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Talent recognised at inaugural LBEL awards

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Talent recognised at inaugural LBEL awards: Aspiring turf specialist, Martin Foster, an apprentice at Askham Bryan College, was rewarded for his learning excellence at this week’s glittering Land-based & Environment Learner Awards Ceremony.

The Land-based & Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards were launched this June by leading land-based training & qualification awarding body Lantra, and the representative body for land-based colleges and universities, Landex.

Talent recognised at inaugural LBEL awards

Talent recognised at inaugural LBEL awards

The Awards were open to apprentices, further education and higher education learners working and studying in land-based and environmental sectors between September 2021 and September 2022.

The aim is to reward top candidates in industries including agriculture and horticulture, forestry, environmental conservation, turf management, landscaping, and equine, amongst others.

These sectors face skills shortages and low levels of diversity, and both Lantra and Landex working hard to attract new blood and equip recruits with the key skills they need to succeed.

With the celebration of new talent at the LBEL Awards, it is hoped more potential entrants will recognise the various land-based industries as rewarding career choices with exciting long-term prospects.

In its inaugural year, organisers received over 120 nominations across 10 categories and a panel of industry professionals picked, where appropriate, an outstanding apprentice and an outstanding learner in each category.

This year, the judges picked just an outstanding apprentice in the Sports Turf & Greenkeeping category, Martin Foster. The oldest candidate to be nominated, the judges praised Martin for his motivation to change careers later in life and his complete passion and enthusiasm for his role.

The Awards ceremony, held at Reaseheath College on 22 November 2023, was attended by Minster of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries, Mark Spencer MP, celebrity farmer Adam Henson, and more than 200 guests.

On receiving the Award, sponsored by GroundsFest, from Adam Henson, Martin commented:

“I’m confident that undertaking my apprenticeship, albeit somewhat later life, has truly set me on my career path for the future. Winning this Award has reinforced that I’m actually really good at what I do, and being celebrated by so many industry professionals has certainly given my confidence a boost”.

Chair of the judging panel, and land-based business consultant, John Moverley of JMM Solutions, said he was honoured to help identify the very best of learners, like Martin, who are now making their mark on the industry.

“To keep pace with the technological and environmental challenges we face in the land-based sector, it is crucial that the skills and knowledge of the current workforce are completed with a generation of forward thinking and enthusiastic new recruits, whatever their age.

“And what better way to establish this new generation than through hands-on apprenticeships,” he added.

Commenting on the Awards and paying tribute to all the winners, host Adam Henson said:

“I am absolutely delighted to have been invited to host the very first Land-based and Environment Learner Awards. In my various roles, I’m lucky enough to encounter some amazing people who are passionate about their jobs and are a complete inspiration. Tonight was no exception. The level of enthusiasm, professionalism and passion, blew me away – a big well done to everyone”.

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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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Enjoy free beverages courtesy of Green-tech at Futurescape

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Enjoy free beverages courtesy of Green-tech at Futurescape: Green-tech will be exhibiting at Futurescape 2023 on stand E50, and visitors will have the opportunity to meet the team, view the latest products, and enjoy freshly brewed coffee from their new Barista.

Futurescape 2023 is being held at ExCel London and is heralded as the UK’s largest landscape expo & trade event, with seminars and live debates planned across two days – the 21st and 22nd of November.

Enjoy free beverages courtesy of Green-tech at Futurescape

Enjoy free beverages courtesy of Green-tech at Futurescape

The team will be profiling the recently launched TreeParker® Cell System; a structural soil cell system that offers the most ideal circumstances for trees to thrive beneath the pavement in an urban environment.

As the UK’s leading provider of tree planting materials, Green-tech offers a comprehensive choice of urban and rural tree protection products. Over the last few years, the company has been focusing heavily on providing sustainable and environmentally friendly choices.  On their stand, they will showcase their range of biodegradable tree-planting shelters.

A comprehensive seminar and product demonstration program is scheduled across the two days, and Green-tech’s Specification Manager Seraya Sigsworth will be in the Soft Landscaping Demo area at 11 am on Wednesday 22nd to discuss the TreeParker® system. The demonstration will showcase the system where simplicity characterises the system.

Green-tech is also the headline sponsor of The Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation initiative, which searches for the most impressive young people in landscaping and shines a spotlight on the future of landscaping. An award ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday 21st at Futurescape at 12pm to celebrate the 30 winners, including Green-tech’s own George Barton.

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Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

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Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC: EFL League Two Club, Morecambe is celebrating the condition of their pitches after adopting the Grow-In Programme from Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS).

Head of Grounds Rob Davidson comments, “I am over the moon with this year’s pitches. I am incredibly proud of the results.”

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

Rob joined the club in 2021 following the renovation period and during the first year he struggled to keep coverage on the shaded area of the pitch.

During a visit to Origin Turf, Science and Technology Centre, Rob had the opportunity to review the research data comparing tetraploid and diploid grass seed mixes.

For his first renovation Rob selected R140 grass seed mix from the R range because of the tetraploid content. He remarks, “Since using R140 at the stadium we have seen improvements in coverage, density, colour and over all turf health, especially in the shaded areas of the pitch. The germination and establishment could not have been better this year.”

“Visiting the OAS Turf, Science and Technology Centre has given me additional confidence in the products and the technical support offered by the Origin team has been excellent. With support from Origin, we have tailored the OAS Grow-In plan to suit the pitch requirements. Having a structured Grow-In programme has allowed us to get the best out of the products with a limited budget.”

It’s not just about the products through. Rob adds, “Working with OAS has allowed me to enhance my education and understanding of the products I use and how to get the best from everything I apply. Their events also provide networking opportunities and a chance to meet with peers and form relationships, which I believe is an important part of our industry.”

Rob has used the OAS Grow-In Programme for his second year at the club. The Grow-In programme is borne from extensive R&D at the OAS Turf, Science and Technology Centre. It is a two-step approach which comprises a mix of products to be applied at renovation and at emergence.

The mix for application at renovation stage includes an organic soil amendment – a composted cow manure and Humic Acid soil conditioner, Tricure AD™ Granular – a residual wetting agent, and Mycorrhizal Inoculant – a microbial inoculant.

At emergence, the programme uses an organo-mineral fertiliser and biostimulants that feature nitrate nitrogen and molasses providing early carbohydrates and instantly available nitrogen to promote growth and enhanced plant health.

Rob reports, “The addition of the liquid mix applied at emergence alongside the C-Complex 14.2.5 has given us a quick grow response. Cutting schedules have commenced earlier and cutting frequency has meant third leaf stage has been reached quickly to allow for Primo Maxx applications. The biostimulant applications and organo-mineral fertilisers, supported by Verti-drain aeration has promoted a healthy root system.”

Andy Merry, Key Account Manager from OAS said ‘it has been great working with Rob over the last few years. His professionalism and communication with the club has established a trusting relationship, enabling the renovation work required to produce a surface that performs. Rob is enthusiastic and committed to providing pitches of the highest quality using modern techniques and technology. He has improved the standards across all pitches and produced surfaces that play well and look impeccable. It has been a joy to see the results.”

For further information or to discuss a future Grow-In programme for your club contact the OAS team on 0800 138 7222 or email sales@originamenity.com

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Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic to make its debut at LAMMA

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Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic to make its debut at LAMMA: Taking place 17-18 January next year, Polaris Off Road is attending LAMMA 2024—the UK’s leading agricultural machinery and equipment show—and is set to showcase the long-awaited, all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic; the hardest working, smoothest riding UTV ever built.

Richard Coleby, National Sales Manager at Polaris UK & Ireland said: “We’re really pleased to be going back to LAMMA next year; it enables us to continue building our strong relationship with the agricultural community, and for this show in particular, it’s great that we’re able to showcase our brand-new RANGER XP Kinetic; a vehicle that’s been highly anticipated by both new and existing customers and one that we’re really excited to exhibit here in the UK, especially as, for many customers, this will be the first time they will be able to see the vehicle in the flesh.”

Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic to make its debut at LAMMA

Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic to make its debut at LAMMA

Set to arrive in UK dealers in the coming weeks, the RANGER XP Kinetic delivers uncompromised capability, unrivalled durability, and refined performance. With its all-electric powertrain, engineered for off-road use through Polaris’ exclusive 10-year partnership with Zero Motorcycles, the RANGER XP Kinetic offers the most horsepower and torque ever found in a utility side-by-side, with a class-leading 110 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of instantaneous torque that delivers maximum power and quick acceleration when it’s needed, including the ability to effortlessly tow up to 1,134kg and boasts an industry-best 680kg payload capacity. Thanks to being fully electric, the RANGER XP Kinetic also delivers smooth, precise control when operating at low speeds, especially useful in scenarios like towing or backing up to a trailer.

Polaris can be found in hall 17, stand 670, along with the new Ranger XP Kinetic and the full utility line-up including the RANGER 570, RANGER 1000, RANGER XP 1000, RANGER Diesel,

RANGER Diesel Deluxe, Sportsman 570, Sportsman XP 1000 as well as youth models Ranger 150 EFI and Sportsman 110 EFI.

The small but mighty mid-size RANGER 570 is punching well above its weight, with a Prostar 570cc double-overhead-cam engine which packs class-leading power. The Ranger offers incredible suspension, which provides 25.8cm of ground clearance, a tighter turning radius, and a compact width of just 144.5cm, giving the RANGER 570 a best-in-class combination of manoeuvrability and capability.

Engineered for work, the RANGER 1000 features a ProStar 1000cc engine, class-leading 1,134kg towing capacity, impressive payload capacity of 454kg and a tight turning radius to stay agile in tight spaces, the RANGER 1000 is one of the most capable machines on the market.

The top-of-the-range utility vehicle, the RANGER XP 1000, boasts a huge towing capacity of 1134kg and 454kg cargo bed capacity, as well as 33cm of ground clearance, 27.9cm suspension travel on the front and rear, and on-demand four-wheel drive. Available in 3-seat and CREW models (seating four to six riders), the XP 1000 is available in Azure Crystal, starting at £18,399 excluding VAT.

With a three-cylinder Kubota diesel engine, the RANGER Diesel boats 24.8 horsepower and 40.8 ft.lb of torque; 1134kg towing capacity; 730kg payload capacity. As well as Polaris’ on-demand all-wheel drive; electric power steering; Engine Braking System, and Active Descent Control, the RANGER DIESEL performs to the highest standards for years to come.

Combining the same durability, dependability and capability, with premium upgrades, the RANGER Diesel Deluxe is fitted directly at the factory, with a pre-installed 8-vent in-cab heater, an under-seat box for enhanced storage, and a noise reduction system to create a more comfortable, quieter cab.

As the most-trusted ATV in the industry, the Sportsman 570 delivers both performance and reliability thanks to its ProStar 570 engine. The Sportsman 570 features a bold design from front to back, a handlebar-mounted pod with an integrated LED work light and a built-in battery charging port. The sealed suspension bushings and durable A-arms give the Sportsman true resilience and ability to tackle the toughest tasks.

The Sportsman XP 1000 provides best-in-class power to accelerate faster, pull harder and carry more. With a fast-reacting all-wheel-drive system, electronic power steering, 680kg towing capacity and 261kg payload capacity with 36 litres of integrated storage, nothing can stop you.

Based on the full-sized Ranger, the Ranger 150 EFI was the industry’s first youth vehicle with smart safety features, making it the ideal vehicle for children to enjoy the outdoors safely. Perfect for the worker in training the RANGER 150 EFI features a 22.7kg rear bed capacity and is available in Avalanche Grey.

With a reliable 112cc 4-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection, the Sportsman 110 EFI is packed with youth-centred safety features that come as standard, including a speed limiting adjuster, safety flag, daytime running lights and a safety tether. The Sportsman 110 is ideal for young ATV riders aged 10 and above.

Please contact the Polaris press office if you would like to book a slot with the Polaris UK team during LAMMA 2024 – press@polaris-orv.media

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