POGO Turfpro announces new appointments

/in , /by

POGO Turfpro announces new appointments: POGO Turfpro, a division of Stevens Water Monitoring System, specializing in soil and turf management data insight solutions, is pleased to announce the three new POGO Business Development Directors.

These individuals bring extensive experience as superintendents and turf managers, further strengthening POGO’s growing team. These professionals underscore POGO’s ongoing commitment to advancing agronomy practices and scientific approaches through data-driven decisions in turf performance, health, and irrigation management for golf courses, sports turf, and turf industry professionals.

POGO Turfpro announces new appointments

POGO Turfpro announces new appointments

POGO Turfpro officially welcomed Jonathan Dees, Kevin Neal, and Richard Douglas with a full product demonstration at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. The event showcased POGO’s capacity to deliver instant, science-driven insights into turf health, enabling managers to make more informed and sustainable agronomic decisions.

  • Jonathan Dees, leading support in AZ, CO, NM, TX, WY, New Zealand, and Australia, is a former golf course superintendent with extensive experience in golf green construction, irrigation system design, and agronomic planning for championship tournaments. He holds degrees in Turf Management and Horticulture.
  • Kevin Neal, leading support in CA, HI, and NV, is a former Certified Golf Course Superintendent with a strong background in golf course maintenance, regional operations, and business development. Neal successfully launched a golf division that grew brand recognition and sales momentum through strategic partnerships with organizations including the GCSAA, USGA, CMAA, and major water districts. He holds a degree in Botany and Plant Sciences.
  • Richard Douglas, leading support in GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV, and specific sport turf management properties, brings years of experience as a professional sports turf manager across Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, and NCAA athletics. Skilled in turfgrass science, irrigation management, and high-performance field maintenance, Douglas also holds degrees in Business Administration and Turfgrass Science.

We are pleased to welcome Jonathan, Kevin, and Richard to our team. Their extensive expertise and firsthand experience in managing premium playing surfaces will enhance POGO’s capacity to support turf professionals and property management. Their insights will contribute to optimizing turf health and developing innovative features to advance the quality of golf and sports turf maintenance.

The POGO team thanks Tom Keenan, Superintendent at Rock Creek Country Club, for hosting and allowing for a live demonstration of the POGO Turfpro system’s powerful turf insights.

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.

Why leading brands choose SALTEX

/in , , /by

Why leading brands choose SALTEX: SALTEX remains the cornerstone of the grounds management calendar, with many of the industry’s most respected names making it a permanent fixture. Their continued presence is a testament to the show’s enduring value as the sector’s most trusted meeting place. 

From long-standing exhibitors like Dennis Mowers to global innovators such as Husqvarna, Cramer, and ISEKI UK & Ireland, brands return because SALTEX consistently delivers what matters: direct access to thousands of decision-makers and the opportunity to build lasting customer relationships.

Why leading brands choose SALTEX

Why leading brands choose SALTEX

This loyalty speaks volumes. SALTEX isn’t just a trade show – it’s the industry’s home. And 2025 is no exception. Here are just a few of the brands who are back again this year:

Dennis Mowers

The only exhibitor to have attended every single SALTEX show, Dennis is synonymous with the event’s heritage. Trusted worldwide by elite stadia, golf, cricket and local authorities, Dennis will bring decades of engineering expertise to the NEC this November, showcasing world-leading cylinder mowers designed for pristine playing surfaces.

“We’re incredibly proud that Dennis Mowers has been part of every single SALTEX show since its inception,” said Megan Oliver, Managing Director at Dennis Mowers. “As a British manufacturer with over a century of heritage in professional mowers, SALTEX has always been an invaluable platform for us to connect with our dealers and the grounds care community.

“This year, we’re excited to show our NEW lightweight mower, alongside our renowned range of battery-powered turf maintenance machinery and cylinder mowers, which continue to set the standard for exceptional cut quality and reliability.

“To be recognised as the longest-standing exhibitor is a real honour for the Dennis team. SALTEX has played a key role in our journey and year after year it gives us the opportunity to listen to our customers, share ideas and proudly showcase British engineering at its best.”

Husqvarna

Proudly exhibiting since 2015, Husqvarna continues to bring its pioneering robotic mowers, chainsaws and riders to SALTEX. With a history stretching back to 1689 and products sold in more than 100 countries, Husqvarna values SALTEX as the must-attend UK platform.

“Husqvarna is proud to be part of SALTEX again this year, particularly as 2025 marks our 10th anniversary of attending the event,” said Karl Hansell, Marketing Manager at Husqvarna Group. “SALTEX is a key date in our calendar because it brings the entire industry together under one roof. For us, the real value lies in the conversations we have with the decision makers on the show floor and the ability to showcase our world-leading robotics, battery solutions and other products to the people who can put them into practice. SALTEX is a vibrant, well-organised event and we’re excited to be building on that again this year.”

Cramer

With more than ten years of unwavering presence at SALTEX, Cramer continues to showcase its cutting-edge, battery-first technology – strengthening its commitment to sustainable innovation in grounds care. Over the last 20 years, Cramer has redefined what cordless tools can achieve, from robust blowers to intelligent, high-performance mowers. SALTEX remains its meeting point with professionals seeking sustainable, battery-powered solutions.

John McGrady, National Sales Manager at Cramer, said: “We’re really pleased to be returning to SALTEX, bigger than ever. What we value most is the quality of the audience. The team behind the event go the extra mile to attract genuine decision-makers who are in a position to buy, and that makes all the difference for us. It’s a fantastic way to round off the year – a well-run, energising event that delivers real commercial value.”

ISEKI UK & Ireland

Since 2018, ISEKI has made SALTEX a permanent part of its UK strategy. Known globally for compact tractors and mowers that combine performance with reliability, ISEKI values the show for its ability to connect with professionals across a variety of different sectors. This year, visitors can expect to see ISEKI’s latest tractors and turf-care innovations, designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind.

“ISEKI UK & Ireland is pleased to be attending SALTEX 2025, the leading event for the grounds care and turf management industry,” said Alan Prickett, Director at ISEKI UK & Ireland. “Our presence underscores our continued commitment to innovation, quality and professional engagement through the GMA and its members.

“SALTEX provides an invaluable opportunity to present the latest Iseki products and associated machinery, plus latest technological advancements to a discerning audience of industry professionals and volunteers. We look forward to sharing our products and expertise, whilst reinforcing our position as a trusted partner in delivering efficient and sustainable solutions for grounds maintenance.”

Whilst long-standing exhibitors highlight SALTEX’s trusted value, the show is equally defined by fresh ideas and first-time exhibitors. This year, several newcomers are set to turn heads with technologies that point to the future of grounds management.

Fendt leads the charge with its brand new e100 Vario electric tractor. Following the successful launch of the Fendt e100 V Vario in Europe in 2024, they have added the new e100 Vario tractor to its offering in the UK & Ireland. Delivering up to 90hp of emission-free power with rapid charging and near-silent operation, it’s a bold glimpse of how sustainable machinery is reshaping the industry.

Joining the line-up are innovators across lighting, materials and precision technology:

  • LEDturebrings their expertise in high-performance outdoor lighting. Solutions trusted in demanding industrial and sports environments worldwide.
  • Holcim Specialist Sandsare set to showcase their premium sands, recognised for consistency and quality across sports turf, construction and utilities.
  • Cleveland Alliancesintroduce advanced ARAG sprayer components and GPS precision farming systems, already in use at Premier League clubs and leading golf venues.

With more than 400 brands on the floor, SALTEX remains a unique platform trusted by exhibitors who return year after year.

Register for FREE at www.saltex.org.uk and be in with a chance of winning a Cramer Tools Lawn Mower, complete with charger and battery, worth £2,240!

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.

ZLine bunkers at The Rose

/in , /by

ZLine bunkers at The Rose: The Rose is a new golf club, located close to the city of Athens in Georgia, due to open in 2026, and being developed by two-time All American and 2001 Walker Cupper Nick Cassini and his brother Dimitri, and designed by Oklahoma-based architect Tripp Davis. And The Rose’s bunkers are being lined using the ZLine system, which Davis has used on several of his recent projects.

“We are now grassing the course, and will be doing so until into the fall,” says Davis. “And the bunkers are being lined at the moment as well. Our team have been trained by ZLine in how to install the product, and they’re hard at work doing so.”

ZLine bunkers at The Rose

ZLine bunkers at The Rose

The Rose will be private, and a healthy number of members have already been enrolled. “It is a beautiful site, fairly open,” says Davis. “200 of the 300 acres we are using for the golf course were harvested for pine trees, so we have mostly cleared lesser quality hardwoods and volunteer underbrush. The land has a Shinnecock feel to it, with really nice rolling contours. It will have 105 acres of turf and 195 acres of thinner native grasses near play and what we are calling our ‘heathland’ areas of native grass and small indigenous shrubs more out of play. The developers want the course to be in the style of early American classics, so the sand lines on the bunkers are very high. When you have a high sand line, you need to be sure that the sand will hold on the bunker faces, and ZLine holds extremely well. Additionally, the bunker sands used in Georgia need to drain quickly to perform well, and ZLine drains better than any other bunker liner product I have come across.”

“The course has turned out really well, and I can’t wait to see it finished – I think members and their guests will love it,” he says. “And the ZLine bunkers will play a significant role in that.”

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.

Briggs & Stratton presents full power solutions portfolio

/in , , /by

Briggs & Stratton presents full power solutions portfolio: At this year’s GroundsFest exhibition in the UK, Briggs & Stratton will showcase a comprehensive range of power solutions through its well-established Briggs & Stratton® and Vanguard® brands.

GroundsFest attendees can expect to witness the full breadth of Briggs & Stratton’s commercial and utility engine capabilities, showcasing everything from lawn mower engines and XR Single-Cylinder Utility engines to powerful vertical shaft engines designed for ride-on mowers.

Briggs & Stratton presents full power solutions portfolio

Briggs & Stratton presents full power solutions portfolio

A standout will be Vanguard’s single-cylinder horizontal shaft engine line-up (VAN 160 to VAN 400 EFI/ETC), engineered for performance, reliability, cost-efficiency, and operator comfort. Vanguard’s largest 29,9kW/40HP* petrol engine will also be featured, equipped with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) – a powerful and efficient alternative to traditional diesel solutions.

Briggs & Stratton will also highlight its cutting-edge Vanguard Lithium-Ion battery technologies, including their range of Fixed Battery packs and the award-winning 48V 1.5kWh Swappable Battery pack (Si1.5). Accompanying these will be the full Vanguard battery system – including batteries, chargers, motors, and motor controllers – designed to deliver flexible and scalable electrification solutions for a broad range of applications.

Attendees are invited to visit the Briggs & Stratton team on site, connect with product experts, and experience the latest advancements in high-performance, future-ready power.

Mark Kerr, OEM Sales Manager UK & IE at Briggs & Stratton said, “We are excited to attend GroundsFest to showcase the full range of our commercial and utility engine capabilities, as well as Vanguard’s cutting-edge technology. Our team looks forward to meeting attendees and helping them discover the ideal power solutions for their needs.”

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.

Toro U.K. announces new products ahead of GroundsFest

/in , , /by

Toro U.K. announces new products ahead of GroundsFest: Toro U.K. Limited ­­– owners of the Royal Warrant-holding lawnmower manufacturer Hayter® and global turf care leader Toro® – will unveil new products and initiatives at GroundsFest 2025. From battery-powered equipment to dealer-focused experiences, both brands are aiming to make a strong impression at the UK’s premier groundscare event.

As a prelude to their showcase at GroundsFest on September 9–10 – the UK’s largest industry event – they’ve released snippets of what to expect for tradespeople, groundscare professionals, influencers and dealers across the UK.

Toro U.K. announces new products ahead of GroundsFest

Toro U.K. announces new products ahead of GroundsFest

Hayter is nominated for an Innovation Award at GroundsFest this year for their new Harrier range, and both brands hope to showcase the best of what they have to offer.

The Dealer Hub

At the heart of Toro U.K.’s larger stand — which will showcase the complete Toro® and Hayter® portfolios — the new Dealer Hub highlights the brand’s ongoing investment in strengthening and supporting its nationwide dealer network.

Craig Hoare, Sales and Marketing Manager, had this to say about The Dealer Hub:

“GroundsFest is the ideal opportunity to reconnect with our dealers in person. This year, we’re putting our dealers front and centre,” Craig explains. “We’re offering early access to new-season materials and a dedicated space to talk about opportunities, challenges, and everything in between. The Dealer Hub is our way of saying: we’re here, and we’re listening.”

The Dealer Hub will offer visitors a range of exclusive benefits, including:

  • Advance access to new product details and upcoming campaigns.
  • Opportunities to engage directly with Toro and Hayter’s commercial and marketing specialists.
  • Complimentary refreshments in a welcoming, business-focused environment.

New product reveals

As well as the Dealer hub, both Hayter and Toro will be announcing new products, including long-requested attachments and new battery versions of professional groundscare equipment. Some of the announcements set to be shown at GroundsFest include:

  • Toro’s new eProStripe– a battery-powered evolution of the classic stripe mower
  • Toro’s professional clothing range– designed for durability and comfort on the job
  • Hayter’s Harrier roller brush attachment – engineered for enhanced lawn striping and debris clearance

The new announcements and Dealer Hub come at a time when Hayter and Toro are shifting focus to concentrate on the needs and wants of their community of groundscare professionals – a resource that both the horticultural heavyweights value deeply.

Matthew Coleman, UK Sales Manager, Professional Landscape Contractor & Site Works Equipment, had this to say about the products on show at this year’s event:

“We’re bringing over 80 products to GroundsFest this year – our biggest display yet,” says Matt. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for visitors to get hands-on with everything from our latest battery innovations to trusted favourites across the Toro and Hayter ranges.”

Free to attend, GroundsFest brings together live machinery demonstrations, an industry-focused exhibition, educational seminars, and on-site entertainment. Toro U.K. Limited welcomes dealer partners and professional users to their shared stand to explore the newest product innovations and learn more about the company’s continued commitment to supporting the turf care sector at every stage.

To register for GroundsFest, visit: www.groundsfest.com

To explore the full Toro and Hayter range, visit: www.toro.com/en-gb | www.hayter.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.