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Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA

February 6, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA: The Toro Company is pleased to announce that Richard Walne has been named managing director of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region for its International Business. In his new role, Walne will have leadership responsibility for the company’s equipment and water businesses in the region […]

2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range

February 5, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range: In their pursuit of high performance, sustainable seed solutions, DLF have introduced a number of new mixtures and formulations across the Johnsons Sports Seed range – all outlined in the brand-new 2025 catalogue. In a particularly exciting expansion of their fine turf range, 2025 brings two new mixtures and seven […]

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA

February 6, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range

February 5, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA

February 6, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA: The Toro Company is pleased to announce that Richard Walne has been named managing director of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region for its International Business. In his new role, Walne will have leadership responsibility for the company’s equipment and water businesses in the region with a focus on advancing strategic customer priorities, strengthening its market positions and evolving the portfolio of innovative solutions.

Walne’s impressive career at The Toro Company spans 45 years, during which he has held various roles across the International Business. His journey with Toro began as a technical representative in Europe and from there he has had responsibilities around the world. He held senior marketing and product development roles in the United States, demonstrating great versatility and leadership. He then transitioned to the Asia Pacific, Australia and China (APAC) region, ultimately serving as managing director, APAC, a position he had held since 2000. With a deep passion for helping customers and a proven ability to inspire teams, Walne has made significant contributions to Toro’s growth and success throughout his career which he now brings to the EMEA region.

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA

Well-known and respected in the golf and premium sport markets for his extensive product knowledge and expertise, Walne played a key role in founding the Asian Golf Industry Federation and continues to drive education as chairperson of the Certificate in Greenkeeping Committee. A passionate supporter of Variety, The Children’s Charity, Walne has participated in the Annual Variety Bash since 2001, raising significant amounts to help children in South Australia who are sick, disadvantaged, or living with disability.

“Richard’s industry knowledge and impressive career at The Toro Company have been nothing short of exceptional,” said Amy Dahl, vice president, International at The Toro Company. “His contributions have significantly shaped our international business across the globe, and his dedication to our customers and teams is unparalleled. We are thrilled that Richard is moving into this role and are confident that he will help expand our market leadership and accelerate growth in this region moving forward.”

Walne will relocate to the United Kingdom over the next few months, marking a return to where he first began his storied career with The Toro Company.

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2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range

February 5, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range: In their pursuit of high performance, sustainable seed solutions, DLF have introduced a number of new mixtures and formulations across the Johnsons Sports Seed range – all outlined in the brand-new 2025 catalogue.

In a particularly exciting expansion of their fine turf range, 2025 brings two new mixtures and seven new formulations, while research across DLF’s global breeding centres has contributed to their strongest ever line-up for sports turf.

2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range

Building on the success of Johnsons J Ultrafine Rye 100, 2025 brings increased versatility with the introduction of J Ultrafine Rye 25 and J Ultrafine Rye 50 – new 25% and 50% perennial ryegrass mixtures ideal for close mown applications such as greens, tees, and bowling greens, as well as high-traffic areas like fairways, pathways, tennis courts and cricket outfields. Blending highly ranked ultrafine ryegrass cultivars on the STRI close mown table, the range offers multiple benefits including fineness of leaf, wear tolerance, quick recovery, rapid establishment and sustainable performance.

Other highlights from the updated golf range include the new formulation of J Green which includes 20% Sybille, a new, No.1 ranked slender creeping red fescue for close mown turf. With its high density and disease tolerance, Sybille helps to supress unwanted weeds and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides. Sybille is also incorporated in the 2025 formulations of J Fescue, J Links and J Premier Tee.

For sports turf, the 2025 Johnsons range utilises the latest global research on disease trends and resistance to give turf managers mixtures that help to protect their surfaces by choice, not by chance. Demonstrating exceptional disease resistance from Brown Patch and Grey Leaf Spot in trials, along with superior drought tolerance and reduced requirements for water and fertiliser, 4turf^® mixtures remain a trusted and reliable partner to high performance maintenance programmes. 4turf^® is available in 25, 50 and 100% formulations within the 2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range.

Johnsons also continues to lead the way with class-leading mixtures for cricket. The new 2025 formulation of J Premier Wicket promises to deliver class leading wear tolerance, rapid establishment and high disease resistance for village squares to county quality cricket squares.

In addition, DLF have invested heavily in their in-house production of native-origin wildflowers. A dedicated area at their Inkberrow site now spans over 80 acres, helping to sustain the increase in demand for mixtures from their ProFlora range.

More details on all the new additions are available in the new 2025 Johnsons Sports Seed brochure, or by visiting the website www.johnsonssportsseed.co.uk

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA

2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA

2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA

2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range

2025 Johnsons Sports Seed range: In their pursuit of high performance, sustainable seed solutions, DLF have introduced a number of new mixtures and formulations across the Johnsons Sports Seed range – all outlined in the brand-new 2025 catalogue.

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