Tag Archive for: Company

DLF Seeds a top 20 ‘Climate Friendly Company’

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DLF Seeds a top 20 ‘Climate Friendly Company’: DLF Seeds have been recognised as one of the top 20 most ‘Climate Friendly Companies’ of 2021 in a recent list compiled by European Seed Magazine.

Particular mention was given to DLF’s RadiMax facility in Denmark – the world’s largest open-field root screening facility – that is leading the way in the research and development of sustainable varieties to tackle one of the most pertinent climate threats, drought.

DLF Seeds a top 20 ‘Climate Friendly Company’

DLF Seeds a top 20 ‘Climate Friendly Company’

Years before the climate agenda hit the breeding companies, DLF took the bold move of assembling breeders and scientists from across the public and private sectors in the pursuit of advancing seed breeding to suit future climates. Through this consortium DLF built their RadiMax facility, which can test up to 600 plant lines simultaneously in four V-shaped pits, each equipped with a unique irrigation system designed to simulate specific conditions and, in turn, identify the deepest rooting varieties.

With more than five years of research now under their belts, DLF have been able to supply turf and amenity customers with varieties with verified deep rooting and drought stress tolerance. A deeper rooting plant is not only better placed to withstand extended periods without water, it delivers a stronger and more stable sward with lower reliance on inputs. This is because the significant root growth enables the grass to better utilise the water and nutrients naturally found in the soil profile, improving overall nutrient and Nitrogen efficiency.

Of specific interest to the amenity market is the notable developments with key Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass species which have led to the introduction of more sustainable and drought tolerant mixtures such as Johnsons Sports Seed J Fescue mix for golf. The unique combination of cultivars in this 100% fine fescue blend have been chosen specifically to provide high drought and salt tolerance, resistance to disease and a sward that requires lower inputs of water and fertilisers.

The trials at RadiMax also demonstrated how DLF’s 4turf® tetraploid perennial ryegrass roots faster and deeper when compared to traditional diploid ryegrass. Its rapid root growth and larger root mass makes for a more resilient plant, suited to a wide range of sports turf applications. 4turf® varieties are incorporated into a number of Johnsons mixtures, including the new Johnson’s J Premier 4Turf, combining 4turf® tetraploids with traditional perennial ryegrass to create the ultimate winter sport renovation mixture.

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Two is company when it comes to ISEKI

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Two is company when it comes to ISEKI: ISEKI UK & Ireland, distributors of ISEKI compact tractors and mowers alongside their local dealer Rickerby based in Carlisle, recently sold a TLE3410 following an initial TG6490 IQ to Richmond (Yorks) Golf Club.

Established in 1892 Richmond Golf Club in North Yorkshire holds a 18 hole golf course, carefully maintained and constantly improved by a team of three greenkeepers headed up by Rob Spaven, Head Greenkeeper, Iain Leversuch and Daniel Dean.  With the course’s long history, the team are passionate about continuing to refine the course bringing it back to its natural habitat. Over-looking a valley it is perfectly positioned for stunning views at every hole no matter what the Yorkshire weather throws at it.

Two is company when it comes to ISEKI

Two is company when it comes to ISEKI

Having purchased its first TG6490 IQ tractor from local dealer Rickerby based in Hexham four years ago the club has since grown in popularity and memberships, which in turn means more pressure on the greenkeeping team to keep developing the course.

Commenting on the initial purchase Rob Spaven explained; “One of the main reasons we purchased the TG6490 IQ was because of the tractors low ground pressure ensuring minimal damage on the greens, we are a wet course thanks to the local Yorkshire weather so this is very important to us.”

“Another invaluable tool of this particular tractor is the Headland management system when verti-draining. Instead of acting like an octopus having to constantly keep lifting and lowering the implement, starting and stopping the PTO whilst turning and realigning, the headland management system cuts out the PTO when lifted and re-engages on return down all with one simple lever making these repetitive tasks so much easier and safer.”

“There is a big selection of 24 gears for the ultimate control, 1,580kg lift capacity perfect for operating implements, moving logs and towing trailers, and most importantly the air con cab is a god send when working in Yorkshire inclement weather!”

With the increased maintenance that was now required due to the club’s success, it was decided another tractor was needed to keep up with the workload.  This is where the new TLE3410 comes in, commenting on the decision Rob Spaven explained; “again with its low ground pressure and minimal damage on the greens the 40hp TLE3410 with 1000kg lift capacity was chosen for spraying and slitting fairways.  A really good, simple tractor that’s bomb proof and perfect for operators to just jump on and use.”

“As greenkeepers we are all worried about taking tractors on the greens, but when you’ve got two tractors that barely leave any marks, what more could you ask for! The TG’s reliability has been faultless, club’s don’t have as much excess money anymore, we can’t afford big repair bills but we have had no problems with this tractor.”

“After the excellent service and back up received from our first ISEKI tractor from local dealer Rickerby, we didn’t hesitate to contact them again for the purchase of our TLE3410.  The staff at ISEKI UK have also been brilliant, they are a friendly bunch to deal with, happy to answer any questions and there is really good communication from them.  I cannot speak highly enough of them to be honest and would highly recommend ISEKI products.”

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John Deere acquires battery company

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John Deere acquires battery company: Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire majority ownership in Kreisel Electric, Inc. (“Kreisel”), a battery technology provider based in Rainbach im Mühlkreis, Austria.

Kreisel develops high-density, high-durability electric battery modules and packs. Additionally, Kreisel has developed a charging infrastructure platform (CHIMERO) that utilises this patented battery technology.

John Deere acquires battery company

John Deere acquires battery company

Since 2014, Kreisel has been a leading innovator focused on the development of immersion-cooled electric battery modules and packs for high-performance and off-highway applications. The company has a differentiated battery technology and battery-buffered charging infrastructure offering and currently serves a global customer base across multiple end markets, including commercial vehicles, off-highway vehicles, marine, e-motorsports, and other high-performance applications.

John Deere sees demand growing for batteries as a sole or hybrid-propulsion system for vehicles. Products in Deere’s portfolio such as turf equipment, compact utility tractors, small tractors, compact construction, and road-building equipment could rely solely on batteries as a primary power source. Deere intends to continue to invest in and develop technologies to innovate, deliver value to customers, and work towards a future with zero emissions propulsion systems.

The majority investment in Kreisel Electric will allow Deere to vertically integrate vehicle and powertrain designs around high-density battery packs while leveraging Kreisel’s charging technology to build out infrastructure required for customer adoption.

“Kreisel’s battery technology can be applied across the broad portfolio of Deere products, and Kreisel’s in-market experience will benefit Deere as it ramps up its battery-electric vehicle portfolio. Deere will provide the expertise, global footprint, and funding to enable Kreisel to continue its fast growth in core markets,” said Pierre Guyot, Senior Vice President, John Deere Power Systems. “This is an opportunity to invest in a company with unique technology that’s designed for the demanding conditions where Deere customers work.”

“Furthermore, building an electrified portfolio is key to John Deere’s sustainability goal of pursuing new technologies that reduce the environmental impact of new products and work toward zero emissions propulsion systems on equipment, while increasing our customers’ efficiency and productivity,” Guyot said.

Kreisel Electric will retain its employees, brand name, and trademark, and continue to operate from its current location in Austria to serve its growing customer base. The company was founded by the brothers Johann, Markus and Philipp Kreisel and has approximately 160 full-time employees.

“The Kreisel team looks forward to expanding our base business, leveraging the Deere channel to accelerate adoption of battery-electric vehicles and charging stations, and working with Deere’s vehicle design teams on product advancements,” said Markus Kreisel, who serves as Managing Director, along with his two brothers, at Kreisel Electric.

The transaction requires final regulatory approval in Austria, with closing expected to take place in approximately 60 days. Financial details are not being disclosed.

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BIGGA and Bernhard & Company reveal representatives

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BIGGA and Bernhard & Company reveal representatives: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and its Partner Bernhard & Company have revealed the 10 sports turf managers who will be heading to San Diego, California in February 2022 for the GCSAA Conference & Show.

The delegates will represent the UK greenkeeping industry as they network with peers from around the globe and sample the education on offer at the world’s largest golf course management event.

BIGGA and Bernhard & Company reveal representatives

BIGGA and Bernhard & Company reveal representatives

Each of the delegates was chosen after demonstrating their commitment to professional development and a passion for the greenkeeping industry. This year’s delegation will mark the 200th BIGGA member participating in this incredible initiative, which was first introduced in 2001. As such, BIGGA is tremendously grateful for the ongoing support of Bernhard & Company, which hosts this invaluable opportunity for 10 members of the association each year.

The members selected for the 2022 BIGGA Delegation to the GCSAA Conference & Show are:

  • Joe Curtis, head greenkeeper at Diamond Club Ottenstein, Austria
  • Matthew Dobbs, course manager at Ringway Golf Club, Cheshire
  • Allan Duncan, head greenkeeper at Broomieknowe Golf Club, Edinburgh
  • Craig Haldane, golf course manager at The Gleneagles Hotel & Golf Courses, Perthshire
  • Colin Hopper, head greenkeeper at Elsham Golf Club, Lincolnshire
  • Matthew Houseman, head greenkeeper at Scarcroft Golf Club, West Yorkshire
  • Chris Low, head greenkeeper at Walsall Golf Club, West Midlands
  • Darren McLaughlan, course manager at North Berwick Golf Club, East Lothian
  • Scott McTaggart, course manager at Sandyhills Golf Club, Glasgow
  • Andrew Wilson, deputy course manager at Whitecraigs Golf Club, Glasgow

The BIGGA delegation to the GCSAA Conference & Show is considered one of the leading opportunities available to greenkeepers and the experience can be truly career-defining.

For Allan Duncan, the head greenkeeper at Broomieknowe Golf Club, a place on the delegation is reward for nine years of investment in his own professional development. Allan had been a greenkeeper for 20 years but had never really attempted to progress his career, until he considered the future he could provide for his children.

Allan explained: “I took stock of my career nine years ago. I had two young sons and I realised that in 10 years they would be learning to drive and going to university. The position I was in at the time wouldn’t have enabled me to support them, so I went to my boss and asked for a pay rise, but the club couldn’t afford it. I decided to go back to college and get myself the qualifications I needed to progress my career and since then I’ve done so many amazing things.

“To say that I am excited is an understatement. I come from a smallish town in Scotland and I was in the same job for 20 years, just going through the motions. Now, a few years later, everything has changed and I am overwhelmed to have been selected for the delegation. I don’t think it’s ever too late if you apply yourself and I hope I can inspire others to do the same.”

Bernhard & Company Director Steven Nixon said: “We are very proud to have been supporting the delegation for so many years. The quality of applicants is always incredible, making the selection process quite challenging. We are looking forward to taking our 200th delegate in 2022 and offering the 10 successful candidates a fantastic career opportunity.”

The BIGGA Delegation to the GCSAA Conference & Show is just one of countless exclusive opportunities that have been specifically tailored to help BIGGA members achieve their professional ambitions and fulfil our overarching ambition of raising standards of greenkeeping in the UK and creating a stronger and more dynamic golfing industry. For more information about BIGGA, head to www.bigga.org.uk

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Huxley partners with Honourable Company

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Huxley partners with Honourable Company: Huxley Golf was extremely proud to collaborate with The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers Muirfield this autumn.

The Honourable Company commissioned Huxley Golf to create an all-weather practice tee of the highest calibre for what is one of the world’s most prestigious Clubs dating back to 1744. Known for its masterful layout and stunning location, the course remains as challenging today as it ever was.

Huxley partners with Honourable Company

Huxley partners with Honourable Company

Having hosted the Open Championship 16 times, it will continue to make history when it welcomes the world’s top female golfers for its first AIG Women’s Open Championship in 2022.

The Huxley Golf team, led by Hugh Fraser for this project, replaced an existing hard practice area with a new and expansive all-weather one, measuring 12ft (3.6m) by 138ft (42m). The company’s renowned Premier Tee Turf 2 was used to update the facility to be the best that it could be. This surface has an exquisitely dense pile which provides an attractive and hardwearing surface that is quiet, comfortable and realistic to play off. The installation was carried out on schedule in just a couple of days and, of course, golfers could enjoy the facility immediately.

Course Manager, Colin Irvine, commented, “We pride ourselves on the quality of our facilities and service and are focused on ensuring that members and visitors alike have an enjoyable and memorable time, every time they visit. That’s why we have taken the opportunity to update our practice area, thus ensuring that the customer experience on all aspects of our beautiful course is second to none.

“I had not worked with Huxley Golf before but I knew from my industry peers that the company has the best all-weather golf surfaces on the market so I was confident they would be the perfect match for us here at Muirfield.

“I am absolutely thrilled with the result. It looks good and it plays well. I have no doubt that our members and visitors will appreciate the exceptional quality of this specialised golf surface which offers a realistic grass-like feel to the golfer.

“I was also delighted with the overall service delivered by Huxley Golf. From initial enquiry through to completion, I received efficient, reliable and friendly support throughout. Huxley Golf has my unreserved endorsement, and I would be pleased to call on them again.”

Hugh Fraser added, “It was a great privilege for us to be selected by The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers to help the team there realise their ambition for their practice area which I’m sure will help to draw generation after generation to this most revered sporting venue.”

For over half a century, the name Huxley has been synonymous with premium all-weather golf surfaces and products. Endorsed by the UK’s leading golf organisations as well as many legendary golfers and celebrities and their coaching teams, the Hampshire-based company’s artificial golf surfaces are in use all around the world at top-flight courses, resorts, and training academies. For more information visit www.huxleygolf.com

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