John Deere’s Worldwide Agriculture & Turf president

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John Deere’s Worldwide Agriculture & Turf president: Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) announced today that it has named Deanna Kovar as its new President of Worldwide Agriculture and Turf, Small Ag and Turf, and Regions 1 and 2, which include the company’s presence in Asia, Africa, and Europe. She replaces Mark von Pentz who is retiring.

In this role, Kovar will be responsible for the overall management and performance of the company’s Small Ag and Turf business, as well as John Deere’s performance in these markets. Kovar previously served as vice president, Production and Precision Ag since 2020, where she led a global team focused on delivering equipment and technology solutions that help ag operators be more productive, profitable, and sustainable.

John Deere's Worldwide Agriculture & Turf president

John Deere’s Worldwide Agriculture & Turf president

Kovar joined Deere in 2000 and spent most of her career in positions in channel and product management, where she gained a deep understanding of ag customers’ requirements. She has developed an extensive background in precision technologies, beginning with her move in 2010 to the company’s Intelligent Solutions Group as Manager of Portfolio Management. Later positions included Division Sales Manager, director, Production & Precision Ag Marketing, and director, Global Operator Stations.

“Deanna and her team will play an instrumental role in advancing our smart industrial strategy to deliver enhanced customer value in the Small Ag and Turf markets, as well as in Regions 1 & 2,” said John May, Chief Executive Officer for Deere & Company. “Her deep customer understanding, professional background in channel and product management, keen business insights, and record of consistent success make Deanna well-qualified for her new role.”

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10% off Terralift aeration at Futurescape

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10% off Terralift aeration at Futurescape: Terrain Aeration, the one-metre deep aeration specialists, are offering 10% off their Terralift aeration treatment for visitors at Futurescape.

The Terralift system is used in areas where panning and heavy compaction have caused the ground to flood and hold standing water. Treatment is also carried out around trees where heavy footfall or vehicle movement has occurred, leaving the surface hard with reduced permeability. Affected areas Terrain Aeration treat range from sports pitches, amenity areas, racecourses and bowling greens, to parks, National Trust gardens and the private gardens of new-build houses. In fact, in any area where normal aeration cannot be fully effective because of the depth of the compaction.

10% off Terralift aeration at Futurescape

10% off Terralift aeration at Futurescape

The Terralift machine drives a probe to a depth of up to one metre where compressed air is released, breaking the underground compaction and causing a network of cracks and fissures to form. The work is done on a grid system so the fissures interlink. As the probe exits, dried seaweed is injected which expands and contracts with moisture to keep the fissures and probe holes open. This allows both drainage and air to get to turf or tree roots. The probe can also inject water-storing polymer, mycorrhizal funghi, bio-char and slow release tree feed nutrients and magnesium. The probe holes are filled with aggregate so areas can be used immediately. There are various types of Terralift machine to enable access to most areas. The system is unique to Terrain Aeration and has been proving itself since 1985. Visitors to Futurescape and the Terrain Aeration stand can take advantage of 10% off the normal cost of Terralift deep aeration. Stand number L60.

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Boosting everyone’s game

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Boosting everyone’s game: Over the two days, SALTEX has proved that it was the place to be for anyone connected to the groundscare industry looking to boost their game.  Visitors were enthusiastic about the wide range of exhibitors, technical insight on show and networking opportunities available.

Thousands of visitors from 58 countries streamed through the doors of SALTEX and enjoyed two days of examining the latest innovations on the market and attending a string of inspiring Learning LIVE sessions.

Boosting everyone's game

Boosting everyone’s game

Callum Allsopp, Senior Sports Turf and Grounds Manager at Leicester City Football Club was taking part in a Learning LIVE session on ‘Managing Up’ whilst also making the most of his time at the show to seek out new products to bring to his club.

“SALTEX comes at the right time to help us start planning for the remainder of the season and also next season. We attend with the primary objective of seeing the lay of the land in terms of new innovations and technology and looking at what we can take back and implement at the stadium and training grounds. This year’s show was so worthwhile, and we come away with so much to consider for next year.”

Not only did SALEX deliver for the thousands of engaged visitors, but it also hit the right notes with exhibitors who found that the crowds were filled with people who were serious about doing business.

“With multiple new innovations we decided to use SALTEX as our main launching platform”, says Trimax Mowing System’s Global Brand Manager, Caroline Shaw. “The show saw a constant flow of visitors throughout the two days and proved to be the perfect channel for us to catch up with customers and generate new leads. We will definitely be back next year!”

As the 2023 show came to a close, GMA Chief Executive Officer Geoff Webb said: “The atmosphere across both days was brilliant — it’s great to see the international appeal of SALTEX continue to grow year on year.

“The industry has turned out in force and we have had some great feedback. Visitors have welcomed our new initiatives and applauded the Learning LIVE sessions which we are very proud of. The inaugural Community Sports Zone has been a great success – with both exhibitors and visitors seeing real value and insight.

“SALTEX this year was all about Boosting Your Game and, in doing so, SALTEX has also boosted the industry. Through supporting all attendees in boosting everything from your knowledge, skills, sales, surface and network, our industry will leave SALTEX stronger and more connected.

“Thanks to everyone – visitors, exhibitors, and speakers – for making SALTEX possible. We’re already looking forward to welcoming the industry back to SALTEX in 2024.”

SALTEX will return to the NEC in 2024 on 30-31 October.

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Monty Miracle debuts at SALTEX

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Monty Miracle debuts at SALTEX: New kid on the block Monty Miracle made its debut at this year’s Saltex.

The exterior cleaning product is proven to eliminate black spot, algae, lichen and other organic stains on most external hard surfaces including stone, wood, plastic, concrete resin and coated metals. It is already being used within a number of grounds across the UK, having launched to the trade just this year following its patent approval.

Monty Miracle debuts at SALTEX

Monty Miracle debuts at SALTEX

Peter Beaumont, director, said: “We’ve had the pleasure of speaking to some of the best in the business at Saltex, which is great as we are looking to build on our successful entry into the groundskeeping trade over the last few months.”

Perfect for pathways, walls, seating, decking, fencing and steps, Monty Miracle completely neutralises following the cleaning process and is fully degradable so it can be hosed off safely – essential when a quick clean across a range of materials is needed.

The product was created by Martin Beaumont, who combined his experience of working with English Heritage and Shell to produce the perfect chemical cleaner: kinder to a wide range of surfaces, with better, longer lasting results. Easier and quicker to use, it needs no aggressive jetwash or scrubbing, taking just 10 minutes to break down organic stains before rinsing with water.

Peter concludes: “Aggressive jetwashing can erode sealant and remove the surface layer of stone, leaving it exposed and vulnerable to further damage and decay – far from ideal in high traffic, exposed areas like sports grounds which can have several steps and paths! Our alternative is proven to offer a simple, gentle, more effective solution that is so much quicker – and we have a range of five-star reviews and excellent online sales figures to prove it.

“We were delighted at Saltex, it was so busy both days with really interesting guests and delegates.”

https://montymiracle.co.uk

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Communication key to Duncan Ross pitch refurbishment

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Communication key to Duncan Ross pitch refurbishment: Cheshire West and Chester Council has cited communication as one of the key factors behind Duncan Ross Ltd.’ successful pitch refurbishment, which has seen an out-of-use football pitch turned into a ‘billiard table for rugby.’

For John Seiler CMLI, Landscape Architect at Cheshire West and Cheshire Council, this is the best quality pitch that he has worked on over his 19-year period with the council. The transformation was much needed, with the 40-year-old surface left unused for many years due to drainage problems.

Communication key to Duncan Ross pitch refurbishment

Communication key to Duncan Ross pitch refurbishment

Thriving local rugby club, Northwich RUFC, who play on the Moss Farm Leisure Complex, wanted to use the pitch for their first 15, and after a competitive tender process, John began working with Duncan Ross Ltd for the first time.

“This was my first time working with Duncan Ross Ltd, and I’ve been very impressed,” John said.

“Communication was vital to the success of this project because of the challenges we faced. One of the drainage issues was the outlet, which was blocked. We had to collaborate with the other landowners to gain access to the blockage, and what could have been potentially very challenging felt easy because Duncan Ross Ltd handled it so well.

“Duncan and Joe Ross ran the site, and their expertise and attention to detail were extremely good. They were both very approachable, professional and easy to get on with, which made an enormous difference.

“When running landscape contracts, we need to know what’s going on, and we can’t be on the site 24 hours a day. So, we need to have that level of trust, openness and transparency with regard to each work stage.

“They were also taking pictures of every stage of the process. So, from the grading, drains, and slitting works, they also had drone footage, which was fantastic for us and PR on the site.

“As a landscape architect having worked on many landscape and sports pitch contracts, I really value that close working relationship with a contractor.”

Investigation work revealed that the pitch’s drainage outlet was severed and blocked. Working with the landowner opposite, Duncan Ross addressed the issue and began installing the new outlet and carrier drains before constructing the pitch.

In mid-September 2023, a month after seeding, John describes the pitch as looking “absolutely beautiful.” Whilst he has been impressed by the communication and finished product, he also thinks Duncan Ross Ltd.’s high-quality machinery has heavily contributed to an outstanding product.

“The level on the pitch is absolutely incredible. It really is the best pitch I’ve worked on,” John said. “The rugby club are extremely grateful and have been blown away with the result, but so much of that is down to the professionalism of Duncan Ross Ltd and the machinery they use.

“It’s all absolutely first-class. For every single aspect of the various stages of the works, they have the equipment from laser-levels to trenchers to get the best results. What it also meant was they got the job done quickly. Because of the nature of the weather and having such a wet summer, it made it difficult, and potentially could have been very difficult, but because of the machines they had it enabled them to get the job done and to a high standard.”

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