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FSI B21 a great fit for JB Tree Services

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FSI B21 a great fit for JB Tree Services: An FSI B21 stump grinder is proving that compact certainly does not mean a compromise in efficiency and performance for Joe Baker of JB Tree Services.

With the majority of jobs coming from residential customers in and around Trowbridge, his recently  purchased FSI B21 gives him the manoeuvrability to tackle stumps in tight and restricted spaces as well as providing full control over his work schedule compared to the trepidation of relying on hire machines.

FSI B21 a great fit for JB Tree Services

FSI B21 a great fit for JB Tree Services

After working as a tree surgeon for Bath Council for six years, Joe started working for himself full-time in 2021. Commercial and council work for Trowbridge Town Council remains a key part of his offering, but he explains that the majority of demand for him and his team of two comes from residential customers. “These sorts of customers are looking for a ‘one stop shop’ – if they’re having a tree removed, they also want the stump dealt with on the same day.”

“I started off hiring a stump grinder as and when I needed one, but found they’d turn up used and abused, nearly always blunt. The time was definitely right to invest in our own machine that would be well maintained and available whenever we needed it.” While no stranger to stump grinders, Joe had no prior experience of an FSI, but admits it took little convincing that the brand was the perfect solution! “We had the slightly bigger FSI B31 on demonstration from GA Groundcare Ltd and the first thing we noticed was the outstanding build quality. The whole team had the opportunity to use it and all agreed that of all the various makes and models they’d used, in operation, this was by far the best.”

Peace of mind

Decision made, the pedestrian FSI B21 stump grinder joined the machinery fleet in August 2024. “There’s a lot to like about this machine, with a lot of features bringing newfound efficiency to stump removal.” He explains, “Firstly, the 14hp engine delivers impressive power. The turntable feature is brilliant in terms of operator comfort, the safety bar allows us to disengage the cutter wheel for safe and unhindered movement around the stump. The hill-hold system which is unique to FSI is another gamechanger – blocking any forward wheel motion and allowing us to pull the machine backwards to easily navigate ramps, steps and uneven terrain.”

“The peace of mind of being able to fell a tree in the morning and having the FSI B21 to hand to grind the stump in the afternoon is brilliant, seeing the machine in high demand since we’ve had it. The back-up from GA Groundcare has also been excellent. We can’t fault the machine or the service we’ve had from start to finish.”

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New GeoLink and Digital Specialist for Reesink

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New GeoLink and Digital Specialist for Reesink: This is a new role developed by the company to reflect the importance Reesink places on the advanced technology expected, including GPS and digital, to drive the business in the future.

Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager of Reesink Turfcare, says: “Lee will spearhead the introduction of further new products and technologies going forward and will work closely with our dealers and sales team to drive sales, support, and training on these product lines. This will be a vitally important role for Reesink moving forward as more and more GPS, digital and advanced technologies are brought to market.”

New GeoLink and Digital Specialist for Reesink

New GeoLink and Digital Specialist for Reesink

In his previous role as Service Manager, Lee has been delivering technical support and training to the Reesink dealer network since 2016. With a team including warranty experts and on-site training specialists, Lee provided aftermarket support, getting dealers and end users accustomed to the latest turfcare technologies.

Jon confirms: “Lee’s considerable experience heading up the service team coupled with his previous involvement and expertise bringing new technologies to the market make him the perfect fit for this new role.”

While GPS technology has been playing an instrumental role in advanced spraying for some time, Reesink’s launch of Toro’s new range of automated machinery in January encouraged the company to place a dedicated resource behind the industry wide rollout.

Lee comments: “The technology used in these products requires a dedicated specialist. I hope to bring my existing experience with GeoLink systems to these new products. The technology crosses over, which is beneficial for both our dealers and customers. This new role will complement the existing aftermarket team at Reesink and help to align these advanced products for our technical support team.”

Lee can be contacted at Reesink Turfcare HQ in St Neots on 01480 226800 or by emailing info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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Why Are Biological Companies Struggling for Investment

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Why Are Biological Companies Struggling for Investment: In recent years, the agricultural biologicals sector has witnessed significant growth. The global market was estimated at $16.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $31.8 billion by 2029. This surge underscores the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural solutions.

However, early-stage startups, particularly those in pre-seed and seed stages, face substantial challenges in securing investment. While more established companies like Switch Bioworks, Elicit Plant, Solasta, Agospheres, Biotalys, Micropep, Catalera, Botanical Solution, and BioConsortia successfully obtained funding in 2024, emerging enterprises often struggle to attract similar attention. This disparity is partly due to investors’ heightened expectations and a preference for ventures with proven technologies or those nearing revenue generation.

Why Are Biological Companies Struggling for Investment

Why Are Biological Companies Struggling for Investment

Current Investment Trends in Agricultural Biologicals

Geographically, Europe-focused venture capitalists (VCs) are leading the way in funding biological companies. Looking ahead to 2025, there is cautious optimism that U.S. investors will increase their participation, particularly as interest rates decline. However, uncertainties related to tariffs, the farm economy, and government agency (EPA) budgets persist, which could impact investment decisions.

The investment landscape has changed significantly. The willingness to fund biological companies at the high levels seen 3-5 years ago has diminished. Investors today possess more profound industry knowledge, making them more selective. They are increasingly drawn to companies with well-defined business models, clear paths to market impact, and solid financial planning.

The Challenges of Building a Successful Biologicals Business

Succeeding in the biological sector demands patience, effort, and strategic focus. Investors often have unrealistic expectations regarding market development, leading to an oversaturated and unsustainable market. Moving forward, I hope to see more realism in investor sentiment, which will benefit the entire industry by fostering sustainable growth and innovation.

Additionally, recent failures in agri-biological investments have made investors more cautious. To attract funding, companies must demonstrate:

  • Quality-driven research & development
  • Efficient spending and cost management
  • Clear and executable go-to-market strategies

Companies that meet these expectations will have a higher chance of securing funding, thereby improving the overall quality of investments in the sector.

Regulatory Barriers and Their Impact on Investment

My experience raising investment for Bionema has reinforced one of the most critical issues in this sector: the lengthy and costly regulatory approval process for biopesticides. While venture capital investors are interested in biological solutions, many are deterred by the extended timelines required to bring products to market. Unlike conventional agrochemicals, biopesticides require approximately £5-8 million per product for global registration, which is manageable for companies like Bionema. Still, the real challenge is the time needed for regulatory approval. This process often delays market entry by 5-7 years in the EU, 2-3 years in NA and 12 months in Brazil after biopesticides regulatory reform, making it difficult for investors to commit to early-stage funding.

Instead of investing in Series A or Series B rounds, I have observed greater interest from agrochemical multinationals in acquiring or licensing biological technologies. While this demonstrates the commercial viability of biologicals, it also signals a reluctance among large corporations to invest in the sector’s long-term growth. If the biological industry is to thrive and compete with synthetic chemicals, substantial investment will be required to accelerate development and commercialisation.

Moreover, biopesticide regulations must be harmonised globally to streamline approvals and reduce market entry barriers. The fragmented regulatory environment forces companies to undergo separate and costly registration processes in different regions, further discouraging investment. Unless regulatory agencies align their frameworks, the biological sector will struggle with slow growth and limited funding.

Key Areas of Growth in Agricultural Biologicals

From an industry perspective, biologicals are thriving, particularly in nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen fixation, and biocontrol. New application methods like planter box technologies are experiencing significant growth and scaling.

For farmers, return on investment (ROI) remains the key driver. In the current economic climate, growers are seeking efficiency-enhancing solutions, including:
✔ Fertilizer replacements
✔ Yield enhancers
✔ Abiotic stress mitigation products

As growers become more educated about biologicals, their adoption rates are increasing rapidly, leading to further investment in these technologies.

Investor Expectations for the Future

Historically, venture capital has played a key role in funding biologicals and will continue to do so. However, some investors have overly enthusiastic expectations regarding short-term returns. As VCs gain a deeper understanding of the sector, we expect them to invest more targeted and strategically.

Private equity firms are taking a more cautious, sustainable approach to investment. These firms focus on long-term flexibility and adaptability, recognising the rapidly evolving nature of the AgBio industry.

The Reality of Raising Capital in 2025

The current investment climate in biorationals mirrors the broader agricultural market’s bearish trend. However, market growth in this sector, driven by:
✔ Public and grower demand for sustainable agriculture
✔ Stricter regulatory policies limiting chemical options

Farmers are expected to increase their adoption of biologicals, but only for science-backed solutions with proven efficacy that deliver real value.

Finding new capital to fund early-stage biological companies will remain challenging in 2025. Investors are becoming more critical and selective, favouring companies that:
✔ Have a proven technology platform
✔ Are generating (or near generating) revenue
✔ Have a clear pathway to profitability

As a result, securing seed funding or Series A investment will be challenging over the next 1-2 years.

The Long-Term Future of BioAg Investment

Despite the current challenges, biologicals attract significant interest, mainly from companies traditionally focused on agrochemicals and fertilisers. These corporations recognise the growing regulatory and consumer-driven shift toward sustainable agricultural solutions. However, we have seen a slight decline in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity and the closure of some companies in this sector. This highlights the difficulty of sustaining a BioAg business—balancing high investment costs with the need for consistent financial returns. Despite this, the long-term strategic value of biologicals is undeniable. The agricultural industry is undergoing a significant shift, and biologicals will be crucial in this transformation. Investors may remain cautious, but their interest in scalable, science-backed solutions will persist.

Final Thoughts

While securing investment remains a significant challenge for early-stage biological companies, those focusing on innovation, strategic planning, and strong financial models will continue attracting funding. Realism in investor expectations is key to building a sustainable and impactful BioAg industry.

The future of biologicals is bright, but companies must prove their value with solid science, strong business cases, and a clear go-to-market strategy.

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Head groundsperson calls for more apprenticeship opportunities

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Head groundsperson calls for more apprenticeship opportunities: This National Apprenticeship Week, Leeds Rhinos Head Groundsperson Ryan Golding is urging employers, including sports clubs and organisations, to invest in apprenticeships and help secure the future of the grounds management industry.

Data from the Grounds Management Association (GMA) shows the industry will face an employment crisis if more isn’t done to attract and train the next generation of grounds care professionals.

Head groundsperson calls for more apprenticeship opportunities

Head groundsperson calls for more apprenticeship opportunities

National Apprenticeship Week

National Apprenticeship Week, which takes place from 10th – 16th February, is an annual event that raises awareness about apprenticeships and the long-term recruitment solutions they can offer employers.

Ryan began his career at Leeds Rhinos as an apprentice, initially working under former Head Groundsperson Jason Booth, who had also started as an apprentice at the club.

Data from the GMA shows around 40% of the current grounds management workforce are over 50 and up to 15% of those employed in the industry are planning to retire in the next 3 years.

The GMA is the not-for-profit organisation that supports volunteer and professional groundspeople, including those looking to get started in the industry. The GMA’s NextGen programme aims to inspire more young people to get involved in grounds management. As a former member of the GMA’s NextGen, Ryan was recently awarded a Pioneer Mark by the GMA, recognising his work to help young professionals build their careers in grounds management.

Ryan says: “I’m delighted to have received a Pioneer Mark from the GMA, bringing through the next generation is a huge passion of mine – and apprenticeships are central to this.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without an apprenticeship. Grounds management is a brilliant career, and we need more young people coming through to fill the gaps that are opening up. Apprenticeships can help clubs and organisations find and develop ambitious young professionals.”

“If you don’t have an apprenticeship scheme in place, there’s support available, including from the government. You can also check out the GMA website for more information on training and career pathways.”

For more information about hiring an apprentice, go to www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

To learn more about career and training in grounds management, go to: www.thegma.org.uk

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Kubota or nothing for Watford Football Club

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Kubota or nothing for Watford Football Club: When it comes to tractors, it’s Kubota or nothing for Scott Tingley, Grounds Manager at Watford Football Club.

The club’s Kubota STW40 is proof that compact doesn’t have to mean compromise when it comes to providing the reliable power for maintenance operations at Vicarage Road, while a Kubota L2-622 delivers impressive versatility at the training ground.

Kubota or nothing for Watford Football Club

Kubota or nothing for Watford Football Club

Performance

The dependable performance of the pair is matched by a fleet of four Kubota RTV’s used across both sites.

Scott is into his 9th season at the club and oversees the home of The Hornets with a team of three, and the 27 pitches at Watford’s training ground. “On the Vicarage Road stadium pitch, it’s all about weight – we need something small and compact, with enough horsepower to lift all the various implements we use” he explains. The solution, for the last seven years, has been a Kubota STW40.

“We look after the tractor well and, in return, it looks after us. It’s small, lightweight and at 40hp can operate our seeder or aerator for example without leaving much of a footprint.” Scott continues, “All of our Kubota equipment is incredibly reliable, we’ve had no issues with this tractor at all.”

At the training ground, the delivery of an L2-622 from dealers George Browns Ltd in October 2022 is delivering even more versatility “We’re yet to find anything we can’t do with this tractor! Together with powering implements, the forks and bucket are invaluable for moving pallets around, managing deliveries or loading topdressing into our spreader. It makes every task quicker and easier.”

“The cruise control feature on the Kubota L2-622 is especially important when we’re aerating at the training ground as, by setting the speed, we get consistency across all the surfaces” he adds. “It’s also incredibly user-friendly to operate which is important to aid the training and efficiency of some of our newer and younger team members.”

RTV’s

Complementing the pair of compact tractors across the two sites are four RTV’s, including two RTV520’s installed by George Browns at the training ground in July 2023. “Here, especially, the RTV’s are the workhorses of our maintenance operation.

Whether its moving equipment from pitch to pitch or transporting clippings, they’re our go-to. At the stadium we have a Kubota RTV500 which, again, is a people and machinery mover. We also use this to tow our lighting rigs into place after a match which shaves an hour off the job.”

Scott concludes by praising the after-sales support from the Kubota dealer, “On the odd occasion we’ve needed help with our Kubota equipment, George Browns have always been brilliant. With high levels of usage and even higher expectations it’s reassuring to know we can always rely on Kubota to get the job done.”

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