Announcing Slug Week

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Announcing Slug Week: Does your town – or even your garden – have the most slugs in the country? Is it a slime hot spot?  And maybe, hiding under one of your garden pots, you’ll find the country’s BIGGEST slug, lurking in the shadows.

During Slug Week (5-11 April 2021), families everywhere will be challenged to take part in a nationwide search for slugs in their gardens.

Announcing Slug Week

Announcing Slug Week

To take part in the slug survey, visit www.slugweek.com any time during Slug Week and follow the simple instructions. You’ll be asked to put aside 20 minutes one evening during the week and to count all the slugs you can find in various areas of your garden. You’ll also need to measure the biggest slug you can find. The information gathered should be submitted on a simple online form.

Other things to do during Slug Week:

  • Go slug spotting: On the Slug Week website, you’ll find a printable field guide to slugs you may see in your garden or whilst out on walks.
  • Get creative: We’d love to see drawings and paintings of slugs on garden plants. Send us your works of art and we’ll publish the best on Facebook.

This Great Slug Count is the brainchild of the people at Nemaslug, who make an organic form of slug control. Whilst many slugs are harmless – just a bit yucky to look at – there are some slugs which want to eat our gorgeous garden plants.  If you water Nemaslug around the base of your favourite fruit and veg, you’ll be able to save them from the slimy jaws and, because Nemaslug is organic, you can relax when children and pets are in the garden.

To register your interest in the survey, email Hello@Paskett.co.uk and you’ll receive an email reminder just before Slug Week begins. Happy slug hunting.

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Bayer to strengthen leadership team

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Bayer to strengthen leadership team: Bayer today announced a series of decisions to accelerate the strategy implementation of its Crop Science division. In order to focus on its core agricultural business, this includes the intent to divest the company’s Environmental Science Professional business.

It is a global leader offering environmental solutions to control pests, disease and weeds in non-agricultural areas such as vector control, professional pest management, industrial vegetation management, forestry, and turf and ornamentals. The Environmental Science Professional business had sales of approx. 600 million Euros in 2019.

Bayer to strengthen leadership team

Bayer to strengthen leadership team

To further drive performance and growth in the division’s most important commercial region, Bayer has named Dr. Jacqueline M. Applegate to lead the Crop Science North America region effective March 1, 2021. She currently heads the division’s Environmental Science and Vegetable Seeds businesses and has a strong track record of commercial execution and of driving transformation. In addition to her appointment, the company named Dr. Jeremy Williams, currently Global Head of Plant Biotechnology at Crop Science, as new head of the Climate Corporation and Digital Farming, and Tom Armitage from Mondelez as head of Global Communications for Crop Science. Both are effective March 15, 2021. All three leaders will join the Crop Science Executive Leadership Team and will play key roles in accelerating the division’s transformation.

In addition, Bayer appointed Gilles Galliou, currently head of commercial operations for Bayer Vegetable Seeds Americas, to lead the Environmental Science business and the planned divestment. The global Environmental Science business will be headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, effective June 1, 2021. Inci Dannenberg, currently head of global strategic marketing for Vegetable Seeds, was also appointed to run the Crop Science global Vegetable Seeds business, which is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Both appointments are effective from March 1, 2021.

“With the announced portfolio and leadership changes, and important new product approvals for soybeans, corn and cotton in the Americas, we are now shifting gears from integration to growth acceleration. We are laser-focused on commercial execution and on transforming agriculture through innovation that benefits farmers, consumers and our planet,” said Liam Condon, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the Crop Science division. “Like farmers everywhere, we have faced challenges in the past few years; however, I am very excited about the outlook for our Crop Science business. The global coronavirus pandemic has made it clear how important agriculture and a sustainable food system are, and the crucial role science can play in solving difficult problems. Driving innovation, accelerating the digital transformation of agriculture and helping decarbonize the food system are at the core of our vision to feed a growing population without starving the planet.”

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Mansfield Sand – the story behind the sand

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Mansfield Sand – the story behind the sand: The products are widely used, and everyone has heard of the name – but how much do you know about Mansfield Sand?

Mansfield Sand is company with history and pedigree – in fact, its origins can be traced as far back to 1840. In complementing the company’s wonderful heritage, the family-run company insists on reinvesting in its infrastructure to keep moving with the times.

Mansfield Sand – the story behind the sand

Mansfield Sand – the story behind the sand

Mansfield Sand has been a long-standing pioneer in the development and production of premium quality silica sand-based products for over 170 years. Over recent years the company has invested approximately £20m in a state-of-the-art brick facility and, more recently, a new purpose-built quarry. The brickworks is now one of the most modern and technically advanced in Europe, while the Two Oaks Quarry, which has been in operation since 2015, has the most up-to-date and advanced equipment currently in the industry.

The washing plant is the beating heart of the quarry. This highly efficient plant was designed to give the flexibility needed to produce an extensive range of silica sand products that can meet the requirements of Mansfield Sand customers. The quarry also has an automated bagging plant, producing over 2 million bags of dry sand per annum.

Furthermore, in 2019 the company acquired a new larger head office to provide the capacity to support its aspirations for continued growth. The spacious office in Mansfield is located within equal distance to all production sites.

Supported by over 70 staff across its two operational sites and its head office, Mansfield Sand supplies a number of different sectors with its range of products including:

  • Silica sands;
  • Industrial sands;
  • Pavior and foundry sands;
  • A wide range of concrete brick products.

Its specialist products include:

  • Equestrian silica sand products including Fibresand Equestrian;
  • Specialist sports surfaces for both construction and renovation in golf, football and rugby including fibresand and fibrelastic.

With its wide range of products and its robust and extremely well-developed infrastructure, Mansfield Sand’s forward-thinking approach is ensuring it continues to lead the way within the marketplace.

It is for this reason that the company is extremely proud to boast a prestigious client list which includes some of the most prominent sporting venues in the UK and beyond. From winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas – Mansfield Sand has a solution for all.

Mansfield Sand’s ownership structure is another significant feather in its cap, as it is both agile and robust enough to accommodate the requirements of its customer base. The fact that it remains a family run business ensures that decisions can be made quickly. Where demand from customers necessitates change, as an SME Mansfield Sand can react rapidly and adapt to suit customer requirements. This agility is highly valued by its vast customer base.

With unrivalled experience and an ongoing commitment to investing in its facilities and product range, Mansfield Sand is well placed to add further to its already illustrious history.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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Ferris® Introduces IS®6200

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Ferris® Introduces IS®6200: Ferris®  introduces the IS®6200 commercial zero-turn mower that uses the latest EU Stage 5 emission technology in combination with unique mowing technology to provide commercial cutters with superior performance, quality and comfort. The all new IS®6200 has all it needs to impress even the most demanding professional cutter.

Zero Turn mowers have come a long way in 20 years. Nowadays they are bigger and faster and they put more stress on their operators. After 18 years it was time to update our flagship mower, the IS®5100Z. With the development of its successor we kept building our old flagship mower in mind. We used our worldwide facilities to take the trails further. So rather than rest on the many laurels we went full-out bringing it up to date and even beyond. It is a powerhouse evolved directly from the IS®5100Z, adding 41% (!) more engine power with stunning performance and unshakeable endurance that will set the pace for many years to come.

Ferris® Introduces IS®6200

Ferris® Introduces IS®6200

We offer you the most powerful Zero Turn mower in the industry, enabling you to achieve the highest production with the lowest Total Cost of Ownership. Get rid of backlogs and capacity problems. Latest Stage 5 technology in combination with HVO100 synthetic Diesel¹) enables you to reach your climate targets and reduce your Carbon Footprint.

The IS®6200 is powered by a Caterpillar® 48-gross HP, 1699cc Liquid Cooled 3-cylinder EU Stage 5 Diesel engine, featuring a Turbo charger, a Common Rail fuel system and a Diesel Oxygen Catalyst. This CAT® C1.7 Turbo Diesel provides a wide range of benefits which include reduced fuel consumption, increased power (+41%) and a max. torque of 166.5Nm at 1400 rpm.

Ferris patented IS Independent Suspension® system with adjustable coil-over-shocks at the front wheels of the machine in conjunction with adjustable, (double at the IS®6200) coil-over-shocks at the rear wheels, offering superior operator comfort and increased mowing productivity. The IS Independent Suspension® system utilises four upper and lower control rods and mower-specific shocks designed to eliminate caster chatter and to ensure the casters remain properly oriented throughout the entire range of suspension travel to improve ride and cut quality. This controlled motion results in a smoother ride, more precise tracing of the terrain and an improved cut. The patented suspension system responds to the most unforgiving terrain with refined control and incomparable steering accuracy. It allows the operator maintain ground speed on rough underground, not slow down, taking full advantage of the available horsepower resulting in more covered square meters per hour and lower operational costs. On top of that, a Ferris ZTR has no limitations on the daily allowable exposure in regards to hand/arm and whole-body vibrations. (HAV’s and WBV’s)

The IS®6200 is a commercial workhorse offering superior durability and is built with industry-leading commercial-grade components. Dual commercial Hydro Gear PW pumps in conjunction with Parker TG0335 LSHT Torq motors deliver unmatched power, traction and durability. The unique and patented 183cm (72”) Triple iCD™ Mowing Technology deck features a rear- and a side discharge option, as well as a semi- and full mulching baffle and Hercules™ II cast-iron spindle housings; accommodating double-row industrial angular-contact bearings. An all new double belt mower drive system is covered by 3 years (max.300 hours) warranty Other features include a foot operated hydraulic mower deck lift, a premium high-back seat with padded armrests, adjustable headrest and integrated retractable seat belt, a digital CAN display monitoring engine parameters, a large 51 litre fuel tank capacity and a foldable ROPS system.

Specifications:

  • 48HP (166.5Nm@1400rpm) CAT C1.7 Turbo-charged common-rail Diesel, EU Stage 5
  • Four-wheel IS Independent Suspension®  enables mowing speeds up to 20km/h
  • All day mowing: No need to re-fill (51ℓ capacity) or re-charge. No limitations on HAVS/WBV
  • Capacity: up to 2.93 hectares/hour (based on 80% efficiency)
  • 183cm (72”) fabricated steel mower deck with hydraulic mower lift and Triple iCD™ Mowing Technology featuring rear-and side discharge option as well as semi- or full mulching mode.
  • Foot operated hydraulic deck lift with cutting height ranging from 38-152mm in 0,6cm increments
  • Large 26×12-12 drive tyres and 13×6.5-6 caster tyres

The IS®6200 includes the Ferris 2+2 Year Limited Warranty which covers the unit for four years (48 months) or 500 hours, whichever occurs first. During the first two years (24 months), the mower is covered for unlimited hours. (Belts, tires, brake pads, battery and blades are covered for 90 days.) In addition, coil-over-shocks and all suspension-related components are covered for five years (60 months), unlimited hours and 3-years (36 months) or 300 hours, whichever occurs first on the mower deck drive belts. (Parts and labor in year one; parts only in years two and three). 2-Year / 2000 hours Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty on the CAT®-engine.

Available to market: April/May 2021/Recommended Retail Price IS®6200 with 183cm deck: € 34.333,- excl. VAT.

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Soil Scout introduce TurfCare as Ireland reseller

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Soil Scout introduce TurfCare as Ireland reseller: Soil Scout are pleased to announce that we have introduced TurfCare as reseller of our wireless underground soil monitoring solution.

Backed by a dedicated and experienced team of professionals TurfCare are ideally placed to introduce the industry-leading Soil Scout solution, the new partnership starts immediately.

Soil Scout introduce TurfCare as Ireland reseller

Soil Scout introduce TurfCare as Ireland reseller

Soil Scout VP of International Sales, Adam Sedgwick said: “We are really pleased to be partnering with TurfCare and expanding our European distributor network to Ireland. The TurfCare team have shown an unbelievable amount of enthusiasm for the benefits that the Soil Scout solution can bring to Ireland’s golf and sports turf maintenance professionals.

“Soil Scout currently operates in more than 15 countries and this partnership is part of the companies plans to scale up operations in Europe throughout 2021.”

TurfCare have a proven track record of supplying innovative products and services in a professional manner to the golf, leisure and amenity industries. They do this using environmentally sound practices in order to provide a sustainable and profitable future for all – a perfect fit with Soil Scout’s mission to give soil experts the sub-soil information they need to effectively manage their turfs and grounds.

TurfCare, Sales Manager, Jim Holden said: “TurfCare are delighted to partner with Soil Scout and offer these unique fully wireless sensors. We feel this technology offers end users excellent real-time data directly to your phone without having to go to the field.

“When managing moisture, soil temperature and salinity you can dramatically increase your efficiencies and inputs by using Soil Scout sensors. They are simple and easy to use and offer end users sustainability going forward in managing and improving their turf while saving money,” he concluded.

For more information about the wireless underground Soil Scout solution please visit; www.soilscout.com

Contact TurfCare – www.turfcare.eu email: info@turfcare.eu

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