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NEWS ARTICLES

Bionema Appoints Stephen Ford

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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.

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

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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

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Avant Compact Loader Revolutionises Tree Peaks Operations

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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

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Origin Amenity Solutions Launches Weather Station

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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.

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Makita adds powerful backpack blower

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Makita adds powerful backpack blower: In the latest expansion of its range of outdoor power equipment, Makita has launched the UB004C 36V Battery Backpack Blower. Easy and comfortable to use, the new blower delivers outstanding levels of air volume and blowing force and is powered by the Makita PDC1200 or PDC1500 portable power packs to achieve excellent runtimes.

The powerful and versatile UB004C has a variable speed trigger with cruise control and three speed modes to regulate the maximum blowing force, allowing it to be used for a wide range of applications. In the highest setting it delivers a blowing force of 25 newtons (N) and an air volume of up to 20.9m3 per minute (in boost mode). The UB004C also features a boost mode that provides 28N of blowing force for a limited time. The new blower has a telescopic nozzle and depending on the user requirements, it can be fitted with three different nozzle ends.

Makita adds powerful backpack blower

Makita adds powerful backpack blower

The UB004C is powered by either the Makita PDC1200 or PDC1500 ‘Connect X’ portable power packs. These backpack-mounted power sources feature 33.5Ah and 43.5Ah batteries respectively and can be used with a wide range of Makita’s twin 18V (36V) LXT or 40VMax XGT tools as well as machines like the UB004C, that have a direct connection. Using the PDC1500, the UB004C has a continuous runtime of up to 200 minutes, which provides ample trigger time for a typical day’s work. For ease of use, there is a clear and simple to read battery-level gauge on the grip.

The backpack configuration of the UB004C means that the weight of the battery and machine is comfortably distributed across the user’s shoulders, back and waist meaning it can be used for longer without fatigue. The backpack harness has been redesigned from previous similar models to provide a further reduction of stress on the user’s shoulders. It also features an adjustable control grip to suit the user’s size and preferred working posture with 180mm of forward and backward movement and 180º of left to right adjustment.

Mark Earles, Business Development Manager OPE at Makita said: “The UB004C delivers the power and easy control that professionals require. It is ideal for landscape and grounds maintenance contractors as well as in-house facilities maintenance teams, especially those already using the portable power packs with other tools. With a performance that easily matches that of the petrol alternatives, the UB004C provides a quieter, safer and more sustainable option for even the most demanding tasks.”

To find out more visit www.makitauk.com.

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