestrian mowers, a Greensmaster TriFlex 3400, a Reelmaster 5510-D, Groundsmaster 3500-D and two Groundsmaster 4000-D machines. These are joined by two aerators in the ProCore 648 and SR48, the ProPass 200 topdresser, two Workman HDX utility vehicles, a debris blower 600 and a TYM T353 compact tractor, all supplied by dealer Cheshire Turf Machinery and Reesink Turfcare, a UK distributor of Toro and TYM Tractors.

It’s the pedestrian mowers Richie is so pleased to see arrive: “I’m very much in favour of hand-cutting the greens, there’s less disruption, you can get a faster pace on the greens and it improves presentation.”

Allerton Manor Golf Club is the first municipal pay and play golf course in the UK to undergo this kind of high-level refurbishment. Alongside the work being done to reinvent the Manor House and put the newly refurbished leisure and dining facilities on the South Liverpool map, are plans for lengthening the par 67 18-hole course to a par 72 Championship course.

The next course operated by Green Circle Estates to benefit from similar refurbishment is Sherdley Park Golf Course. Aiding the large-scale improvement works there are a new Reelmaster 6700-D fairway mower, Groundsmaster 4000-D for cutting roughs and surrounds, Greensmaster TriFlex 3400 for pristine tees and greens and the durable Workman HDX utility vehicle.

Partnering with Green Circle has enabled Liverpool City Council and St Helen’s Council to bring to an end to the uncertainty over the sites’ futures, breathing life back into the community surrounding each and creating leisure resorts and golfing facilities for all to access and enjoy.

There are exciting future plans for both clubs, both on and off the course and Toro will play a key part in on-course developments across the Green Circle Estates portfolio.

For more information, visit: reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Aqua Aid BTME Preview

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Aqua Aid BTME Preview: Aqua Aid Europe BV is bringing an exclusive range of patented Makro Organics’ turf grass, soil and water treatment products to Harrogate for BTME 2019 in Red Hall, Stand 238.

South African company, Makro Organics, currently offer their products in seven international regions and 17 countries with Aqua Aid Europe becoming their exclusive distributor them in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Aqua Aid BTME Preview

Makro Organics are pioneers in environmental technology and offer alternatives to conventional chemical treatments and perfectly match the ethos of Aqua Aid Europe whose products fit into natural programmes.

Both companies recognise the impending shift away from chemicals in sports turf and the challenges that bring, along with weather factors, and guarantee to resolve common issues faced in the industry on a daily basis.

Owner and Managing Director of Aqua Aid Europe, Hans de Kort, is excited to be launching these products to the UK and European turf industry at BTME 2019 in Harrogate.

He said: “As an industry, there are clear demands for an environmentally conscious approach and Marko Organics can help greenkeepers achieve that.

“In Holland, all sports turf will be chemical free in 2020 and there will inevitably be similar initiatives throughout Europe. This is causing greenkeepers and groundsmen to source new solutions to common issues and as product suppliers, it is our job to offer these solutions.

“I strongly believe we have what is needed by the industry going forward and I am very proud to add such a successful range of products to our catalogue, and I look forward to introducing everyone to them at the show.”

The range of products tackles common issues in turf, soil and water. OxyTurf provides a solution to black layer and compaction while increasing percolation and compaction by introducing low levels of oxygen as part of a biological process.

Aqua Aid BTME Preview

OxyFlow provides a solution for pipe and irrigation systems, cleaning and flushing pipelines and canals of organic matter, scale and calcification as well as unblocking nozzles and filters. No control measures are required when releasing OxyFlow

OxyCure is applied to lakes & ponds, effluent streams and process water systems to reduce eutrophication that results in unnatural algae blooms and rapid aquatic plant expansion. It reduces filter clogging and accumulation in pipes and systems and has its results confirmed by world-renowned water consultants.

This range of products joins the already successful VerdeCal G, WormPower Turf, PBS-150, OARS HS and PS and Aquifer in offering greenkeepers an environmentally conscious approach that won’t be affected by law changes.

For more information on the range of products please visit www.aquaaid.eu

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