John Deere training helps apprentices graduate

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John Deere training helps apprentices graduate: The latest group of talented young service technicians and parts personnel have successfully graduated from John Deere’s pioneering Ag Tech, Turf Tech and Parts Tech advanced apprenticeship programmes.

The 38-strong cohort passed the national scheme – provided by training provider ProVQ – and their achievements have been recognised at a special event held for them at the Crowne Plaza in Nottingham.

John Deere training helps apprentices graduate

John Deere training helps apprentices graduate

John Deere dealer Ben Burgess saw success for two of its staff with James Skipper from Beeston in Norfolk winning the Ag/Turf Tech Apprentice of the Year for 2021 while Madeleine Green from the company’s Oakham site in Rutland won the Parts Tech award.

Both were presented with new Apple iPads as their prize by John Deere Apprentice Centre Manager James Haslam.

Farol saw its Ag/Turf Tech apprentices Ciahran Quick from the company’s Shefford Woodlands dealership in Berkshire, and Henry Atkins from Midhurst in West Sussex, pick up the runner up prizes of a certificate and high street vouchers worth £250.

John Deere Branch Training Manager Allan Cochran said: “Our apprenticeship programme has been running for nearly three decades and was created because we saw the trend of fewer people coming into the industry. We needed to take steps to ensure that there was new talent to fill our business and dealer network.

“That work is as relevant today as it was then. To see these fantastic individuals graduating from their courses and taking the next big step in their careers is incredibly rewarding.

“Helping to give these young people their first step on the career ladder builds a strong foundation for their future success, and John Deere places great importance on supporting them to reach their full potential.

“We aim to nurture and mould these enthusiastic apprentices who have the skills and desire to work in our business and across the industry.”

The next intake is already being enrolled with 61 Ag Tech and Turf Tech technicians so far signed up for their three-year course, in addition to six Parts Tech apprentices who study for two years.

John Deere’s apprenticeships involve students being trained in engineering, electronics, hydraulics, diagnostics, communication skills, computing, sales and marketing. Ag Tech and Turf Tech candidates study towards the land-based service engineering technician (level 3) qualification, while in Parts Tech individuals complete a Retailer Apprenticeship Standard (level 2).

New students are enrolled each year; apprentices need to be resident in the UK, employed by a John Deere dealer and aged 16 or over. The standard programmes include on-the-job training and assessment as well as up to eight weeks each year at the John Deere Apprentice Training Centre. Further details can be found at http://apprenticeshipfinder.co.uk/john-deere.

Now entering its 30th year, Ag Tech was the first such scheme to be introduced in the UK and won a National Training Award at the end of 1997, the only one ever made to an agricultural machinery apprenticeship programme. Since the first programme started in 1992, almost 1,000 apprentices have graduated through the three main schemes and are now working in the company’s nationwide dealer network.

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SubAir Systems and Soil Scout partnership

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SubAir Systems and Soil Scout partnership: Soil Scout’s sensors detect the turf’s underground moisture, temperature, and salinity levels while SubAir Systems’ units automatically adjust the moisture levels to provide optimized conditions for turf managers

Helsinki, Finland (November 9th, 2021) US-based SubAir Sports Systems has announced a partnership with wireless underground soil moisture sensor startup Soil Scout to give turf managers unprecedented control over their operations and turf with automated subsurface monitoring and ventilation.

SubAir Systems and Soil Scout partnership

SubAir Systems and Soil Scout partnership

Soil Scout’s sensor transmits moisture, temperature, and salinity data in real-time from up to 2 meters below the surface, while SubAir’s subsurface aeration and moisture removal units guarantee ideal pitch conditions, automatically adjusting the moisture levels of the turf according to live, real-time soil conditions. In a sudden downpour, the vacuum systems activate to eliminate excess moisture in the soil profile, with 36x faster drainage than natural drainage alone.

This combination of cutting-edge turf technology enables turf professionals to provide pristine playing surfaces for professional teams and players, thus creating entertainment that creates important memories for fans and players alike.

“Working with Soil Scout has so far been one of the best partnerships we’ve ever had in the entire turf industry. With both companies being the industry leaders in their respective fields, I’m super excited to work together to provide one of the most powerful solutions on the market to help turf managers achieve their goals based on real-time data from Soil Scout’s sensors and our aeration units,” says Brad Dennis, President of SubAir Sports Systems.

“Turf managers expect tools to be able to do their job efficiently and effectively as possible – our partnership provides the data and operational performance to ensure that ideal pitch performance requirements are met. Working with SubAir has been brilliant, and they’re true innovators in their industry – this partnership provides an unrivaled offering and we’re very excited to deploy this solution combination around the world together,” says Jalmari Talola, CEO of Soil Scout.

SubAir Systems and Soil Scout have been chosen to support all eight of the stadium venues at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The devices are also currently used in numerous iconic sports venues such as Citizens Bank Park, home to the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team – a sport where irrigation is a constant challenge due to baseball being one of the few sports that tarps their grass for rain and needing to keep infield clay dry.

“During the Major League Baseball season, it’s critical that our moisture levels remain in a range that allows us to keep the field hydrated enough that we can get through the day without any hotspots, but not so wet that the field is set up excessively for disease and fungal growth,” says Mike Boekholder, Director of Field Operations and Citizens Bank Park, home to the Philidelphia Phillies. “Soil Scout and SubAir help us manage our way through all that in as efficient a manner as possible.”

“Once the Soil Scout units report an average moisture level above our setpoint, the SubAir turns itself on to vacuum mode until the moisture levels drop back below the setpoint. We can likewise adjust the SubAir unit to run on specific schedules based on temperature data, or just turn off completely if the soils get too cold,” he continues.

Soil Scout recently announced its partnership with US-based provider of autonomous aerial intelligence services, GreenSight, as well as expanding its US operations with an aim to accelerate its go-to-market efforts and combat the ongoing drought in California.

Backed by Husqvarna, Soil Scout was co-founded by Finnish agrotechnology Ph.D. and 19th generation farmer Johannes Tiusanen and electronics expert M.Sc.Eng Jussi Sirkiä with a mission of giving soil experts the information they need to effectively manage their lands.

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Enclean exceeds expectations

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Enclean exceeds expectations: Enclean, a plant origin-based biocide from Belchim Crop Protection, picked up the innovation award in the consumables category at this year’s Saltex event.

“The successful launch of the product in 2020 has culminated in recent approval for use by Organic Farmers and Growers Limited (OF & G) across all organic systems and this prestigious award”, confirms Peter Corbett of Origin Amenity Solutions.

Enclean exceeds expectations

Enclean exceeds expectations

Having personally witnessed the development of Enclean from initial trials in 2017 Peter is well placed to discuss the merits of the new biocide, now widely seen as a “game-changer” in the professional biocide market.

Mr Corbett, who manages the commercial, technical and marketing of the chemical products portfolio for *Rigby Taylor (*now part of Origin Amenity Solutions) first saw the biocide in its development phase 4 years ago and was impressed with both its speed of action in eradicating algae and its positive effect on dealing with other green deposits that often build up on hard surfaces.

“From the outset when manufacturer Belchim Crop Protection first began trials on the active nonanoic acid, from which Enclean is derived, I saw the potential and, as a company, we recognised that there was a gap in the biocide market for it.

“Most de-greening chemicals require large volumes of product and water to break-down algae and green deposits. However, Enclean is fundamentally different in that it can be applied at low water volumes. One litre of Enclean mixed with water will treat well over 500m2. Being able to use a small knapsack sprayer fitted with a red 80-degree nozzle allows the operator much easier access to narrow pathways where algae can often build up.

“Enclean is plant derived, safe to use, and it has no environmental hazard classification. It’s fast acting and, once applied, it quickly degrades into natural elements leaving behind no harmful residue. Using a red 80-degree nozzle and maintaining the correct speed of application, 555m2 of coverage is readily achievable, and this is especially important for sprayer contractors who need to limit down-time spent on refilling” he confirms.

20 months on from its launch, 2 key pieces of customer feedback on Enclean that Peter has specifically noted have been its speed of activity, and the wider range of weather conditions that the biocide can be successfully applied in.

“Many traditional biocides cannot be applied in frosty conditions, or within 24 hours of rain. But with Enclean the application window is much wider, and very good results can be achieved even when temperature and weather conditions are far from perfect. Again, this is ideal for sprayer contractors who need to minimise down-time between jobs” he adds.

Peter’s positive feedback on the new biocide has now been reinforced by many recent customer testimonials, including both Royal Norwich Golf Club and Plymouth County Council.

Peter Todd, Director and Estates Manager at Royal Norwich Golf Club, first trialled Enclean last year.

“During the 2020 lockdown the club house patio became covered with algae. Due predominantly to lack of footfall, our high-quality stone slabs had become discoloured and slippery when wet. We sprayed with Enclean and over the next 2-3 days the algae had been controlled and the wet surface was no longer hazardous. The product removed the algae completely giving us lasting control. The treated area remained clean, and the surface regained its original colour despite the cold and wet conditions being less than ideal for biocide application.

“We also applied the product on the edge of the club’s parking area which had a mixture of algae and moss. Again, the control was rapid despite the wet and cold weather conditions. Using a shroud on the knapsack boom allowed us to spray neatly and obtain a sharp edge alongside the fine grass” he confirms.

David Houghton, Team Leader of Plymouth County Council, endorses Mr Todd’s feedback having trialled Enclean extensively during 2020 and 2021.

“Overall, and after a thorough test, we were very pleased with the results from the Enclean product. We were looking for a fast-acting biocide that is safe and easy to use. With Enclean we have found it” he says.

Summarising the products recent impact on the biocide market Peter concludes;

“Enclean looks to have a strong future in the amenity sector once customers understand that the cost of application per m2  is cost-competitive. One litre of Enclean treats 5-10 times the area of most competitor products and, due to lower water volumes, it can be applied much quicker and more efficiently. When customers recognise its greater sustainability and level of performance over market alternatives then I’m sure it will gain an even greater level of acceptance”.

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94% of green spaces on endangered list

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94% of green spaces on endangered list: Is your local green space or park one of the 94% (over 20,000) that could disappear tomorrow? Green open spaces and parks across Great Britain, equivalent to twice the size of London could be lost forever, unless communities proactively encourage their local authorities and park owners to step up and protect today.

Green space charity Fields in Trust is urging everyone to get behind its ParkXtinction campaign which aims to protect those parks that are currently endangered, before it’s too late and they are lost to building development, forever.

94% of green spaces on endangered list

94% of green spaces on endangered list

Consider the local park where you walk your dog, take your children to the swings, or just enjoy a walk around regularly for fresh air.

With the COP26 conference in full swing, the charity is urging everyone to check if their local park is one of those on the endangered list by visiting www.parkxtinction.org. For those that are in danger, action can be taken to protect them. Green spaces can be legally protected via a deed of dedication, by forming a binding legal commitment, requiring owners to preserve sites for recreational use forever.

Research from Fields in Trust finds that Britain’s parks and green spaces capture 402,000 tonnes of carbon annually, the equivalent of taking 320,565 cars off the road every single year.

Fields in Trust President, The Duke of Cambridge, launched the charity’s Green Space Index of Parks provision back in May 2021. The Green Space Index is Fields in Trust’s annual barometer of publicly accessible park and green space provision. Through the Green Space Index, Fields in Trust is taking stock of the nation’s quantity of local parks and green spaces and providing analysis on their impact.

Aiming to positively change the dial on climate change, the Duke of Cambridge said during a visit earlier this year with Fields in Trust: “The Green Space Index will provide a key tool for Local Authorities to identify inequity of access to green spaces, and to protect them for communities, now and in the future.”

Among the countless messages of feedback received by the charity during the unprecedented 18 months during a global pandemic, one person commented: “During lockdown, the park was probably a lifesaver for me in terms of my mental health.”

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has identified that the total proportion of urban green space in England declined between 2001 and 2018 from 63% to 55% of urban areas. The most recent CCC report to Government ([i]i) recommends that an urban greenspace target should be introduced by 2022 to reverse this decline and ensure towns and cities are more climate resilient.

Helen Griffiths, Chief Executive, Fields in Trust said: “My hope for COP26 is that the bold actions that are needed to meet the challenges ahead are recognised.

“Local response to climate action is crucial, and parks can play an important role in creating a greener and fairer economy. They can help tackle health and opportunity inequalities among communities and we must, without question, commit to preserving the green lungs of our towns and cities.

“This all sits within the powers of our local leaders, and this is an opportunity now to change the way we think about the contribution local green spaces make to our health, our wellbeing, our environment, and ultimately our futures.

“These parks and green spaces are under threat today, from financial and development pressures and it is up to all of us to stem this cycle of disappearance and decline. Our children and grandchildren deserve to have the same green space opportunities that we did, so we need to act today before it’s too late.

“I call upon local authorities, private landowners and members of the public to check if the local park you enjoy today is endangered via this ParkXtinction link.”

Without urgent action, Britain’s public green space is set to decrease, putting more pressure on fewer green spaces to support the health and wellbeing of communities, now and in the future.

Helen continued: “A recent community campaign led to 100 parks and green spaces in Liverpool becoming legally protected, Wrexham County Borough has committed to protect ten country parks as part of a drive to carbon neutral operations, and the City of Edinburgh Council is also protecting the majority of its urban green space. So, the appetite for protecting green spaces is there, we need civic leaders and local councillors to come on board urgently.  The Fields in Trust website provides information on endangered green spaces in your area. Click here to check your local green space, and if it isn’t protected find out how you can help us reduce the gap quickly.”

Visit the dedicated website to make a positive change today and protect your local park www.parkxtinction.org

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The best machines for scrubland maintenance

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The best machines for scrubland maintenance: Scrublands are an extremely valuable habitat to many species, with the small patches of nettles and brambles, and the more densely packed young trees and gorse bushes, offering food and shelter.

Technically described as a ‘successional habitat’, scrub is temporary and transitions from one type of habitat to another. Despite this transitory nature, though, scrubs do require an element of maintenance to keep the area under control.

The best machines for scrubland maintenance

The best machines for scrubland maintenance

Preparing for scrubland maintenance

Before any scrubland maintenance can be done, preparation is essential for maintaining the area effectively and safely. A site survey should be conducted to ascertain what wildlife is present in the scrubland, allowing those carrying out the work to be mindful of these habitats. It’s also important to keep a variety of old and young scrub, to ensure variety and diversity is provided, making it appealing to a wider range of species.

When managing scrublands, it’s also important to maintain a direct link to surrounding habitats as this allows species to explore the landscape. Invasive species such as Japanese knotweed and rhododendron should also be controlled, as they have very little value for wildlife and will happily take over the site if allowed, causing more problems in the future.

Using a brushcutter on scrubland

There are a range of techniques that can be employed to control scrub when necessary, the most popular, of course, being the use of a brushcutter. These powerful machines are ideal for cutting through overgrown bushes and fields and for clearing through dense scrub. Billy Goat’s range of brushcutters have heavy-duty spindles, strong engines and ergonomic controls which make them easy to use in even the harshest environments, with a different model available for a variety of requirements.

The BC2600HEBB BC Series Pivoting Deck brushcutter has been engineered to glide over uneven terrain, like scrub, as its pivoting brush deck hugs the ground for a closer cut. Its improved traction also keeps the weight of the machine firmly on its extra wide tyres, helping to make user manoeuvrability as easy as possible. The machine also boasts a Tuff Torq™ variable hydrostatic transmission that features a fully automatic Enhanced Tractions Control (ETC), offering a superior traction in wet or uneven conditions and can cut saplings and brush at a rate of an acre per hour.

For those looking for a fixed deck, Billy Goat’s BC2600ICM BC Series Fixed Deck brushcutter is a great option as it provides excellent stability in deep vegetation. Powered by a Honda engine, the mechanical transaxle – which features three speeds forward and one reverse – is ideal for clearing meadows and fields or cutting paths and trails wherever dense brush and weeds present a clean-up challenge. The heavy-duty blade spindle is reinforced on four sides, so it can tackle even the toughest cutting conditions, including thick bushes, grass and weeds over 180cm tall, and saplings up to 5cm diameter.

For larger scrubland areas, the BCR3626BVECE 4WD Outback Rider is the ultimate brushcutter as it has been designed with a low centre of gravity, combined with a four-wheel drive system that enables it to tackle those hard-to-reach places that traditional machines are unable to reach. The spacious platform also provides sufficient space and operator comfort whilst the heavy-duty mower deck is equipped with swing-back cutter blades that swing away when accidental contact is made with solid objects. As well as protecting wildlife, these features also help protect the mower deck and cutter blades from accidental damage.

Whether it’s low level or extensive scrubland maintenance, Billy Goat has a range of brush cutters that make managing scrublands safe and easy.

Billy Goat products are available nationwide through Henton & Chattell’s dealer network. For more information and to see videos demonstrating their performance visit www.billygoat.co.uk.

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