Tag Archive for: Announces

Germinal Amenity announces 2026 grass seed mixtures

/in , /by

Germinal Amenity announces 2026 grass seed mixtures: Germinal Amenity – the market leader in the development and supply of specialist seed products for the amenity sector – is delighted to announce its 2026 A Range of grass seed mixtures specially formulated for golf and sports turf applications. 

For 2026, Germinal Amenity has sought to improve the already impressive A Range mixtures such as Tour Leader, ForeFront Greens and A20 Premier Ryesport by sourcing new, highly rated grass varieties that complement the top-performing varieties bred by its research and development partners, Germinal Horizon, including AberRoyal and AberRegal.

Germinal Amenity announces 2026 grass seed mixtures

Germinal Amenity announces 2026 grass seed mixtures

New Varieties Added

This year, Germinal Amenity is introducing the new creeping bentgrass varieties, ‘Piper’ and ‘777’ to its A Range blends for golf greens. It is also adding the new perennial ryegrass variety, ‘AberWin’, to its top specification A20 Premier Ryesport mixture for winter sports.

With its exceptionally high shoot density – the foundation of good wear tolerance and recovery – and very attractive mid-green colour, the Germinal Horizon-bred ‘AberWin’ scores highly for live ground cover and visual merit all year round, even during the most testing of ground conditions.

‘777’ is the sister grass variety to the market-leading 007 DSB and tops the BSPB Turfgrass Seed List with a shoot density score of 6.8 and visual merit of 7.0. ‘Piper’ is a brand-new variety that will reach the full BSPB list in 2027 and scores even higher with shoot density of 7.2, visual merit of 8.1 and an impressive 7.2 for fineness of leaf.

Shoot density is a key trait that allows these grasses to out compete Poa Annua in golf courses.

Germinal Amenity is adding both ‘777’ and ‘Piper’ to Tour Leader, its landmark creeping bentgrass mixture that provides unrivalled performance, seasonal adaptability, high disease resistance, and vivid colour retention.

‘Piper’ is also being added to its ForeFront Greens which combines the proven performance of the AberMajesty browntop bentgrass blend with the best creeping bents available to ensure the highest levels of disease and stress resistance.

Commenting, Richard Brown, Amenity Director at Germinal, said:

“The availability of both Piper and 777 has been highly anticipated. We are delighted to be able to incorporate them into the A Range mixtures for 2026 where they will support even greater performance on low inputs for greenkeepers.

They will also significantly enhance the genetic diversity of our leading seed blends. Diversity underpins a lot of the performance of grass mixtures; when conditions get tough, the best variety in the blend will step up to do the job, whether this is coping with shade, drought or disease. Diversity reduces risk for greenkeepers and has long been the standard sought in sports turf management, and which we are making available to greenkeepers across the A Range and in our new mixtures for 2026.

Groundskeepers can have even more confidence in our top-spec blend for winter sports, A20 Premium Ryesports, with the inclusion of AberWin which will be the first time this breakthrough, high shoot density perennial ryegrass variety will be available to the amenity sector.” 

The A Range includes the full range of Germinal’s trusted and proven varieties for all landscape, golf and sports turf applications including ForeFront Greens, AberMajesty Blend, A5 Golf Tees and Tour Leader.

The A Range also offers Germinal’s pollinator-friendly wildflower products, including True Meadow. These mixtures have been formulated for a wide range of developed areas and natural habitats. They also include Regional Environmental (RE) mixtures which meet the requirements of government-sponsored biodiversity schemes in the UK.

The 2026 brochures from Germinal offer guides to unique ranges of grass, clover and wildflora amenity mixtures and are available now at germinalamenity.com or from Germinal Amenity’s Technical Sales and Amenity Turf Advisers.

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

EcoBunker announces appointment of Charlie Taylor

/in , , /by

EcoBunker announces appointment of Charlie Taylor: Synthetic bunker edge pioneers EcoBunker have appointed Charlie Taylor to the position of Technical Sales Manager in a move that is set to strengthen the relationship between the brand and its customers.

Taylor began his career at Gillingham Golf Club where he qualified as a greenkeeper. After 3 years at Gillingham, he moved into generalist grounds care before starting his own grounds maintenance business. Having undertaken a number of projects in collaboration with EcoBunker, when the opportunity to join the business arose, Taylor could not turn down the opportunity.

EcoBunker announces appointment of Charlie Taylor

EcoBunker announces appointment of Charlie Taylor

“It was obviously a tough decision to close my business, but the chance to return to my roots in golf and to work with a brand that I truly believe in was too good an opportunity to miss,” said Taylor upon the announcement of his appointment. “With a superb range of bunker edge technology, bunker liners, lake edging and now LOKSAND, EcoBunker is growing at pace. I’m delighted to be part of the team and look forward to helping drive the business forward to the next level.”

Taylor’s role will see him manage customer relationships, ranging from project consultations and quotations, to supervising installations and ensuring quality and longevity of installations. Wherever a customer needs input from EcoBunker, Taylor will manage relationships so that customers have quick access to the answers they need.

“We have a superb product and our installations are second to none, but we needed someone with a detailed technical knowledge and a fantastic talent for customer service to strengthen the team and manage a rapidly increasing number of leads and enquiries,” commented CEO Richard Allen. “Having worked closely with Charlie on several projects, we were absolutely thrilled that he wanted to join us. He has the perfect blend of skills for the role and we can’t wait to see the service he delivers for our customers and the impact that he has on the business.”

Taylor has been in position since the end of January, where he helped introduce EcoBunker’s latest innovation – pre-cut synthetic tiles – alongside the first showing of LOKSAND to the U.K. market. For more information on working with EcoBunker or to arrange a visit to your venue, please contact charlie.taylor@ecobunker.co.uk or visit www.ecobunker.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

STIGA Announces Its Entry Into The Professional Segment

/in , /by

STIGA Announces Its Entry Into The Professional Segment: STIGA, Europe’s leading manufacturer of garden care machinery and equipment, announces its entry into the Professional segment with a complete ecosystem of products, batteries, AI-driven technologies and after-sales services.

With over 90 years of experience in designing gardening machinery and as a pioneer in the transition to electric, the company is taking a natural step in its evolution, putting its ability to innovate at the service of gardening professionals. In particular, it is the ePower Pro Battery – the heart of the entire range – alongside APX Pro and ePark Pro that form part of a new generation of resilient, high-performance battery solutions designed to elevate the standards of professional land care: a concrete answer to the constantly evolving needs of “prosumers” – operators and dealers who are increasingly oriented towards autonomous and intelligent solutions. STIGA Professional line-up will be available from early Spring 2026.

STIGA Announces Its Entry Into The Professional Segment

STIGA Announces Its Entry Into The Professional Segment

“Entering the Professional segment is a strategic step for STIGA, – says James Gordon, MD of STIGA UK, because it allows us to share our expertise in technology, electrification and sustainable design with industry professionals. This evolution is a natural extension of our identity: to continue innovating responsibly, offering solutions that improve performance and simplify the daily work of professionals, strengthening STIGA’s role as a key player for those working in garden care every day.”

Entering the Professional segment also represents a decisive leap forward in terms of environmental & social responsibility. The new battery-powered ecosystem eliminates the use of fuel, reduces emissions and noise, and guarantees high performance with low environmental impact, marking another milestone in the company’s commitment to electrification. By automating repetitive mowing, the new self-operated mowers reduce physical strain and fatigue while operators can focus on skilled tasks that require human expertise. As a pioneer in the industry, STIGA continues to lead the way by enabling users to shift to battery-powered and automated products – and the new electric ecosystem for professional use really makes a difference in this progress.

ePower Pro Battery – The technological core of the system

It all starts with the new ePower Pro Battery, the modular system developed in-house by STIGA and used across the entire Professional range, delivering high performance, unlimited capacity and maximum flexibility. Designed to withstand intensive, multi-site use, the battery is removable, portable and swappable between different machines, allowing for independent charging, diagnostics and maintenance. Thanks to its modular design, it offers the possibility of combining multiple batteries to extend autonomy, ensuring operational continuity even in the most demanding and lengthy work contexts, with fast recharging cycles and long life.

APX Pro – AI-powered robotics for professional use

The flagship of the new offering is APX Pro, the first autonomous robot for large areas designed specifically for professional use. Ideal for the maintenance of public parks, sports fields and large green spaces, the machine integrates a full system of sensors to ensure the safest and most efficient work possible. AGS, GPS-RTK, LIDAR and gyroscope technologies provide precision and accuracy in robot positioning and navigation. Then, it integrates STIGA Vista Technology, an AI-driven on-board camera, and an ultrasonic sensor to detect and avoid anything, fixed or moving obstacles, on the lawn. The robot handles obstacles, slopes, grass density and complex zones with precision, operating safely even in spaces frequented by people or animals. APX Pro is equipped with the Combi ePro 110 Q Plus cutting deck, 110 cm wide, engineered to deliver top-tier performance on complex terrains. Designed for multi-site work, the robot is easily transportable and fully manageable via the STIGA.GO App and Stiga Web Pro App, which enable activity planning and predictive maintenance. With a single charge (6 ePower Pro batteries), APX Pro can cover up to 27,000 m², ensuring a uniform, safe and highly productive cut.

ePark Pro – The electric evolution of the iconic Park Pro

A symbol of reliability and performance in the world of front mowing, the iconic STIGA Park Pro – beloved by professionals and green space operators – has been completely revamped to usher in a new era: introducing ePark Pro, its electric evolution. Completely re-engineered, the new model retains the essence that made the Park Pro famous: extraordinary manoeuvrability, cutting precision and versatility of use in all seasons. Designed for maintaining large residential and urban areas, ePark Pro delivers the same performance as a combustion engine tractor, but with zero emissions and significantly reduced noise levels. The modular ePower Pro battery enables up to 6 hours of uninterrupted work and covers up to 27,000 m² in mulching mode. Its advanced ergonomics, professional interface and easy maintenance make it the perfect solution for everyday use. Just like the other products in the range, the ePark Pro can be managed via the STIGA.GO App, for full control of the mowing session from the convenience of the mobile device.

STIGA Web Pro App

In addition, STIGA introduces the new Web Pro App, a browser-based platform accessible via desktop, tablet, and smartphone. Designed for professionals who manage multiple STIGA products or use their equipment across different locations, it helps streamline operations and boost productivity. The platform allows users to oversee all products simultaneously from a single interface, providing clear status overviews, predictive alerts, self-service guidance, and rapid diagnostics to minimise downtime and maximise operational efficiency.

With this announcement, STIGA inaugurates a new phase, positioning itself as a key player in the electric transition of the garden care industry, now extending into the professional segment. The company has already defined a development roadmap that includes the launch of additional dedicated products and accessories, as well as the expansion of its specialised dealer network. This includes technical training, after-sales support, spare parts availability and digital tools for machine and customer management.

Learn more about the STIGA PRO range at www.stiga.com/uk/eparkpro-battery-front-mower

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

David Withers Announces Retirement from ISEKI

/in , , /by

David Withers Announces Retirement from ISEKI: David Withers, Managing Director of Iseki UK and Ireland, will retire at the end of 2025 following a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in the turf care and grounds maintenance industry.

Speaking at the SALTEX show in 2025, David reflected on his time at ISEKI, describing the process of building the brand as “one of the most fun and satisfying things I have done in my career.” Under his leadership, the company has doubled its sales over the last eight years and continues to grow.

David Withers Announces Retirement from ISEKI

David Withers Announces Retirement from ISEKI

David  began his career demonstrating verti-drains for Charterhouse Turf (now Redexim), followed by 25 years at Jacobsen, including six years as President. His eight-year tenure at ISEKI UK & Ireland as a stand-alone entity marks the culmination of his full-time professional journey.

“I feel it is time to finish full time work… I may still do a bit of consulting and advise for a couple of companies, but plan to end serious work and focus on developing a golf swing and a tan!” he said.

Expressing confidence in the future of ISEKI UK & Ireland, David said that he had worked with Alan Prickett for around 30 years and am very comfortable leaving the business in his hands to keep it growing and prospering for many years to come.

He also extended his gratitude to dealers, customers, and fellow manufacturers for their support and partnership throughout his career, wishing them continued success.

In addition to his role at ISEKI, David has been an influential figure within the industry, serving as a director of the Agricultural Engineers Association for many years and as its president in 2022. During the recent AEA 150th celebrations, he spoke at an event in the Houses of Parliament.

He has also recently taken up a Directorship at the Grounds Maintenance Association and intends to continue contributing to the organisation in his retirement.

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.

Deere & Company Announces Key Leadership Changes

/in , /by

Deere & Company Announces Key Leadership Changes: Deere & Company has announced key leadership changes as it continues to advance its Smart Industrial Strategy to deliver intelligent, connected machines and solutions that enhance customer economic value.

“We’re focused on building an experienced, purpose-driven leadership team dedicated to improving our customers’ success,” said John May, Chairman and CEO of Deere & Company. “Each of these leaders brings extensive expertise, a shared vision for innovation, and a deep commitment to delivering value to our customers worldwide.”

Deere & Company Announces Key Leadership Changes

Deere & Company Announces Key Leadership Changes

Effective November 3, Deanna Kovar has been appointed President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division: Production and Precision Ag, as well as the Americas and Australia markets. In this role, she will have responsibility for major equipment and technology solutions for production-scale agriculture, including large tractors, as well as harvesting and crop care equipment. Kovar was previously president of the company’s Small Ag & Turf business.

Justin Rose will assume the role of President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division: Small Agriculture and Turf, including responsibility for the Europe, Africa, and Asia markets. Rose will be responsible for equipment and technology solutions tailored to support small agricultural and turf customers worldwide, including small tractors, compact utility tractors, hay and forage equipment, and turf care equipment. He recently served as president of Lifecycle Solutions, Supply Management, and Customer Success for Deere.

In addition, Cory Reed has been named President, Lifecycle Solutions, Supply Management, and Customer Success. Reed will manage Deere’s global aftermarket, customer support, supply chain, precision upgrade, and business transformation initiatives, focusing on delivering exceptional value and support for customers worldwide. Previously, he was president of the company’s Production and Precision Ag business.

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.