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The Landmark 200th VGR TopChanger Sale at Whitecraigs

The Landmark 200th VGR TopChanger Sale at Whitecraigs: Whitecraigs Golf Club, a spectacular 27 hole golf course in Newton Mearns, Scotland has marked a significant milestone as the recipient of the 200th VGR TopChanger.

Andy Wilson Course Manager at Whitecraigs, shared his enthusiasm for the new arrival: “We’re delighted to have the 200th TopChanger here at Whitecraigs. The XP has made a noticeable difference to our greens, allowing us to improve soil health with minimal disruption to play. It’s an invaluable addition to our maintenance program.”

The Landmark 200th VGR TopChanger Sale at Whitecraigs

The Landmark 200th VGR TopChanger Sale at Whitecraigs

The story of the VGR TopChanger began fifteen years ago, when VGR Equipment first set out to revolutionise soil care for sports turf. Based in Almkerk, the Netherlands, VGR has developed, produced, and assembled modular machinery used worldwide. Their commitment to ingenious design and sustainability has positioned VGR as a leader in efficient and eco-friendly turf maintenance solutions.

Since the launch of the XP model in 2023, sales have taken off, with over 60 units operating across the UK alone. The TopChanger XP stands out for its reliability, ease of operation, and ability to enhance soil quality while keeping golf play undisturbed. Its water-based aeration technology injects holes into the soil at high pressure, allowing the incorporation of soil-improving products, fertilizers, and sand, all in a single pass. This efficiency ensures sustainable soil conditions and stable, even playing surfaces for golfers.

“VGR’s ongoing dedication to healthy soil and better turf is reflected in their partnerships and comprehensive product range, with the goal of delivering the best possible playing experience for sports enthusiasts.” Said VGR Managing Director Ruud de Deugd. “The 200th TopChanger at Whitecraigs is not just a milestone, it’s a testament to VGR’s legacy of innovation and the trust placed in their solutions by leading clubs across the world.”

For more information please visit: www.vgrequipment.com

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Team Sprayers Showcases Groundcare Range at SALTEX

Team Sprayers Showcases Groundcare Range at SALTEX: British manufacturer Team Sprayers is set to exhibit its latest range of ground care sprayers at SALTEX, the UK’s leading turf management event. Visitors to the stand will be able to see the company’s pedestrian, tractor-mounted, and trailed sprayers, all designed to deliver precision, reliability, and operator comfort for professionals working in sports turf, golf, and amenity environments.

On display will be the Vixen Pro SP pedestrian sprayer, widely praised for its low ground pressure, manoeuvrability, and user-friendly electric drive system. Alongside it, Team will showcase their Cub, Club and Demount Pro models, offering solutions for organisations of every scale.

Team Sprayers Showcases Groundcare Range at SALTEX

Team Sprayers Showcases Groundcare Range at SALTEX

With over 30 years of British manufacturing expertise, Team Sprayers combines robust engineering with practical innovation, ensuring turf managers can work efficiently without compromising quality.

Find Team Sprayers at SALTEX on stand G052 to discover their full range.

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Machinery and live demos at Midlands Machinery Show

Machinery and live demos at Midlands Machinery Show: Farmers and contractors are invited to step out of the yard and into a full day of machinery, technology and hands-on innovation at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show, taking place on Wednesday 19 November at Newark Showground.

Now in its eleventh year, the show returns with a new one-day format that puts machines, demonstrations and innovation at the heart of the event.

Machinery and live demos at Midlands Machinery Show

Machinery and live demos at Midlands Machinery Show

Free to attend, exhibitors’ stands will showcase new tractors, implements, ATVs and engineering solutions, alongside expert-led talks and opportunities to earn BASIS and NRoSO points ahead of year-end.

“Having everything all in one place and all in one day is our vision for this year’s show,” says Elizabeth Halsall, Events and Development Manager at the Newark & Notts Agricultural Society, which organises the event. “Time away from the business is precious, so we want to give visitors a productive, information-packed day, as well as a social and networking opportunity with their community.”

Ticket registration is free at www.midlandsmachineryshow.com and visitors are advised to pre-register for fast entry.

Those attending can expect to see machinery that’s never been to the show before, as well as a host of demonstrations in the dedicated arena, plus a hands-on experience of all-terrain vehicles.

New kit and features

New for 2025, attendees can get behind the wheel of the Can-Am Traxter HD9, with its heated cab and 65hp Rotax V-twin engine, on the showground’s off-road track. Driving experiences are being provided by 158 Performance.

Chandlers will present two AGCO tractors never before seen at the Midlands Machinery Show – the powerful Valtra S Series and the Fendt 832 Vario Gen 5.

AMTEC will make a high-profile appearance with its new Torox range of heavy-duty discs, which the company says has been built for tough soils and engineered for versatility and precision.

Taylor Attachments returns with new buckets and muck grabs accompanying its proven range of heavy-duty attachments.

Long-standing exhibitor Russells will – alongside its stable of New Holland, Polaris, Stewart and Teagle produces – bring the Horizon DSX drill to show in the demonstration ring.

Debuts for service sector exhibitors

Several new exhibitors will make their debut this year.

Fox Engineering brings its expertise in LOLER, PUWER and PSSR safety inspections, helping farms stay compliant and avoid costly downtime.

Fireward joins the show for the first time, raising awareness of automatic fire suppression systems that prevent machinery and combine fires through instant pneumatic detection and targeted extinguishing agents. “At the moment, not enough farmers realise that fire suppression systems are an option,” says Caroline Wilson, Fireward National Sales Manager for Agriculture. “Our focus is on education – showing that there are affordable, practical ways to protect people, machinery and infrastructure.”

Beyond machinery, the show offers a packed day of networking, learning and advice designed to help farmers make confident decisions for the year ahead.

The NFU Midlands Environment Conference, chaired by NFU President Tom Bradshaw, will explore ‘Adapting Farming for the Future: Sustainable Production, Products & Markets’, offering practical insight into policy changes, sustainability and business resilience. With agricultural policy at a crossroads, these expert-led sessions provide essential guidance to strengthen farm businesses across the region and beyond.

Exhibitors are also ready to help visitors tackle the industry’s wider challenges. Openfield, the UK’s only farmer-owned grain marketing cooperative, will share expert insight on planning ahead amid market volatility and changing support payments. “There’s never been a more important time to talk about what goes in the ground,” says Jerome Fielder, Head of Farm Business Team at Openfield. “We’ll be there to offer straight-talking advice, whatever the question.”

Optimal Risk Group will launch its Rural SafeGuard Programme, providing security training and risk management solutions to help farmers protect their assets from crime. “We help farmers not just respond to rural crime, but reduce the opportunities for it to happen in the first place,” explains Frank Cannon, Senior Consultant at Optimal Risk.

Visitors can also find confidential guidance from The Farming Community Network (FCN) on topics from mental health to succession planning. “There are so many factors outside farmers’ control right now,” says Rachel Davey, Marketing and Events Officer at FCN. “We’re here to help them find a way forward and secure their businesses for the next generation.”

“Whether you’re exploring new machinery, looking for smarter solutions or simply catching up with suppliers and colleagues, the Midlands Machinery Show is a day built around real conversations and quality connections,” says Elizabeth. “We look forward to welcoming visitors to Newark this November for a day that truly celebrates innovation, resilience and the future of British agriculture.

“Register in advance online now for smooth, free access to the event on the day.”

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Turf Tank exhibits new Robot Capabilities at Saltex

Turf Tank exhibits new Robot Capabilities at Saltex: Turf Tank, a leading name in robotic line marking solutions, is proud to announce the release of its latest software update at Saltex 2025, Stand number B100. Designed to empower UK grounds teams to achieve more with less, the enhanced Turf Tank robot now boasts new features that extend its versatility from sports pitches to parking lots, and everywhere in between.

Already trusted by over 5,000 organisations worldwide, Turf Tank’s autonomous robots have transformed the way schools, clubs, and professional venues mark their grounds. The latest update, built in direct response to user feedback, introduces smart tools to further boost precision, efficiency, and user control.

Turf Tank exhibits new Robot Capabilities at Saltex

Turf Tank exhibits new Robot Capabilities at Saltex

Key Features being Showcased at Saltex 2025

  • Logo Bundles for Pro Subscribers: Instantly access and paint a library of preloaded logos for sports teams, holidays, and special events—no stencils required. Grounds teams can now easily mark out detailed designs for school events, awareness campaigns, or club matches straight from their tablet.

Car Park Marking: The Turf Tank robot can now tackle car parks as well as pitches. Mark entire car parks or individual bays on your own schedule, with the flexibility to complete the job in stages minimising disruption and avoiding the need to close off large areas.

  • Enhanced Tight-Space Navigation: Set the minimum turning distance for the robot between painted lines, making it ideal for compact or multi-use locations near fences, buildings, or other obstacles.
  • Quick Settings for Football Pitches: Updated templates let users adjust arc radius and line widths in moments, reducing setup time and ensuring consistent results.

These enhancements reinforce Turf Tank’s commitment to accurate, consistent, and efficient line marking—helping grounds teams save time and focus on maintaining first-class playing surfaces.

Request a Live Demonstration at Saltex

Curious to see the robot in action? Visit the Turf Tank stand at Saltex 2025 and request a hands-on demonstration at your own site. Select your preferred layout and watch as the Turf Tank robot brings it to life—no strings or stencils required. You can also request a demo at your site by visiting https://turftank.com/en/ or contacting your local Turf Tank representative:

About Turf Tank

Turf Tank is transforming pitch marking across the UK, from Premier League stadiums to local schools and grassroots clubs. By eliminating the stress and physical effort of traditional line marking, Turf Tank gives groundskeepers, volunteers, and facility managers more time to focus on quality and performance. With over 120 preloaded designs, custom layout options, and dedicated UK-based support, Turf Tank makes marking lines, logos, training layouts, and even car parks effortless.

Join us at Saltex 2025 and discover why thousands of clubs trust Turf Tank to streamline their pitch maintenance and elevate their facilities. Visit https://turftank.com/en/ for more information.

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MM Tetrasport proves its strength at Towcestrians

MM Tetrasport proves its strength at Towcestrians: When the Women’s Rugby World Cup came to town, the pitches at Towcestrians Sports Club needed to perform at the highest level. Head Groundsman Tommy Waldock turned to a product he knew he could trust – MM Tetrasport – and the results spoke for themselves.

Based in Towcester, Northamptonshire, Towcestrians Sports Club is an open, non-profit, multi-sports venue offering rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, tennis, and archery. Its facilities have grown rapidly in recent years, and today the site boasts four full-size rugby pitches, a cricket square, and an artificial surface for hockey.

MM Tetrasport proves its strength at Towcestrians

MM Tetrasport proves its strength at Towcestrians

For Tommy, who has spent his entire career in sports turf, managing a site of this scale is no small task.

“I started back in 2011 at Peterborough United FC,” he explains. “A friend of mine worked there and asked if I could help with some strimming. One thing led to another, and they offered me a full-time job. That’s how I got into groundsmanship. From there, I moved to MK Dons, then spent five years at the Ricoh Arena before joining Towcestrians about six years ago.”

The club’s growing reputation was further boosted when it was chosen as an official training centre for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, hosting both Ireland and France for pre-tournament preparations.

“It was a brilliant experience,” says Tommy. “But it came with its challenges – especially during the drought. The pitch passed all the ProPitch tests with flying colours and MM Tetrasport really showed what it could do.”

Having first used MM Tetrasport during his time at the Ricoh Arena, Tommy knew it was the right choice for Towcestrians’ demanding rugby surfaces.

“I was always going to use Tetrasport for the Rugby World Cup prep because I knew how it reacts, and I knew how good it is,” he says. “It’s been absolutely brilliant. I’ve used it across all four pitches, and if you were to stand here now, you wouldn’t know we’d had a drought. The pitches are stunningly green.”

MM Tetrasport is designed for fast germination, rapid establishment, and outstanding wear tolerance – qualities that have proved vital under the heavy demands of rugby training and matches. Treated with Headstart® GOLD, it delivers strong performance from the off, while the tetraploid ryegrasses provide resilience and excellent colour all year round.

“The recovery is unbelievable,” says Tommy. “You can have 40-odd players out there, and by the time you give the pitch a brush and a cut after training, you wouldn’t even know they’d been on it. I’ve never known a seed regenerate like it – it just keeps coming.”

For the Rugby World Cup preparation, Tommy followed a ProPitch specification involving deep scarification and reseeding with MM Tetrasport at 45g/m².

“We pulled out a lot of old bent grass, did a four-way scarification, and used nine bags of Tetrasport per pitch. The seed was up in six days – we saw the first signs of growth that quickly. We also applied a pre-seed feed after five days to help it along. It was flat-out from there – it just didn’t stop growing.”

The same mixture was used across the other pitches without scarification, and despite the heavy usage, the results have been equally impressive. “It’s superb,” Tommy adds. “It got through the tournament without even a scar and was recovering within a week once conditions improved.”

Tommy also credits the service and advice he receives from Matt Gresty from MM Seed and Charlie Seager from Agrovista Amenity for helping him achieve such strong results.

“Matt Gresty has been brilliant – really knowledgeable and always gives you options,” says Tommy. “I buy through Charlie at Agrovista Amenity, and he’s fantastic too. You ask a question, and he’s got the answer straight away. Between them both, they really look after you.”

With professional-standard surfaces now maintained across all four rugby pitches, Towcestrians Sports Club continues to thrive. For Tommy, MM Tetrasport has become an essential part of that success.

“It’s a superb seed,” he concludes. “It got us through the Rugby World Cup, through drought, and everything else which has been thrown at it. You just can’t ask for more than that.”

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

You can also follow the company on X: @MM_Seed.

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