Turf News is the perfect place for professionals working within the UK’s vibrant turf industry – keeping you up-to-date with topical news, latest market developments and much more across all areas of the industry.
NEWS ARTICLES

Agrovista Amenity Partners with Worcestershire FA

/in , /by

Agrovista Amenity Partners with Worcestershire FA: Agrovista Amenity is proud to announce a new 12-month partnership with Worcestershire Football Association (FA) aimed at supporting the grassroots football community by providing comprehensive grass pitch care solutions.

As a recommended provider for all Worcestershire FA clubs and organisations, Agrovista Amenity will deliver a range of services designed to improve grass pitch care and maintenance. This includes detailed soil agronomy work, which involves testing soil content in Agrovista’s state-of-the-art laboratory. Based on these insights, tailored pitch care packages will be recommended to optimise turf health and pitch presentation.

Agrovista Amenity Partners with Worcestershire FA

Agrovista Amenity Partners with Worcestershire FA

Agrovista Amenity offers a wide array of expertise and products, including fertilisers, grass seed, and soil agronomy services. These resources are designed to address the unique needs of each pitch, ensuring that every club benefits from superior playing surfaces.

Jack Handsaker, the Lead Football Development Officer for Facilities and Partnerships at Worcestershire FA, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “I am delighted to work with Agrovista to further enhance our offering to improve Worcestershire’s grass pitches. Our clubs and organisations will benefit from the great products and services offered this season.”

Dan Hughes, Head of Commercial for Agrovista Amenity, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “Partnering with Worcestershire FA perfectly complements our #ForOurSports campaign, reflecting our dedication to supporting our customers at every stage. This collaboration is focused on improving football pitch standards throughout the county, ensuring clubs have access to top-quality agronomic advice and products for their players and communities.”

Worcestershire FA’s Chief Operating Officer, Ollie Williams, emphasised the strategic importance of partnering with local companies: “We want to work with Worcestershire companies to support Worcestershire football. This is a key part of our new 4-year strategy for 2024-28, and we would love to hear from organisations who can contribute to the growth and development of local football.”

Through this partnership, Agrovista Amenity and Worcestershire FA are committed to driving the growth of grassroots football by ensuring that clubs have the resources and support they need to maintain outstanding playing surfaces.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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.

Bionema Appoints Stephen Ford

/in , , /by

Bionema Appoints Stephen Ford: Bionema Group Ltd, winner of King Awards in Innovation, a leading biocontrol technology developer specialising in sustainable biopesticides, biostimulants, and biofertilisers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Ford as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

Mr. Ford brings a wealth of expertise in agricultural biotechnology and pathology, particularly in developing eco-friendly solutions for crop protection and sustainable farming practices.

Bionema Appoints Stephen Ford

Bionema Appoints Stephen Ford

With over 20 years of experience, Stephen Ford is a seasoned innovator and plant pathologist with a strong background in mycology and phytopathogenic diseases. He has an impressive track record in founding and leading companies focused on sustainable agriculture across New Zealand, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. His expertise spans agricultural biotechnology, research and development, pest and disease management, and product commercialisation. As the founder of Biotelliga Holdings Ltd , Ecolibrium Biologicals Holdings Limited and Cellora Limited, Stephen was pivotal in developing and commercialising new biological insecticides and securing strategic partnerships with major industry players, including Syngenta. His proven leadership in bringing innovative products to market instils confidence in Bionema’s future.

In his new role as CTO at Bionema, Mr Ford will drive the company’s technological vision and strategy. He will establish a centre of excellence in biocontrol in Wales, leading a team of 10 skilled scientists and researchers. His leadership will be crucial in overseeing the development of innovative biotechnology products and ensuring the company’s technology development aligns with its strategic goals. Stephen will also play a key role in managing the build-out of a new research facility in Wales and production facilities overseas. These facilities will be instrumental in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and the successful commercialisation of Bionema’s products.

Prof. Dylan Jones, Chairman of Bionema Group Ltd, expressed his confidence in Stephen Ford’s ability to lead the company’s technological advancements. He stated, “We are thrilled to have Stephen join our executive team. His vast experience in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture and his proven leadership in bringing innovative products to market make him the ideal person to drive Bionema’s technological advancements. We are confident that our research and development efforts will reach new heights under his leadership, further solidifying Bionema’s position as a leader in sustainable crop protection.”

Dr. Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group Ltd, added, “Stephen’s appointment as CTO marks a significant milestone for Bionema. His deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our industry, coupled with his passion for sustainable farming, will be instrumental in achieving our mission to develop environmentally friendly solutions for crop protection. We look forward to working closely with Stephen to bring our innovative products to market and make a lasting impact on global agriculture.”

Stephen Ford commented on his new role: “I am excited to join Bionema and contribute to the company’s mission of promoting sustainable farming practices. The opportunity to lead a talented R&D team and work on pioneering biotechnology solutions aligns perfectly with my passion for developing sustainable alternatives to traditional agricultural chemicals. I look forward to driving innovation and helping Bionema deliver on its commitment to enhancing crop protection and plant health”.

Stephen Ford holds a Master’s in Plant Pathology and a Bachelor’s in Horticulture Science from Massey University, New Zealand. He has been recognised for contributing to the agricultural biotechnology industry with several awards, including the prestigious Auckland University Entrepreneurs Challenge and the NZ Bio Award.

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.

GreenTek’s Dyna-Seeder Units Transform Greens at Scarcroft Golf Club

/in , /by

GreenTek’s Dyna-Seeder Units Transform Greens at Scarcroft Golf Club: Over the past eight years, Matt Houseman, Head Greenkeeper at Scarcroft Golf Club near Leeds, has successfully transformed the grass composition of his greens using Dyna-Seeder overseeder units from GreenTek.

Matt has been implementing a consistent overseeding program, using the Dyna-Seeders 2-3 times a year, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable.

GreenTek’s Dyna-Seeder Units Transform Greens at Scarcroft Golf Club

GreenTek’s Dyna-Seeder Units Transform Greens at Scarcroft Golf Club

“Before we owned them, we were overseeding and getting about 30% uptake, but with the use of the Dyna-Seeders we’re getting between 70 to 75% uptake, possibly even more” said Matt.  “Two to three weeks after seeding we can see distinct lines of new seed coming through, which is obviously very pleasing”

Matt says that since he started using the Dyna-Seeder units, the bent grass content in his greens has increased significantly.   This transformation is a testament to the effectiveness of the Dyna-Seeders’ technology. “As a piece of machinery, they have had probably the biggest impact of any machine we have bought in the past decade” states Matt.

 

Marcus Oliver, GreenTek’s product Development Manager says “When we visited Scarcroft recently, they were overseeding during the midst of a ladies’ competition day.  The minimal disturbance to the putting surfaces was outstanding, enabling the overseeding to proceed without disrupting play”.

Scarcroft Golf Club is just one of the many courses throughout the country who by lightly overseeding multiple times a year have managed to steadily improve the grass composition and playing quality of their greens.

For more information on the Dyna-Seeders Click Here

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.

Avant Compact Loader Revolutionises Tree Peaks Operations

/in , /by

Avant Compact Loader Revolutionises Tree Peaks Operations: Founded five years ago, Tree Peaks has built a reputation for delivering quality tree surgeon services across Lancashire, the Yorkshire Dales, the Forest of Bowland, and the Lake District.

Specialising in domestic tree work and log processing, Tree Peaks found itself facing increasing demand for its firewood business. To meet this demand and to streamline operations, owner Bertie Pighills turned to Avant compact loaders.

Avant Compact Loader Revolutionises Tree Peaks Operations

Avant Compact Loader Revolutionises Tree Peaks Operations

“We first started with a different loader, but that wasn’t really doing the job,” Bertie recalls. “So, we went onto having an Avant, and it’s just been brilliant. It has changed the business, I would say.”

Investing in the Avant 635, Tree Peaks gained access to a powerful and efficient machine perfectly suited for professional use. With a lifting capacity of 2.8 meters and a telescopic boom, the Avant 635 proved to be a game-changer.

Equipped with a range of attachments, including buckets, forks, and a hydro rotation timber grab, the Avant 635 enabled Tree Peaks to diversify its services and handle a variety of tasks with ease.

The versatility of the Avant, combined with its manoeuvrability in tight spaces, impressed Bertie and his team.

“The Avant is just perfect,” continues Bertie. “The pivot steer is excellent for moving around the greenhouse and other tight access jobs. It is so quick and easy to change attachments too.

“For me, the weight and the size of it, and the amount it can lift, is a big factor. We can quite easily put it on a trailer and take it to a different place every time. Everything is great about the 635.”

Working closely with Rob Atkinson and the team from APSV, the main dealers for Avant compact loaders in North Yorkshire, Co. Durham, and Northumberland, Tree Peaks experience continuous support and service, further enhancing their Avant experience.

“I highly recommend both the Avant loader and APSV,” Bertie concludes. “Both work incredibly well for me.”

With the Avant compact loader at their disposal, Tree Peaks has streamlined operations, expanded their services, and elevated their business to new heights.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/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.

Origin Amenity Solutions Launches Weather Station

/in , /by

Origin Amenity Solutions Launches Weather Station: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is proud to announce the launch of the OAS Weather Station, offering reliable weather data on-the-go for turf professionals.

This compact, wireless cellular device is designed to aid turf management decisions. With its smart dashboard app, the OAS Weather Station delivers comprehensive weather data straight to a mobile device

Origin Amenity Solutions Launches Weather Station

Origin Amenity Solutions Launches Weather Station

The OAS Weather Station is a game-changer for those in the turf management industry. Its seamless connection to a smart dashboard app on mobile devices provides users with access to historical records, real-time conditions, and weather predictions from anywhere. Offering real-time data collection, the combination of sensor parameters will help turf managers plan, co-ordinate and make informed decisions for all their turf management jobs

Real-time Conditions: The OAS Weather Station provides real-time weather data, showing users how conditions are changing moment by moment. This enables the flexible and quick alteration of turf management plans, ensuring unpredictable weather conditions are handled with agility and precision.

Soil Probe Data: With the ability to monitor soil conditions, the OAS Weather Station offers insights into what is happening beneath the surface of the turf. This information is crucial for guiding turf management practices, helping users to understand the soil moisture and temperature levels to make more informed decisions.

Spraying Window and Conditions: Gain an in-depth insight into current and upcoming spraying conditions. The OAS Weather Station helps determine the best time to spray turf, ensuring optimal results and reducing the risk of ineffective applications due to adverse weather.

8-Day Forecast: The advanced 8-day forecast module enables turf managers to plan ahead, saving time and allowing for the strategic allocation of resources. This foresight helps in scheduling turf maintenance activities in accordance with upcoming weather patterns.

Historical Weather Data: Access to historical weather data enables turf managers to analyse past conditions and make more informed future predictions.  This feature aids in understanding trends and patterns, further enhancing turf management strategies.

Comprehensive support: To ensure the seamless operation of the OAS Weather Station, OAS offers a service contract that includes daily status checks, 2 maintenance visits per year, and the pledge to remedy faults within 5 working days.

The base model of the OAS Weather Station comes equipped with a suite of comprehensive essential sensors, which include, Temperature, Relative Humidity, Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Global Radiation (Solar Radiation), Barometric Pressure, and Rain Gauge. For those turf managers who require enhanced monitoring, optional sensors are available that monitor the temperature/relative humidity at ground level, the leaf wetness at ground level, and the soil moisture/temperature.

For more information or to arrange a free, no-obligation demonstration, call Angus Finlayson on 07917 250226 or email at angus.finlayson@originamenity.com.

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.