Redexim return to SAGE 2023!

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Redexim return to SAGE 2023!: Redexim UK are delighted to be returning to the Sports and Grounds Expo this July, with a showcase of maintenance equipment that is critical to delivering first-class sports surfaces.

Beside their iconic Verti-Drain 2519 which continues to set the benchmark for professional aeration, stands 8 and 8D will be home to a host of other Redexim innovations including the Turf Tidy and 6m wide Top-Brush.

Redexim return to SAGE 2023!

Redexim return to SAGE 2023!

Proving that multi-purpose doesn’t have to mean a compromise in performance, the Redexim Turf Tidy combines de-thatching, flail cutting or sweeping with collection in a single pass. It is designed with a fully floating head that follows the grounds’ contours ensuring clean and even pick-up of clippings, thatch and other debris making it ideal for a wide range of applications.

Speed and efficiency are also at the heart of the Top-Brush 6000 – comprised of three poly brushes which can be accurately set to a desired working depth for dew clearance, worm cast dispersal or simply enhancing presentation of large areas such as golf fairways or sports pitches. Brushes can be set to rotate or contra-rotate to the direction of travel and, once the job is done, the ‘wings’ can be hydraulically lifted and folded for convenient transportation and storage.

Also on show will be the popular Rink DS800 topdresser and the 1575 Overseeder 3D. The Overseeder 3D is one of a number of disc seeders available from the Redexim range, offering an accurate seed delivery mechanism for precision placement and optimal conditions for germination. The Overseeder 3D is also one of the qualifying models for the current Redexim seed promotion, running in conjunction with Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS). To help facilities combat the rising costs associated with overseeding, anybody who purchases a qualifying seeder through a Redexim Regional Partner until September can receive a redeemable voucher for £500 of seed from OAS’s new Carbon4Grass range.

More information on the promotion or products from across the Redexim range can be found by speaking to the technical team at SAGE, on the 19th and 20th July at The Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

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Bernhard announces new Canadian distribution partner

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Bernhard announces new Canadian distribution partner: The industry-leader in fine turf management solutions, Bernhard and Company, has continued its development within the Canadian territory via a new partnership with Canadian distributor, OJ Compagnie.

Founded in 1967, OJ Compagnie was originally set-up as a specialised seed company, before moving into the golf sphere. Since then, the family-run business has continued to evolve and now conducts around 65% of its operations in golf, with the remaining focus split between lawn care, sod growers, municipal turf, and other businesses within the turf industry.

Bernhard announces new Canadian distribution partner

Bernhard announces new Canadian distribution partner

The new relationship comes as Bernhard and Company looks to increase its business presence through improved contact with new prospects across Canada, with OJ Compagnie covering the geographical area of Quebec.

Commenting on the new partnership, Phil Jangl at OJ Compagnie, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Bernhard and Company and we believe it’s a relationship that will be a hugely beneficial one for both parties.

“I would say that every golf course in Quebec is our customer, whether on a large scale or on a small scale, and we’re well known in the industry. I think we have a good reputation for our customer service and showing that we really care, which is something that Bernhard and Company has always demonstrated too – making this relationship a perfect fit.”

Gary Ray, Bernhard and Company’s Business Development Manager for North America, added: “We are thrilled to continue to enhance our presence in Canada. OJ Compagnie is a business that is undeniably aligned to our values and principles, and we are excited to see where this partnership leads.”

OJ was originally founded by Otto Jangl in 1967, amassing nearly 50 years of experience in the turf maintenance industry. After Otto Jangl passed away in 2008, the business has been run by his children, Gabrielle Jangl and Phil Jangl.

Bernhard and Company grinding machines are used by more than 65 per cent of the world’s top 100 golf courses to ensure perfect, tournament-ready playing conditions year-round, while the company’s turf management solutions and educational support are utilised at major sporting events around the globe.

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Pride for award nominees

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Pride for award nominees: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and co-founders and sponsors Toro and Reesink UK have revealed the finalists of their prestigious annual awards, which seek to uncover the UK’s leading student greenkeepers.

Each year the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards enable BIGGA, the UK’s only membership association for golf greenkeepers, to partner with turf maintenance equipment manufacturer Toro and distributor Reesink UK and celebrate the next generation of talented and dedicated greenkeepers.

Pride for award nominees

Pride for award nominees

The first stage of the awards saw candidates undertake an interview in front of a panel of judges comprising representatives of BIGGA and Reesink UK, with 54 nominees being narrowed down to the final 12. The finalists will now vie for the titles of Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year and Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year at Carden Park in Cheshire on 4-6 September.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists are:

  1. Edoardo Fauro, deputy head greenkeeper at Walton Heath Golf Club and student at SRUC Elmwood
  2. Joe Garner, assistant greenkeeper at Wentworth Club and student at Myerscough College
  3. Tyler Holmes, assistant greenkeeper at Ganton Golf Club and student at Askham Bryan College
  4. Craig Jordan, apprentice at Ashley Wood Golf Club and student at Sparsholt College
  5. Shawn McBride, assistant greenkeeper at Hillside and student at Myerscough College
  6. Michael Russell, assistant greenkeeper at Ormskirk and student at Oldham College

The Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists are:

  1. Daniel Martin, first assistant at Farleigh Golf Club and student at Hadlow College
  2. Ben Murchie, apprentice at Thorndon Park Golf Club and student at Berkshire College of Agriculture (Windsor Forest)
  3. Sam Norman, apprentice at Abbey Hill Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
  4. Caleb Overhill, apprentice at High Post Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
  5. Jake Rose, apprentice at Moortown Golf Club and student at Askham Bryan College
  6. Sam Trott, apprentice at Weymouth Golf Club and student at Bridgwater & Taunton College

Following the announcement, several of the endorsers who nominated students for the awards have spoken about their pride in their students’ achievements.

Nick Lush is sports turf tutor at Myerscough College and nominated Caleb Overhill. He said: “Caleb’s dedication to his college work has been exceptional. The greenkeeping industry is in safe hands when we have young learners like him coming through.”

David Byron is course manager at Thorndon Park Golf Club and nominated Ben Murchie. He said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to bits for Ben. He’s come a long way and I couldn’t be happier for him. This is the cherry on top that proves all the hard work was worth it.”

BIGGA Learning and Development Executive Deb Burnett was on the judging panel for the regional interviews and said: “The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year initiative is in its 34th year and yet the awards continue to grow in stature with each passing instalment. As colleges, golf clubs, BIGGA, the Greenkeepers Training Committee and partners like Reesink Turfcare collaborate to provide better and better learning opportunities for greenkeepers, we find that the standard of student greenkeepers across the UK continues to rise. That gives confidence that the future of the industry is in safe hands and we’re excited to welcome this year’s finalists to Carden Park in September for what stands to be another closely-contested competition. Congratulations to all the finalists!”

David Timms, national accounts manager at Reesink UK and Young award judge, said: “Not only did we have a record number of entries this year but the candidates were really strong, making the finalist selection difficult. It was especially pleasing to see applicants from all over the UK. We have a very strong group coming to the finals, where a challenging but invaluable couple of days awaits them.”

Further reaction from nominators and the finalists themselves can be viewed on the BIGGA website and the BIGGA YouTube channel.

Head to the BIGGA website for details of the incredible prizes on offer for the awards winners, runners-up and those who nominated candidates.

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Kubota’s investment outlined in press event

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Kubota’s investment outlined in press event: Media spanning sports turf, landscaping, amenity and equine were recently given a rare insight into the ‘behind the scenes’ workings of one of the most recognisable brands in groundcare, as Kubota UK opened their doors for an update event.

The overarching theme of the two days was Kubota’s ongoing investment into the industry – with press updated on recent acquisitions and new initiatives in the areas of warranty and recruitment, while also having the opportunity to get ‘hands-on’ with some of the latest products from across their mower and compact tractor portfolios.

Kubota’s investment outlined in press event

Kubota’s investment outlined in press event

The sun was shining as Kubota UK Managing Director David Hart and General Manager for Tractor Business Unit (TBU) Henry Bredin welcomed members of the press to their Thame headquarters in early June. After learning about some of the corporate history and more recent global developments, such as the new £0.5bn Kubota Institute of Technology opened in Osaka Japan, attendees were treated to a tour of the facility where many questions on the challenges of worldwide manufacture, logistics and alternative power sources were answered.

Handing the baton to Phil Catley, Kubota UK Groundcare Product Manager and Field Service Manager Tom Lockwood, day two continued on a similar theme as the area of investment in aftersales was addressed. With the vision of creating an industry-leading dealer, technical and commercial support infrastructure, Tom discussed initiatives including the Kubota Service Excellence Awards and Kubota University programme, both of which are designed to develop and deliver training and advice to dealers thus ensuring the very best ongoing customer experience.

Also covered was the Kubota Apprenticeship programme, offered in partnership with Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, and designed to address the skills shortage in the industry. The four-year practical-based training scheme enrolled a record 13 students in 2023, setting the apprentices up for a career in engineering and progressing them into positions within Kubota dealerships across the UK.

Proceedings concluded with a ‘ride and drive’ experience where press had the opportunity to demonstrate a number of machines from across the range, including the recently-launched FC3 and FC4 mowers, and the LXe – Kubota’s first electric compact tractor, in the UK currently for extensive testing.

Commenting on the event, Kubota UK Marketing Manager Rob Edwards said, “We, like all manufacturers, are aware of the issues facing the industry and that doesn’t just stop at having the right products to fit today’s market. It was brilliant to be able to demonstrate to the press the programmes we’re delivering to support our dealers and our customers, and show how proud we are to be re-investing in the needs of the next generation. We extend a massive thank you once again, to all of those who took the time to attend.”

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Instructors and Assessors shine in inaugural awards

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Instructors and Assessors shine in inaugural awards: The hard-work and dedication of Lantra’s Instructor and Assessor network were recently celebrated at the inaugural Instructor Excellence Awards at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

Over 40 Instructors were in attendance for the ceremony, which also saw Lantra hosting a networking session whilst delegates enjoyed a celebratory hog roast lunch.

Instructors and Assessors shine in inaugural awards

Instructors and Assessors shine in inaugural awards

Lantra staff presented winners with industry excellence awards for categories in 4×4, tractors, lift trucks, pesticides, pest control, health and safety, ground-based chainsaw, tree inspection, aerial arboriculture, plant and machinery and also landscape tools.

As well as individual industry awards up for grabs, there were also categories for outstanding contribution, best newcomer and longest serving Instructor. Trophies and winner prizes were kindly sponsored by Lantra partners EGO Power Plus and Cooper Pegler.

One of the highlights of the event saw Edward Willmott – a Lantra Instructor of 53 years – sharing an insightful and moving speech about his time teaching cattle hoof trimming whilst accepting his longest serving award.

Stephen Roberts, Head of Instructor Network at Lantra, said: “We were delighted to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our committed Instructor and Assessor network at the recent inaugural event ceremony.

The talented and often unsung individuals inspire and motivate Learners and the next generation daily, imparting key skills and knowledge whilst delivering crucial courses in the environment and land-based industries. A huge congratulations to all the brilliant and well-deserved nominees and winners!”

Sam Jones of SCJ Training, winner of the excellence in ground-based chainsaws and outstanding contribution awards, commented: “I’m so grateful to the Lantra Provider Network for voting for me in the recent Lantra Instructor Awards. It was even better that I actually won a couple of awards! I have been teaching chainsaws as well as other Lantra courses for many years and it is so fantastic to be recognised for my contribution to developing the skills of others.

“I am passionate about training and developing people” Jones continued. “To be awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award was a real surprise to me yet a welcome one as again, my hard work behind the scenes has been recognised.”

Off Road Consultancy’s Leanne Putt also said about the event: “We had a fantastic day and it was a great opportunity to network with other Instructors and Providers. It was a real surprise and an honour to have received an award. It’s nice to receive the recognition of the hard work that we all put in.

“I’m so grateful to be involved with Lantra as it’s such a friendly and supportive environment. I look forward to seeing everyone again next year for great food, great atmosphere and a thoroughly enjoyable day.”

Freelance Instructor Roger Madge added: “I am still on a high following the Instructor Awards on Friday. It was such a great surprise to have received an award and I am absolutely chuffed!

It was a fantastic day and so good to get together with Instructors, Providers and the staff at Lantra.”

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