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Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

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Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year: Professional spray tech, Dan Waring, has won the prestigious title of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY). Managing all the turf and amenity spraying at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Uttoxeter, he was praised for his meticulous attention to detail and adoption of new technologies to assure accurate application.

Dan’s ASOOTY award presentation was made as part of the glittering BIGGA industry awards at BTME in Harrogate this week (23 January 2024), along with the competition’s other finalists, Conrad Cavill of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon and Bryan Ramsey of Complete Weed Control, Scotland South East.

Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

The ASOOTY awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

Having worked for six years at JCB Golf, Dan has been the full-time spray tech for the past three seasons. One of the keys to his success has been continuous professional development, including  a year in the US on the Ohio State programme with an intensive focus on application skills.

He also regularly completes on-line sprayer training courses and tailoring the latest spraying technology and innovations from the agricultural sector to be adopted for amenity application. Working closely with course manager, Callum Wark, Dan’s role has been integral in using accurate application to deliver a full spectrum of conventional and biological plant protection products and nutrition, designed for a successful Integrated Turf Management approach to overall plant health and turf quality.

“I would urge all sprayer operators to undertake as much training as possible, to gain more knowledge on the products being used and the application technology,” he advocated. “That will enable people to be more confident in what they are doing, and give the spray tech’s role the credit it deserves.”

One of his top tips would be to lay out all the products required for the following day’s spraying, in the order they will be mixed, before leaving – so they can be methodically checked again and then added to the tank quickly and efficiently. He will also half fill the tank with clean water and pressure test for any visual leaks, before adding any chemical.

Presenting the award at BTME, Ian Graham, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: “The skills required to competently apply professional plant protection products are often overlooked. Along with the formal training and accreditation process, there is the experience that takes years to acquire.

“Winners of this award have elevated the application process to an art, be that with a knapsack or a boom sprayer, to help maintain the amazing playing surfaces that sport has become used to enjoying all year round,” he added.

“The Amenity Forum is delighted to work with ICL and Syngenta as the sponsors of this award and would like to congratulate Dan for upholding the highest of professional standards.”

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Development Manager, Lewis Blois, added: “We are delighted to support such an important cross-sector industry initiative with a continued commitment to raise standards and improve results.

“Importantly it has identified and recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

Sean Loakes, Syngenta Technical Manager, advocated the awards reflect the importance of an Integrated Turf Management (ITM) approach to responsible and sustainable turf and landscape maintenance.

“The skills of sprayer operators to make efficient, effective and above all safe applications are essential for the future sustainability of the amenity and turf care industry,” he advised.

“The ASOOTY awards are a welcome way to recognise and reward the leading individuals and for everyone to learn from their experience.”

Look out on the Amenity Forum website for more details and entry form for the launch of next year’s ASOOTY and your chance to win.

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Green-tech’s Jordan Webster takes a step up

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Green-tech’s Jordan Webster takes a step up: Green-tech is delighted to announce that Jordan Webster has been promoted to a Sales Manager.

The former Key account manager has stepped up to manage a sales team of eight from a larger sales team of circa 30 people.  Jordan will be helping to maintain the key account relationship whilst mentoring other members of the team and developing other accounts.

Green-tech’s Jordan Webster takes a step up

Green-tech’s Jordan Webster takes a step up

Along with the two other Sales Managers in the business, Jordan will support the management team to set and achieve company budgets whilst managing the day-to-day running of his team.

Green-tech has ambitious sales targets and Jordan will be responsible for his team’s. He will have responsibility for signing off customer quotations and orders to meet this target, whilst keeping his team engaged and motivated, maintaining relationships with other departments, and delivering the exceptional service levels that the company is renowned for.

Well-known and respected in the industry, Jordan has recently celebrated his ten-year anniversary with Green-tech.  He is a former Pro Landscaper the next generation 30 under 30 winner and is a recognised face at industry events and exhibitions.

Jordan is heading up the newly refurbished Green-tech trade centre that is based in North Yorkshire.  He oversees the team who are tasked with identifying local growth opportunities and driving sales through new and existing customers.

Commenting on the appointment, Sales Director Richard Gill said, “I am thrilled for Jordan. He is a key person in our sales team and it’s great that he has stepped up to take a management role. Jordan has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and this coupled with his commitment and enthusiasm will stand him in good stead to lead his team and be successful in his new role. I am confident that he will make a great contribution to the future growth and development of Green-tech.”

Remarking on his new role, Jordan adds, “I am delighted to have received this promotion and I’m looking forward to developing this role. It’s a new challenge for me but I feel I have a lot to add and I’m excited about taking an active part in the management side of the business as well as being instrumental in growing sales.”

If you are interested in joining Green-tech and building a career within the landscaping industry, click the link below to check out their careers page with all current vacancies.

https://www.green-tech.co.uk/about-us/careers

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Redexim Top-Brush proves transformational

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Redexim Top-Brush proves transformational: Initially purchased to overcome conditions described as a ‘worm cast factory’, a Redexim Top-Brush is proving to be a true multi-tasker for the team at Malton & Norton Golf Club.

Head Greenkeeper Richard Jacques admits that prior to the purchase, the club underestimated how fundamental the 6m wide brush would become to the maintenance, with it successfully removing organic matter, improving cut quality and boosting presentation in twice weekly passes around the 27-hole complex.

Redexim Top-Brush proves transformational

Redexim Top-Brush proves transformational

Malton & Norton opened its doors in 1910 and its popularity with golfers in Yorkshire and further afield has seen the expansion of the site, to 27-holes of parkland play. “Like most venues, the restrictions on chemicals left us trialling all types of brushes and mats to overcome our worm problem and we didn’t find anything that really worked until we demonstrated the Redexim Top-Brush” explains Richard. “It was evident from the get-go that, used in the right conditions and at the right time, the Top-Brush could effectively remove worm casts better than any of the alternatives we’d tried so we decided to purchase one through Ripon Ground Care in October 2022.”

“We had no idea until we had it in the shed, how many uses we would find for the Top-Brush around the maintenance calendar. On top of dispersing worm casts, its out twice a week between March and October to stand the plant up on the fairways, improving the quality of cut and enhancing definition. There aren’t many pieces of equipment you get that can transform turf density and quality as much as this one has in such a short period of time.”

At 6m wide, the Top-Brush is a highly productive maintenance solution. As well as changing brush direction, working depth can also be adjusted, making it a versatile tool for a light surface brush – suitable for clearing dew, incorporating topdressing material or removing clippings – or a deeper, more aggressive surface agitation to effectively rid large areas of organic matter.

“Having used the Top-Brush for over a year, we’re now in a position of managing worm casts preventatively – by reducing OM and improving density – resulting in fewer instances, which is a big positive.” Richard continues, “That’s on top of hugely elevating the turf quality and appearance, not just on fairways but also approaches and semi-rough which is giving us a better product in the summer and one that’s more resilient to host play going into the winter months.”

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The dawn of a new era in fungicide

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The dawn of a new era in fungicide: In a groundbreaking announcement at BTME 2024, Agrovista Amenity revealed the much-anticipated launch of Maxtima®, a revolutionary turf fungicide.

Maxtima® heralds a new era in fungicide technology, promising fast-acting and long-lasting solutions for turf disease control.

The dawn of a new era in fungicide

The dawn of a new era in fungicide

John Marland, Head of Amenity at Agrovista Amenity, expressed his excitement about Maxtima®, stating, “We are thrilled about the launch of Maxtima®, a product that truly represents the dawn of a new era in fungicides. Building on the success of Attraxor® plant growth regulator, Maxtima® showcases the excellence in BASF technology and promises fast-acting, long-lasting disease control that will undoubtedly make a significant impact in the turf management industry.”

Innovative Active Ingredient: Maxtima® contains Mefentrifluconazole, an advanced demethylase inhibiting fungicide. This active ingredient is responsible for the fungicide’s exceptional performance against turfgrass pathogens.

Fast-Acting: Maxtima® rapidly enters the plant and effectively combats active infections. Its quick uptake and action help control turf diseases promptly.

Effective at Low Temperatures: Maxtima® demonstrates excellent absorption even at temperatures as low as 4°C giving it an improved ability to combat fungal pathogens during the autumn and winter months.

Long-Lasting Protection: One of the standout features of Maxtima® is its ability to provide extended protection for up to 28 days. This is made possible by the active ingredient’s slow release from leaf tissue reservoirs.

Broad-Spectrum Disease Control: Maxtima® offers broad-spectrum disease control, making it effective against a range of turf fungal pathogens. It can help manage even the toughest turf diseases.

Favourable Environmental Profile: Maxtima® boasts low application rates, minimising chemical usage and impact on the environment.

Excellent for Rotation: Due to its unique chemistry, Maxtima® serves as an excellent rotation partner for non-DMI (demethylation inhibitor) fungicides on sports pitches, greens, fairways, and tees. This rotation capability can help prevent the development of resistance in fungal populations.

Phillippa Overson, Key Account Manager at BASF, highlighted the significance of Maxtima®, saying, “We have been so eager to launch Maxtima® in the UK! The ground-breaking DMI fungicide is a must-have for turf management professionals and is a cost-effective, and versatile fungicide for complete control of the toughest turf diseases. We know it is going to quickly become a favourite for turf specialists due to its wide range of disease protection, and its year-round application.

“Maxtima® is the latest turf product to be added to the BASF turf and amenity portfolio, and we’re extremely excited for turf management teams to try it.”

As the sun rises on the era of Maxtima®, the collaboration between Agrovista Amenity and BASF has delivered a product that not only meets but exceeds expectations in the realm of turf fungicides. Turf managers and professionals can now look forward to a new standard in disease control, one that is fast, enduring, and effective — ushering in a brighter future for turf health management.

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

Find out more about Maxtima in our video from BTME 

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Bernhard and Company makes senior appointment in North America

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Bernhard and Company makes senior appointment in North America: Industry-leader in turf sharpening equipment and management solutions, Bernhard and Company, has today announced a new senior sales appointment in its North American team.

Danny McConnell, who has been a key part of the North American sales team for Bernhard and Company since joining as Technical Sales Support Manager in 2022, has been promoted to the role of Director of North America Business. The move comes as Bernhard and Company continues to enhance and build its brand – and that of the Bernhard Academy – within North America.

Bernhard and Company makes senior appointment in North America

Bernhard and Company makes senior appointment in North America

Gary Ray, Business Development Manager for North America, has been with Bernhard and Company for more than 20 years and has played a pivotal role in developing the company’s business, customer, and distributor relationships in the region. Gary will continue to manage key accounts and distribution partnerships, in addition members of the Bernhard and Company Prestige Club within North America.

Steven Nixon, Managing Director for Bernhard and Company, said: “We’re delighted to have appointed Danny to this new position within our North American team, as we continue to drive business growth and brand awareness in the region. Having been a key member of our team for a number of years now, we feel Danny is the ideal person to help us further strengthen customer relationships.

“Having Danny and Gary in place in North America is a great foundation for business progression. Gary has been instrumental in much of our development in that area over the last couple of decades, so with the addition of Danny in a more senior role, we believe that our business will go from strength-to-strength.”

Speaking about his new role, Danny added: “I’m really pleased to be taking up this new position within the Bernhard and Company team. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed forming important customer relationships and helping to tell the Bernhard story around North America, so it’s exciting that I’ll be able to take that to the next level with the support of a great team.”

The new-look Bernhard and Company North American sales team will be headed up by Danny and Gary. The team also features Chris Langley, Technical Sales Support Manager North America; Tommy Richey, Technical Sales Support Manager North America; and Daryl Nagy, Technical Sales Manager Western North America.

The Bernhard and Company North American team will be on-site at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show next week in Phoenix, Arizona. They will be on-hand to provide walk throughs of the Bernhard and Company grinding machinery range, and provide insight into each product and the customer network. Bernhard and Company will be located at stand 5109.

KNOW BERNHARD AND COMPANY?

A specialist in sports turf technology, Bernhard and Company is committed to providing leading turf care solutions to golf course and pitch care specialists worldwide. The Company offers innovative and market leading blade sharpening systems as well as sports surface air movement and moisture control solutions.

With over 150 years of being at the sharp end of the industry the Bernhard and Company product portfolio is focused on providing its global customer base with championship turf, world-class playability, and unbeatable quality of cut. Bernhard and Company’s turf health solutions are used at top 100 courses and famous sporting venues around the world – there must be a reason why. For more information, visit www.bernhard.co.uk.

Find Bernhard and Company on their official social media channels:

  • Twitter – @BernhardCompany
  • Facebook – Bernhard Company
  • Instagram – @BernhardCompany
  • LinkedIn – Bernhard Company

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