Turfgrass prices expected to rise in 2024

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Turfgrass prices expected to rise in 2024: The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) has noted a concerning trend following a year of unpredictable and extreme weather conditions across the UK in 2023. Members of the association have reported that the changeable weather, combined with other factors, is likely to lead to an increase in turfgrass prices in 2024.

The past year saw a spectrum of climatic challenges, from prolonged summer droughts to heavy rainfall in autumn and winter. These conditions, exacerbated by stringent chemical legislation have
led to increased disease vulnerability and impacted turfgrass harvest yields.

Turfgrass prices expected to rise in 2024

Turfgrass prices expected to rise in 2024

The Met Office has highlighted the visible effects of climate change globally, including risks to water supplies, localised flooding, altered seasonality, heat stress, and the expanding habitat range of pests – all of which are concerns for the turfgrass industry. Predictions of warmer, wetter winters, hotter, drier summers, and more frequent intense weather events add further pressure to turfgrass cultivation.

Richard Owens, Chair of the TGA, stated, “Our members are finding 2023 to be a particularly challenging year for turfgrass production. This trend is expected to continue, necessitating an industry-wide adjustment in turfgrass pricing to offset the increasing costs of production.”

In addition to weather challenges, other factors contributing to the anticipated price increase include the rising cost of fertilisers and fuel, supply chain disruptions, and the need for more sustainable growing practices. The TGA is committed to supporting its members through these challenges, advocating for industry needs, and promoting best practices in sustainable turfgrass production.

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FSI embark on new chapter in the UK

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FSI embark on new chapter in the UK: FSI Stump Cutters, leading manufacturer of high-quality stump grinders, are pleased to announce a strategic expansion in the UK market with the establishment of FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of the Danish manufacturing company.

The move signifies FSI’s commitment to strengthening their market position and providing a more streamlined, localised service to meet the requirements of end users.

FSI embark on new chapter in the UK

FSI embark on new chapter in the UK

A prominent name in the UK arb industry for over a decade, FSI are widely recognised for their high-quality, reliable range of stump grinders – especially the popular collection of handlebar stump grinders which set the industry standard for processing efficiency and have therefore been market leading in their category for many years.  The strategic decision taken to work directly with carefully selected distribution partners facilitates new growth opportunities, streamlined communication between the UK and head office and enhanced support, training and development for those providing sales and support to operators old and new.

A key component of the new distribution strategy is the introduction of Lee Hatton, who brings a wealth of arboriculture, groundcare and agricultural knowledge and experience to his new role of Sales Director for FSI Stump Cutters UK. Lee is a passionate and dedicated sales professional having spent the last six years with leading machinery dealers Lister Wilder and is committed to building and supporting the new network of FSI partners around the country.

On his new role, Lee commented “My passion for the industry, coupled with my extensive experience in machinery sales will drive our efforts to provide top-notch service. I look forward to working closely with our valued partners, providing them with technical and practical support where required, to ensure that FSI remains the preferred choice for stump cutting solutions.”

FSI Stump Cutters Managing Director Kim Schmidt adds, “We are thrilled to deepen our roots in the UK with this new subsidiary and are delighted to welcome Lee on board to help us achieve that. Our commitment has always been to provide exceptional quality and service. By establishing a closer connection with local partners, we aim to elevate the level of support and expertise available to owners and operators throughout the UK and reinforce our position as a leader in the arboriculture industry.”

Further details on the new nationwide network of distribution partners will be announced over the coming weeks.

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MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

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MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence: Attendees at BTME 2024, visiting DLF’s stand 126 in Hall B, can anticipate a showcase of cutting-edge products from the world’s premier grass seed breeder and producer.

In the face of increasing demands and pressures on modern greenkeepers to maintain a consistent playing surface, the pivotal elements for a top-tier golf course are seed quality, purity, and vigour. The MM range of seed mixtures stands out by utilising materials from the DLF Select programme, ensuring high purity and germination rates.

MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

For over three decades, greenkeepers and course managers have reaped the benefits of choosing the MM brand and its superior quality varieties. All MM varieties undergo thorough testing at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), guaranteeing that the final product meets the requirements for play, appearance, and maintenance.

Leading the way for golf greens is MM9, a three-way Browntop bent mixture that remains a top choice for renovations and species exchange. MM8, designed for links-style courses and sustainable golf, offers a three-way fescue mix with excellent disease resistance, drought tolerance, and minimal fertiliser requirements. MM Coastal is a great alternative to MM8 where salt spray is a concern, providing excellent salt tolerance for golf greens, tees, and fairways with its 100% Slender Creeping Red Fescue mix.

For golf course managers seeking a 100% Ryegrass Greens mix option, MM Supreme Ryegreen mix is the answer. It includes Singapore Perennial Ryegrass, known for its fine leaves, good shoot density, high disease resistance, and wear tolerance. This mix embodies the main benefits of perennial ryegrass, including fast establishment and wear tolerance in close mow situations.

If you’re in search of a mixture ideal for tees and fairways, consider MM50, a 100% ryegrass blend. It boasts rapid establishment, quick recovery from divot scarring, high wear tolerance, and an extremely fine appearance. Meanwhile, for links-style fairways where damage and wear are less prevalent, MM13 is well-suited. With a high percentage of Crystal Hard Fescue, it offers excellent drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements for this challenging environment.

DLF’s stand also provides information about the DLF Pro Flora and Colour Boost range of Wildflower mixtures, perfect for those looking to establish a traditional perennial flower meadow or create a vibrant display of annuals and perennials.

The MM team of amenity seed specialists will be present at BTME to discuss these products in more detail and offer their expertise to address any queries attendees may have.

For further information, please contact DLF UK on 01386 719758 or visit the MM website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

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Hunter Grinders at BTME 2024

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Hunter Grinders at BTME 2024: Hunter Grinders, a leading name in precision grinding technology, is set to showcase their impressive products at the upcoming BTME 2024 event, taking place from January 23 to 25 at the Harrogate Convention Centre. Visit them on their new location at Stand 216 in hall 2.

Founded on a commitment to excellence, Hunter Grinders specialises in designing and manufacturing top-tier grinders that meet the highest industry standards. Their dedication to precision is evident in the Jupiter ATI ‘All in One’ Grinder, an automatic relief and spin grinder that sets the benchmark for achieving optimal results. With features such as ‘in-situ’ grinding, automatic traverse, indexing, and in-feed, the Jupiter ATI ensures cylinders and bottom blades are restored to the original manufacturer’s specifications. The machine’s stability, accurate grinding, and operator comfort underline its position as the ultimate ‘All in One’ grinder in the industry.

Hunter Grinders at BTME 2024

Hunter Grinders at BTME 2024

Hunter Grinders will also present the Amazon bottom blade grinder, engineered to save time without compromising performance. Boasting two powerful motors and dual speed traverse motors, the Amazon offers fast, accurate sharpening with a guaranteed quality finish. With automatic in-feed and down-feed, along with a user-friendly push-button control station, this grinder is designed for efficiency and operator safety.

Both the Jupiter and Amazon models are built with a cast iron bed giving great stability and ensuring an impressive parallel grinder.

Throughout the event, experienced and knowledgeable staff from Hunter Grinders will be available at Stand 216 to provide valuable insights and advice on precision grinding.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Hunter Grinders on 01332 824 777 or visit www.huntergrinders.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Hunter Grinders on Twitter and Instagram @huntergrinders and like the company’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/HunterGrinders/

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Only five reasons needed to visit BTME

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Only five reasons needed to visit BTME: It will be a record-breaking year for Reesink Turfcare as five new equipment launches from Toro happen at BTME 2024, which seems fitting coinciding with a now 40-year strong partnership, too.

Never has there been so much come at once from Toro, the leading worldwide provider of turf maintenance equipment, and BTME couldn’t be better placed to showcase it all to the industry.

Only five reasons needed to visit BTME

Only five reasons needed to visit BTME

Under wraps until showtime, Reesink will be announcing another mower that removes fuel from the equation and offers the solution to English Premier League guidance for noise generation. For a first glimpse of this brand-new innovation visitors should make their way to stand 622.

Two trusted vehicles for the fine turf market have had an electric makeover. Now Toro’s patent-pending lithium-ion HyperCell batteries power the Workman MDX Lithium. With the same strength and durability that’s always been relied on, this utility vehicle is now essentially maintenance-free.

There’s good news for owners of the popular Toro ProCore 648 or 648s aerator, there’s now an easy transport option. The TransPro 648 is just what’s needed for transporting these aerators around the course. No more long walks between holes this neat trailer has a unique design allowing for quick loading and unloading and easy securing and release of the aerator.

There’s new technology in the form of Toro’s Geolink precision spray system as spraying efficiency and precision coverage of the Toro Multi Pro sprayer reaches new heights thanks to the addition of autonomous functionality. Years in the making as Toro finetuned the technology to deliver the ultimate spraying solution and, according to Reesink, it’s worth the wait.

Completing the line up with a new entry point to market, customers can even add passenger vehicles to their fleet with the arrival of Toro Vista. Now there’s the option for members and guests to experience the smooth ride of a Toro. Available for four, six and eight passengers, this is a quality transport solution.

Jon Cole, turfcare divisional business manager at Reesink, says: “It’s unprecedented the new technology and electric updates we have coming from Toro this year, I’d go far as to say it makes the Reesink stand at BTME unmissable for those interested in new turfcare technologies. It’s a wonderful way to mark 40 years of a successful working partnership.”Also, on stand 622 in hall 6 will be the effective Bio-Circle GT Maxi, to keep parts and machines clean the environmentally friendly way – with no chemicals. From Reesink Hydro-Scapes there will be a selection of irrigation and water aeration solutions from Toro Irrigation, Perrot and Otterbine.

Nearby on stand 636 will be the latest sustainable technology from Reesink e-Vehicles. Award-winning brand STAR EV will show two of its most popular electric Capella Work Machines and the electric, lightweight, optional self-balancing, wide-wheeled scooter from KAASPEED.

Whether you’re heading to the exhibition for the newest golf course machinery or equipment for sports turf maintenance, sustainable technology solutions or advice, Reesink has it all on stands 622 and 636.

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