Tag Archive for: Amenity

Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialists

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Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialists: Agrovista Amenity is delighted to announce the addition of two highly skilled professionals to their team. Charlie Seager and Matt Davis, both Amenity Specialists, bring a wealth of experience and passion for the industry to their respective roles.

Charlie Seager: Proud to be a part of Agrovista Amenity

Charlie will be based in the areas of Grimsby, Sheffield, Peterborough, Leicester, and Nottingham, and has an extensive background in sports turf management. His journey began as a volunteer groundsman at his local cricket club, where he discovered his love for the work. Charlie’s dedication led him to prestigious roles at Rugby School and Warwick School, which gave him experience in managing a 190-acre parkland area, a 9-hole golf course, cricket pitches, and rugby pitches. Charlie also brings knowledge of complete pitch reconstructions.

Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialists

Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialists

Reflecting on his decision to join Agrovista Amenity, Charlie shares, “I saw the job advertised and having dealt with the company in the past I had some really good relationships with people at Agrovista. I thought it was a great opportunity to move into a new role but allow me to stay within the industry. I’m proud to be part of one of the industry’s leading company’s and to be able to offer quality products and advice.”

His goal at Agrovista Amenity is to replicate the support and knowledge he once received from his own Agrovista representative, Mark Allen. “Being able to advise and support people in the industry, just like Mark did with me, is how I want to succeed,” says Charlie.

Actively involved in local cricket and rugby clubs, Charlie and his partner enjoy walks with their dog and share a love for live music events.

Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialists

Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialists

Matt Davis: From Greenkeeping to Amenity Specialist

Matt Davis, the Amenity Specialist for Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridge, has had a remarkable journey in the industry. Starting his career with an apprenticeship at Brockett Hall Golf Club in Hertfordshire, Matt quickly climbed the ranks to become a course manager at the age of 27. After serving at Arkley and Hazlewood golf courses, he spent 18 years at The Cambridgeshire.

Matt’s decision to join Agrovista Amenity was driven by a desire for change and challenge. “Two years ago, I couldn’t see myself doing anything other than greenkeeping, but then I had a change of thought. It was now or never to try something different, and I wanted to challenge myself,” shares Matt.

Thrilled to be part of a larger team, Matt highlights Agrovista’s commitment to staff development and investment. “The fact that the company is willing to invest heavily in its staff is amazing – the training is brilliant and there is always an end goal.”

In his role, Matt aims to become the go-to expert, earning respect for providing sound advice. He is keen on obtaining additional qualifications and progressing within the company.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending time with his young family, is a fan of football and boxing, and engages in DIY projects at his cottage.

With the addition of Charlie Seager and Matt Davis, Agrovista Amenity is further strengthening its commitment to excellence in the turf and amenity industry. The company looks forward to the valuable contributions both professionals will make to their team and the clients they serve.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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

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Agrovista Amenity Launches Controls Brochure

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Agrovista Amenity Launches Controls Brochure: Agrovista Amenity, a leading provider of innovative solutions for turf and amenity management, proudly announces the launch of its new Controls brochure. This comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for turf managers, offering essential information on plant growth regulators (PGRs), fungicides, herbicides, wetting agents, and much more.

In the ever-evolving landscape of turf management, Agrovista Amenity aims to empower professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to overcome challenges. The Controls brochure features details on some of the most innovative products on the market, including the recently launched Maxtima® – a revolutionary turf fungicide, the highly regarded Attraxor® plant growth regulator, the powerful Medallion® TL fungicide, and a range of total and residual herbicides such as Roundup® and Valdor® Flex. Other notable products highlighted in the brochure include Acelepryn® insect control, Ferromex® mosskiller, and the impressive range of Aqua-Zorb® wetting agents.

Agrovista Amenity Launches Controls Brochure

Agrovista Amenity Launches Controls Brochure

Dr. Abigail Graceson, Technical Manager at Agrovista Amenity, emphasises the importance of tailored solutions, stating, “What might be right for one person isn’t always going to be right for someone else. It is about understanding your own circumstances and identifying what the best solution is.” This sentiment reflects the core philosophy behind the brochure – providing turf managers with the information needed to make informed decisions based on their unique situations.

“Managing good quality turf surfaces and other amenity areas presents many challenges,” Dr. Graceson notes. “Our objective is to maintain healthy plants while minimising the presence of undesirable fungal, insect, and plant pests.” In a time of increasing legislative and environmental changes, making informed decisions becomes paramount, as these choices form the foundation of management plans that deliver high-quality amenity environments.

The Controls brochure goes beyond product listings, offering a better understanding of integrated pest management principles. It equips turf managers with the knowledge required to navigate the complexities of product selection in the face of legislative and environmental challenges.

To further support turf managers, Agrovista Amenity emphasises the expertise of its representatives, who are qualified to BASIS and FACTS as a minimum. These professionals can provide personalised support in product selection and advice tailored to the specific environment being managed. Additionally, the Agrovista Amenity Academy (www.amenityacademy.co.uk) offers free courses covering product knowledge and wider aspects of managing amenity environments.

These courses are designed to enhance knowledge and maximise the benefits of the products in use while allowing professionals to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.

For further information, turf managers are encouraged to contact their local Agrovista Amenity representative.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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

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Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

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Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year: Professional spray tech, Dan Waring, has won the prestigious title of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY). Managing all the turf and amenity spraying at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Uttoxeter, he was praised for his meticulous attention to detail and adoption of new technologies to assure accurate application.

Dan’s ASOOTY award presentation was made as part of the glittering BIGGA industry awards at BTME in Harrogate this week (23 January 2024), along with the competition’s other finalists, Conrad Cavill of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon and Bryan Ramsey of Complete Weed Control, Scotland South East.

Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

The ASOOTY awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

Having worked for six years at JCB Golf, Dan has been the full-time spray tech for the past three seasons. One of the keys to his success has been continuous professional development, including  a year in the US on the Ohio State programme with an intensive focus on application skills.

He also regularly completes on-line sprayer training courses and tailoring the latest spraying technology and innovations from the agricultural sector to be adopted for amenity application. Working closely with course manager, Callum Wark, Dan’s role has been integral in using accurate application to deliver a full spectrum of conventional and biological plant protection products and nutrition, designed for a successful Integrated Turf Management approach to overall plant health and turf quality.

“I would urge all sprayer operators to undertake as much training as possible, to gain more knowledge on the products being used and the application technology,” he advocated. “That will enable people to be more confident in what they are doing, and give the spray tech’s role the credit it deserves.”

One of his top tips would be to lay out all the products required for the following day’s spraying, in the order they will be mixed, before leaving – so they can be methodically checked again and then added to the tank quickly and efficiently. He will also half fill the tank with clean water and pressure test for any visual leaks, before adding any chemical.

Presenting the award at BTME, Ian Graham, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: “The skills required to competently apply professional plant protection products are often overlooked. Along with the formal training and accreditation process, there is the experience that takes years to acquire.

“Winners of this award have elevated the application process to an art, be that with a knapsack or a boom sprayer, to help maintain the amazing playing surfaces that sport has become used to enjoying all year round,” he added.

“The Amenity Forum is delighted to work with ICL and Syngenta as the sponsors of this award and would like to congratulate Dan for upholding the highest of professional standards.”

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Development Manager, Lewis Blois, added: “We are delighted to support such an important cross-sector industry initiative with a continued commitment to raise standards and improve results.

“Importantly it has identified and recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

Sean Loakes, Syngenta Technical Manager, advocated the awards reflect the importance of an Integrated Turf Management (ITM) approach to responsible and sustainable turf and landscape maintenance.

“The skills of sprayer operators to make efficient, effective and above all safe applications are essential for the future sustainability of the amenity and turf care industry,” he advised.

“The ASOOTY awards are a welcome way to recognise and reward the leading individuals and for everyone to learn from their experience.”

Look out on the Amenity Forum website for more details and entry form for the launch of next year’s ASOOTY and your chance to win.

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Origin Amenity Solutions Turf, Science & Technology Centre expands team

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Origin Amenity Solutions Turf, Science & Technology Centre expands team: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has announced that its research and development team has been strengthened by the appointment of Jack Taylor who joins as Turf Trials Technician.

Jack will be based at the Turf Science and Technology Centre at Great Dunmow in Essex. He will be assisting the research and development team – maintaining the trials site, carrying out scientific trials, collecting data, and helping to offer customers well-researched products combined with best-practice advice for their sites.

Origin Amenity Solutions Turf, Science & Technology Centre expands team

Origin Amenity Solutions Turf, Science & Technology Centre expands team

Jack has a background in the horticultural industry, including plant maintenance, propagation, and nursery management.  He will manage the OAS greenhouse, looking after a range of small-scale pot trials and analysing the data that is generated.

Jack has a passion for playing cricket as a wicketkeeper and coaches at a local level.

He comments, “I am excited to be working at Origin Amenity Solutions and I am looking forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to the team and developing my skills within the amenity research industry.”

The OAS Turf Science and Technology Centre operates at the leading edge of plant science and turf technology with a broad spectrum of products alongside integrated pest management and microbiology programmes.

At the state-of-the-art facility, Jack is joining a team of experienced agronomists, scientists, and turf specialists who combine cutting-edge research, expert knowledge, and advanced technology to develop and deliver the most effective turf management techniques.

From soil analysis and nutrient management to pest and disease control, OAS provide seasonal managed programmes designed to optimise turf health and maximise its aesthetic appeal.

OAS Research & Development Director, Geoff Fenn adds, “Our commitment to research and development sets us apart from the competition. We continuously invest in the latest equipment and techniques to stay at the forefront of turf science. I am delighted to welcome Jack to the team. In addition to his involvement with our research and consultation services, we offer training workshops to empower turf professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain and improve turf quality; Jack will be a core part of our delivery team.”

If you are interested in a career at Origin Amenity Solutions, please email recruitment@originukoperations.co.uk

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Microdochium Trials Days at Origin Amenity Solutions fully booked

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Microdochium Trials Days at Origin Amenity Solutions fully booked: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has run its second successful event looking at the current UK research into Microdochium management on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd November.

The informative trial days were held at the state-of-the-art OAS Turf Science & Technology Centre in Dunmow, Essex.

Microdochium Trials Days at Origin Amenity Solutions fully booked

Microdochium Trials Days at Origin Amenity Solutions fully booked

OAS Research & Development Director Geoff Fenn comments, “We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to our ‘Microdochium Trial Days’.  We initially marketed this as a one-day event, but the places filled up incredibly quickly, so we extended this to a second day, which again was full in no time. In total, we hosted almost 200 delegates over the 2 days.”

The informative event offered delegates the opportunity to visit several stations around the research centre, discussing products and best practices to manage Microdochium and maintain healthy turf over the Autumn/Winter period.

Geoff Fenn discussed the importance of collecting data to optimise application timings. Discussions included growth ratio, clip volume, nitrogen inputs, and potassium inputs. The new OAS Agronomic Tracker to record this information is now available – use the QR code below. If you need any support on how to use this, please contact OAS on 0800 138 7222.

Agronomy and Technical Manager, Kelly-Marie Clack presented the 2022/23 trial results of adopting the 20-20-30 + Mantle programme using UK Growth Potential to build an IPM plan. Kelly discussed how to integrate the new biocontrol, Harmonix from Envu, into programmes successfully. Elsewhere, Trials & Digital Platform Manager Angus Finlayson demonstrated the positive results of using OAS Dewcure, penetrants, and robotic dew removal, to reduce leaf wetness.

OAS Product and Sales Manager Kevin Scarce gave an overview and demonstration of TurfKeeper, the company’s web-based portal that gives turf industry professionals a fully integrated operations and management solution. The system provides complete control and transparency over staff management, task planning, machinery management, inventory control, chemical applications, and budgeting. He explained how information can be recorded in Turfkeeper.

Dr. Deidre Charleston, Research Manager from the microbial arm of OAS delivered a workshop on building a suppressive soil to support your disease management plan.

Finally, Phil Logan from Envu and Origin Amenity Solutions Technical Manager for Chemicals Peter Corbett spoke in detail about the latest technologies in biocontrols. They discussed managing disease and the benefits of Harmonix Turf Defense, exploring a Preventative versus Curative approach to turf management.

Geoff concludes, “OAS is fully committed to continuous improvement within the industry, exploring new product solutions; testing, and producing data for the market. These trial days are a prime example of this, and the team and I are delighted with how successful they have been and the positive feedback we all received.”

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