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

Dundee FC’s Infinicut SM34 brings quality and ease-of-use

Dundee FC’s Infinicut SM34 brings quality and ease-of-use: Scottish Premiership team, Dundee FC’s new Infinicut SM 34 rotary mower, which arrived in October, has considerably upgraded their mowing processes.

Speaking after a particularly hectic three-week period where the Dens Park side hosted five games, including both Rangers FC and Celtic FC, and neighbours Dundee United FC, twice, Paul Murray, head groundsperson, said:

Dundee FC’s Infinicut SM34 brings quality and ease-of-use

Dundee FC’s Infinicut SM34 brings quality and ease-of-use

“Our Inifinicut has been transformative in so many ways.

“If we start with the way I use it, the design focusses on ergonomics: handlebars are narrower, your arms are positioned more naturally, elbows tucked in so there’s less strain on your muscles, especially on turning. Operator experience is a priority, and it just feels much kinder.

“The quality of cut is exceptional; it’s almost as good as a cylinder mower, just a little bit to go. A rotary is used traditionally for clean-up but the quality of cut on this machine means you can use it up until match day -1 and just put the cylinder out for the final cut before the game.

With other rotaries, it would be usual to bring the cylinder mower out three or four times before match day, to get the desired quality, but the Infinicut cuts so well we can use it far more on the lead up. The cut is so clean and precise that there’s less chance for disease, which is another huge plus.”

“The third really crucial factor is transportation, and the dedicated transport wheels, so no strain on the back roller, you just engage the separate wheels.  This brings me the luxury of parking on the stadium concourse, putting it on charge as needed. I couldn’t do that with a heavier, less manoeuvrable mower, just on the back roller

“Finally, the app technology is on a different level. You can set traction speed, cutting speed, a boost mode and all your cutting parameters from an app on your phone, which is blue toothed to the machine. I can revise things according to the conditions, so if its dry you go a bit faster, wet then more slowly, and you can boost if its wet and there’s lot of debris, you ask for more revs and increased airflow so you can pick it up a little better. The height of cut is still manual- that’s just one spanner and one lock-in nut, but having everything else on your phone is just so professional.”

The lithium- powered 34-inch model chosen by Paul is specifically aimed at those managing pitches.

Fairways GM’s, Area Sales Manager, Mike Lindsay, based nearby at Kinross, and exclusive Scottish dealer for Infinicut, helped facilitate the demo and the installation with Infinicut National Sales Manager, Alan Jack, on hand, too.

Alan Jack said:

“Paul was genuinely enthusiastic for his new rotary. The demo went exceptionally well, and he had high expectations. Five months down the line, it’s great to know that he feels entirely the same way, that it really does do what he was promised, and the flawless finish he asked for, is now part of his routine.”

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.

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA: The Toro Company is pleased to announce that Richard Walne has been named managing director of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region for its International Business. In his new role, Walne will have leadership responsibility for the company’s equipment and water businesses in the region with a focus on advancing strategic customer priorities, strengthening its market positions and evolving the portfolio of innovative solutions.

Walne’s impressive career at The Toro Company spans 45 years, during which he has held various roles across the International Business. His journey with Toro began as a technical representative in Europe and from there he has had responsibilities around the world. He held senior marketing and product development roles in the United States, demonstrating great versatility and leadership. He then transitioned to the Asia Pacific, Australia and China (APAC) region, ultimately serving as managing director, APAC, a position he had held since 2000. With a deep passion for helping customers and a proven ability to inspire teams, Walne has made significant contributions to Toro’s growth and success throughout his career which he now brings to the EMEA region.

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA

Well-known and respected in the golf and premium sport markets for his extensive product knowledge and expertise, Walne played a key role in founding the Asian Golf Industry Federation and continues to drive education as chairperson of the Certificate in Greenkeeping Committee. A passionate supporter of Variety, The Children’s Charity, Walne has participated in the Annual Variety Bash since 2001, raising significant amounts to help children in South Australia who are sick, disadvantaged, or living with disability.

“Richard’s industry knowledge and impressive career at The Toro Company have been nothing short of exceptional,” said Amy Dahl, vice president, International at The Toro Company. “His contributions have significantly shaped our international business across the globe, and his dedication to our customers and teams is unparalleled. We are thrilled that Richard is moving into this role and are confident that he will help expand our market leadership and accelerate growth in this region moving forward.”

Walne will relocate to the United Kingdom over the next few months, marking a return to where he first began his storied career with The Toro Company.

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.

2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range

2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range: In their pursuit of high performance, sustainable seed solutions, DLF have introduced a number of new mixtures and formulations across the Johnsons Sports Seed range – all outlined in the brand-new 2025 catalogue.

In a particularly exciting expansion of their fine turf range, 2025 brings two new mixtures and seven new formulations, while research across DLF’s global breeding centres has contributed to their strongest ever line-up for sports turf.

2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range

2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range

Building on the success of Johnsons J Ultrafine Rye 100, 2025 brings increased versatility with the introduction of J Ultrafine Rye 25 and J Ultrafine Rye 50 – new 25% and 50% perennial ryegrass mixtures ideal for close mown applications such as greens, tees, and bowling greens, as well as high-traffic areas like fairways, pathways, tennis courts and cricket outfields. Blending highly ranked ultrafine ryegrass cultivars on the STRI close mown table, the range offers multiple benefits including fineness of leaf, wear tolerance, quick recovery, rapid establishment and sustainable performance.

Other highlights from the updated golf range include the new formulation of J Green which includes 20% Sybille, a new, No.1 ranked slender creeping red fescue for close mown turf. With its high density and disease tolerance, Sybille helps to supress unwanted weeds and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides. Sybille is also incorporated in the 2025 formulations of J Fescue, J Links and J Premier Tee.

For sports turf, the 2025 Johnsons range utilises the latest global research on disease trends and resistance to give turf managers mixtures that help to protect their surfaces by choice, not by chance. Demonstrating exceptional disease resistance from Brown Patch and Grey Leaf Spot in trials, along with superior drought tolerance and reduced requirements for water and fertiliser, 4turf® mixtures remain a trusted and reliable partner to high performance maintenance programmes. 4turf® is available in 25, 50 and 100% formulations within the 2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range.

Johnsons also continues to lead the way with class-leading mixtures for cricket. The new 2025 formulation of J Premier Wicket promises to deliver class leading wear tolerance, rapid establishment and high disease resistance for village squares to county quality cricket squares.

In addition, DLF have invested heavily in their in-house production of native-origin wildflowers. A dedicated area at their Inkberrow site now spans over 80 acres, helping to sustain the increase in demand for mixtures from their ProFlora range.

More details on all the new additions are available in the new 2025 Johnsons Sports Seed brochure, or by visiting the website www.johnsonssportsseed.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.

Lister Wilder win the treble at Baroness dealer awards!

Lister Wilder win the treble at Baroness dealer awards!: After a record-breaking year of growth and success, Baroness UK celebrated achievements at BTME 2025 with the return of their annual dealer awards.

For the first time, the three categories of Highest Overall Machinery Sales, Highest Growth in Machinery Sales and Salesperson of the Year we’re all won by the team at Lister Wilder!

Lister Wilder win the treble at Baroness dealer awards!

Lister Wilder win the treble at Baroness dealer awards!

The Baroness UK dealer awards were introduced to recognise the outstanding individual and team efforts across the nationwide network. While it’s fair to say that 2024 presented its share of challenges, it was Lister Wilder who emerged as the winners of all three categories – achieving the treble and clean-sweep for the very first time. Alongside the team awards for overall sales and highest growth in machinery sales, the individual ‘Salesperson of the Year’ award was presented to Lister Wilder’s David Gray.

“It was a huge surprise, and an incredible honour to find out we’d scooped all three awards” comments Phill Hughes, Sales Director for Lister Wilder. “I am especially pleased for David Gray who has championed Baroness and shown his total dedication to our golf customers over the last twelve months. This recognition goes some way to reward him for all the hard work he’s put in. Of course, we couldn’t achieve what we have without the support of Team Baroness and our aftersales departments, so we’d like to thank them all as we look ahead to another positive year.”

“All of our dealers have put in an incredible effort throughout 2024 and it becoming our best year yet would simply not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our entire network” adds Baroness UK Sales Director Adam Butler. “We continue to strive for the very best equipment matched by world-leading backup, and we’re getting there year-on-year. The whole team at Baroness UK extend huge congratulations to David and the Lister Wilder team and thank all of our dealers and customers for their unwavering and ongoing support.”

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.

ICL & Syngenta Launch Ultimate Offers for 2025

ICL & Syngenta Launch Ultimate Offers for 2025: ICL and Syngenta are excited to announce the return of their Ultimate Offers for 2025, providing turf managers with cost-effective packages designed to deliver exceptional turf performance.

Each package includes Primo Maxx II, a proven growth regulator, along with other high-quality products to ensure reliable results. These offers deliver significant savings and allow turf managers to earn up to 15 Turf Rewards points.

ICL & Syngenta Launch Ultimate Offers for 2025

ICL & Syngenta Launch Ultimate Offers for 2025

The 2025 range includes the following packages, all featuring Primo Maxx II:

  • Ultimate Offer NK – earns 5 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
    • 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid NK
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • Ultimate Offer High N – earns 5 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
    • 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid High N
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • Ultimate Offer S&S – earns 5 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
    • 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid Spring & Summer
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • Ultimate Offer CalMag – earns 5 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
    • 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid CalMag
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • Ultimate Offer WSF/18 – earns 10 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 20L Primo Maxx II
    • 18 x 15kg Sportsmaster WSF High N
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • Ultimate Offer WSF/36 – earns 15 Turf Rewards points
    • 2 x 20L Primo Maxx II
    • 36 x 15kg Sportsmaster WSF High N
    • 1 x Syngenta Art of Application Kit
  • Ultimate Offer Iron – earns 5 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 10L Primo Maxx II
    • 1 x 200L Sportsmaster Liquid Fe
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • Ultimate Offer SMX – earns 5 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
    • 8 x 1kg Sportsmaster WSF SMX
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles

The Ultimate Offers for 2025 have been carefully designed to meet the needs of greens, stadia, fairways, roughs, and multi-pitch surfaces. With Primo Maxx II at the heart of every package, these offers provide turf managers with reliable, cost-effective solutions that combine quality, value, and rewards.

To learn more about the 2025 Ultimate Offers visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk or contact your local distributor.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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.