Tag Archive for: Growth

Attraxor®: The Key to Controlled Growth at Tonbridge School

/in , /by

Attraxor®: The Key to Controlled Growth at Tonbridge School: At Tonbridge School, known for its widely regarded sports facilities, Danny Stunt has embraced practical and effective solutions to manage its extensive grounds. With multiple sports pitches and surfaces to maintain, the challenges are significant.

Since becoming Head of Grounds three years ago, Danny has focused on streamlining processes, with products like Attraxor® proving invaluable in addressing key issues such as excessive grass growth and Poa annua.

Attraxor®: The Key to Controlled Growth at Tonbridge School

Attraxor®: The Key to Controlled Growth at Tonbridge School

Supplied by Agrovista Amenity, Attraxor® has not only transformed the way Danny and his team manage turf but has also come with valuable guidance from Andrew Norman, a Technical Manager at Agrovista Amenity. “Andrew has been a brilliant help from the start,” Danny says. “I like that he has previously been a head greenkeeper and straight away, we had common ground. He understands what I’m up against and has always been there to offer advice.”

Danny’s journey into the industry was guided by his grandfather, who he worked alongside at a local golf club. “My grandad brought out my passion for the profession at a young age – he taught me all about high standards,” Danny recalls. This passion evolved into a career which started with greenkeeping until accepting a role as a mechanic at Tonbridge School in Kent.

It was a role he credits for honing his understanding of machinery’s role in grounds care. “That experience as a mechanic has been invaluable and has helped me in becoming a better all-round grounds manager,” he says.

Managing the grounds at Tonbridge School is no small feat. When Danny first took over, excessive growth and frequent mowing were significant challenges. “The team were cutting every day—it was relentless,” he explains. “We were spending hours mowing and collecting clippings, particularly on the cricket outfields.”

This all changed when Danny started using Attraxor®. The product, containing the active substance prohexadione, regulates turf growth by inhibiting the gibberellic acid pathway, reducing turf height and biomass while promoting root growth.

“With Attraxor®, I can spray it on a Friday, come back on Monday to cut, and there are virtually no clippings,” Danny says. “In the past, especially in spring after fertiliser applications, it was crazy trying to pick up all the clippings. Attraxor® has saved us so much time.”

One of the standout benefits of Attraxor® for Danny has been its exceptional control of Poa annua, an invasive grass species notorious for its seed production and unsightly appearance. “The second-team cricket pitch was riddled with Poa,” he shares. “After applying Attraxor, it was the best it had ever been—both in terms of clippings and Poa control.”

Danny admits he was initially sceptical. However, its performance quickly won him over. “I’m normally quite sceptical about product claims, but I’ve never known anything like it. The Poa just disappeared,” he says. “A couple of years ago, the cricket outfields in April or May would be grey, full of Poa seedheads. Not anymore, and that’s thanks to Attraxor.”

Attraxor®: The Key to Controlled Growth at Tonbridge School

Attraxor®: The Key to Controlled Growth at Tonbridge School

For Danny, the benefits of using Attraxor® extend beyond aesthetics. The reduction in mowing has led to significant time savings, reduced labour demands, and decreased wear on machinery.

This change has also positively impacted the school’s sustainability efforts. “The school committee were pleased to hear we’ve reduced emissions by cutting down on the amount of mowing,” Danny says. “When you look at the cost-benefit analysis—fuel savings, less machinery maintenance – Attraxor® is a no-brainer.”

Danny plans to continue exploring how Attraxor® can further streamline operations at Tonbridge School. “I may increase the rates in the future to see if I can reduce mowing even more,” he says.

Reflecting on his experience, Danny emphasises the control Attraxor® has given his team. “We are now dictating to the grass – the grass isn’t dictating to us anymore,” he says. “Gone are the days of running all over an outfield picking up clippings, much to the delight of the team.”

For Danny Stunt and Tonbridge School, Attraxor® has proven to be more than just a growth regulator – it’s a product that has delivered results while balancing efficiency and sustainability. With expert support from Agrovista Amenity and Andrew Norman’s understanding of the challenges faced by grounds managers, Danny has found a solution that works seamlessly for his team and the school’s prestigious grounds.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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.

Greenstripe Groundcare Experience Remarkable Business Growth

/in , , /by

Greenstripe Groundcare Experience Remarkable Business Growth: Over the last two years, Lincoln-based Greenstripe Groundcare has seen remarkable growth, largely thanks to the addition of the Iseki TG6507 compact tractor.

Owner James Pask attributes the company’s increased productivity, efficiency, and premium client base directly to the versatility and performance of this high-specification machine.

Greenstripe Groundcare Experience Remarkable Business Growth

Greenstripe Groundcare Experience Remarkable Business Growth

By incorporating the TG6507 into daily operations, Greenstripe Groundcare has expanded its services, allowing them to take on more high-end contracts, including football clubs and cricket grounds.

The ability to attach high-quality implements and transport them without using a trailer has significantly improved productivity and the quality of work, ensuring that Greenstripe can easily meet the professional aesthetic demands of sports pitches and fine turf maintenance.

“The Iseki TG6507 has been absolutely instrumental in growing the business over the last two years,” says James. “It’s enabled a very significant uplift in productivity, in efficiency of operation, and the reach of the customer that I was trying to bring into the business as well.

“With the quality implements that you can put on to the tractor, the kind of aesthetic that we’re looking for football clubs and cricket fields is much easier to attain, and that’s what has helped us grow”

One of the standout features of the TG6507 is its IQ gearbox, which was a key requirement for James when selecting the tractor. The IQ gearbox allows for smooth, responsive shifting on the go, eliminating the need to set speed with pedals or rely on cruise control. James praises the three-range system, which ensures the right gear ratio is always available.

“This version does have the IQ gearbox, which was a specific want and need of mine over the hydrostatic box,” he explains. “For operating in fields like where I am today, I felt it would be much more convenient, and you’d get much more consistent performance.

“It has actually been an absolute joy to use. I have never been wanting for another ratio to turn around or to push on when I’m going down a straight, so it is a really good transmission.”

Another key factor in Greenstripe’s growth has been the TG6507’s versatility. The C4+ front loader has significantly expanded the range of tasks the business can undertake. From cleaning compost heaps to moving logs and loading trailers using the well-designed joystick controls, it has proven indispensable.

Whilst the productivity and quality produced by using the TG6507 have been standouts for James, his positive Iseki experience began when he first enquired about the tractor with his local Iseki dealer, Chandlers.

“I’ve had absolutely brilliant sales advice and service from Chandlers,” James notes. “When I was looking into buying the machine, I had various questions, which were very well addressed.

“When I took delivery of the machine, the handover was with the Chandlers sales rep and a senior Iseki representative as well, who made the time to come and do several hours walking around the machine to show me how to get the best out of it, and it really was a high-quality experience.”

On his experience overall, James concludes: “I absolutely would recommend the TG6 range, whichever part of the range is suitable for your needs. It has been a phenomenal tool to have.

“It’s manoeuvrability, fuel efficiency, what you can do with the soft controls in the cab when you want to fine-tune what you’re doing with your implement on the back, the versatility of the C4+ front loader, and it is just so reliable as well.

“It hasn’t let me down ever. So, I would say to anybody thinking, actually I need to upscale, should I look at something like this, absolutely go for it.”

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.

Kubota supports continued growth for Southern Ground Care

/in , /by

Kubota supports continued growth for Southern Ground Care: As demand grows, and implements get bigger and better, as does the fleet of Kubota tractors for sports turf maintenance company Southern Ground Care.

Established in 2012 by Keith Petley, later joined by his son Lewis Petley, the reliability and ease of operation has seen the company loyal to the brand from the outset – now with an L2-602, two L2-622’s and most recently an M6-131 joining the pack to provide the power to operations at schools, football and cricket clubs along the south coast.

Kubota supports continued growth for Southern Ground Care

Kubota supports continued growth for Southern Ground Care

After working in transport for nearly 40 years, Keith made the break to something new in 2012, helping with the maintenance at a local cricket club in a volunteer capacity. It was here he purchased his first compact tractor from Kubota’s B-Series and the rest, as they say, was history! “Over the years we’ve had a B3030, then progressed to two STV40’s and an ST401 with a cab. Kubota has been the backbone for everything we offer and as we’ve branched into new sports and new operations, our Kubota fleet has grown accordingly” Keith says.

“We currently have three tractors from Kubota’s L-Series which give us the ideal power to weight ratio for the vast majority of implements we use from general maintenance to end-of-season renovations on football and cricket pitches. These have given us outstanding reliability and are intuitive and comfortable to operate.”

The latest delivery made by local dealer Rod Gaskin in July 2024, was a M6-131 equipped with turf tyres. Lewis explains, “We found ourselves hiring an M5 when we needed to utilise the heavier kit which was inconvenient compared to having our own higher HP tractor that we could use as and when required. The turf tyres on our M6 spread the weight really well, avoiding unnecessary compaction and we find the tread is not too aggressive even when working on slightly softer ground.”

With workload ramping up, the team have also invested in GPS systems for all four tractors to optimise efficiency. “We thought it would be good for spraying but we’ve reaped the benefits of it with nearly everything we do! It speeds up the operations, improves the accuracy for operations like seeding, aeration and even mowing, and means that less experienced members of the team can go into every task with confidence.”

“We’re also assisted by the fantastic team at Rod Gaskin who are quick to offer us help and support, together with taking care of our routine servicing to avoid any costly downtime. The back-up with Kubota is second to none” he adds.

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.

Ag Biologicals and Organic Growth

/in , /by

Ag Biologicals and Organic Growth: The agricultural landscape is profoundly transforming as the global drive toward sustainability accelerates. The sector’s projected growth to a staggering $1.2 trillion by 2034 signals immense economic potential and underscores a significant shift toward environmentally responsible farming practices.

With the agricultural biologicals market forecasted to surge from $16.7 billion in 2024 to $31.8 billion by 2029 (Markets and Markets, 2024), alongside significant expansions in agrochemicals and organic food markets, we are on the brink of a revolution in how food is grown, protected, and consumed.

Ag Biologicals and Organic Growth

Ag Biologicals and Organic Growth

Unprecedented Growth in Agricultural Biologicals

The global agricultural biological market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5%, reaching $31.8 billion by 2029. Agricultural biologicals—including biopesticides, biofertilisers, and biostimulants—are essential to sustainable farming practices. These products enhance crop protection, improve nutrient efficiency, and restore soil health while avoiding the environmental damage associated with synthetic chemicals.

Several key factors are driving this shift:

  • Consumer Demand for Organic Produce: Globally, consumers increasingly seek natural, chemical-free products, pushing farmers to adopt biological alternatives.
  • Stricter Regulations: Governments in Europe, North America, and other regions are implementing stricter controls on chemical inputs, speeding up the transition to biologicals.
  • Environmental Awareness: The adverse effects of chemical-intensive farming on ecosystems are becoming more apparent. Biologicals offer a sustainable solution with minimal environmental harm.

Regional Drivers of Growth

The Asia-Pacific region is set to be a significant growth engine for agricultural biologicals. Countries like India and China, with vast agricultural sectors and growing populations, are increasingly focusing on sustainable farming practices. Thanks to its stringent regulatory environment, Europe continues to play a leading role, mainly through the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy, which aims for a 50% reduction in pesticide use by 2030.

The U.S. market is expanding rapidly in North America due to increased investment in biological research and innovation. Latin America, especially Brazil, is emerging as a critical player in biologicals, driven by its leadership in organic farming and alternatives to agrochemicals.

Agrochemicals: A Market in Transition

Despite the rise of biologicals, the agrochemicals market is expected to grow from $365.6 billion in 2024 to $491.69 billion by 2032 (Market Research Future, 2024). However, the narrative surrounding agrochemicals is shifting. Farmers are increasingly adopting integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that combine biologicals with synthetic chemicals, balancing yield targets with environmental sustainability.

Agrochemicals will still play a role in global food production, but their use will increasingly be complemented by biological solutions to reduce environmental impact. This hybrid approach is critical in regions where fully transitioning to biological methods is not feasible due to scale, cost, or other constraints.

Organic Food: A Powerhouse Market

The global organic food market is forecasted to rise from $228.35 billion in 2024 to $658.38 billion by 2034 (Precedence Research, 2024). This reflects a significant shift in consumer preferences toward healthier, environmentally friendly food choices.

Organic farming emphasises sustainability, biodiversity, and soil health, making agricultural biologicals a natural fit for this market. Biopesticides, biofertilisers, and biostimulants are at the core of organic farming systems, replacing chemical inputs with natural solutions aligned with organic certification principles. Countries like Germany, the U.S., and France lead this trend, with robust organic farming sectors and consumers willing to pay premiums for organic products.

Regulatory Frameworks Shaping the Market

The regulatory landscape is pivotal to the growth of agricultural biologicals. In the European Union, the regulatory framework has become increasingly favourable for biologicals, particularly with the implementation of the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy, which promote sustainable food systems and aim to reduce pesticide use significantly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also streamlined the biopesticide registration process, encouraging faster adoption.

In Brazil, one of the world’s largest agricultural markets, regulatory reforms have accelerated the approval of biological products. The country’s leadership in organic farming and favourable policy environment make it a key player in driving biological adoption in Latin America. Similarly, India has introduced initiatives through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and its Farm Science Centres (KVKs) network to promote biological products.

However, challenges remain, particularly in harmonising regulations across regions. Global regulatory collaboration is necessary to establish consistent standards, reduce registration bottlenecks, and foster innovation.

Key Trends Driving Growth

  1. Innovations in Microbial Technology: Microbial research advances enable the development of highly effective biological products that target specific pests, improve nutrient uptake, and enhance plant resilience. Innovations in formulation technologies, such as encapsulation and controlled-release systems, are improving the stability and efficacy of biologicals, making them more viable for large-scale farming.
  2. Consumer Awareness and Organic Certification: As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices, demand for organic and sustainably produced food is rising. This shift drives the need for biological inputs that meet organic certification standards, further boosting the adoption of biological solutions.
  3. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Agriculture significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Agricultural biologicals, particularly soil microbes, play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration, improving soil health, and reducing the carbon footprint of farming practices.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite rapid growth, the agricultural biologicals market faces several challenges:

  • Regulatory Hurdles: Fragmented regulatory environments across regions slow the approval process for new biological products. Harmonising regulations will be vital in accelerating innovation and adoption.
  • Farmer Education and Confidence: Many farmers remain sceptical of biological products due to a lack of knowledge or previous experiences with ineffective or ingenuine products. Education and field demonstrations are essential for building farmer confidence and ensuring widespread adoption.
  • Supply Chain and Scalability: The infrastructure needed to produce, store, and distribute biological products at scale is still developing. Investments in supply chain logistics, cold storage, and distribution networks will be critical to meeting future demand.

Conclusion: The Future of Sustainable Agriculture

The $1.2 trillion surge in the agricultural biologicals, agrochemicals, and organic food markets reflects more than just economic growth—it signals a global commitment to transforming agriculture into a sustainable, eco-friendly industry. As the world grapples with climate change, food security, and environmental degradation, the rise of agricultural biologicals offers a pathway to a healthier and more sustainable future.

Innovations in microbial technology, growing consumer demand for organic products, and favourable regulatory frameworks are positioning agricultural biologicals as a cornerstone of global food production. By investing in these sustainable solutions today, we are laying the foundation for a future where agriculture feeds the world and preserves the planet for generations to come.

Agriculture is no longer just about yields; it’s about balancing productivity with responsibility. As the agricultural biological sector evolves, it is poised to create a future where farming is both economically viable and ecologically sound.

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.

GGM Group spring forward with growth

/in , /by

GGM Group spring forward with growth: Leading Groundscare specialist GGM Group has reported growth and expansion as the business enters its busiest season, with the introduction of a series of new initiatives to benefit customers.

The organisation, with sites in Colne and Haydock, has expanded its team with the appointment of new members of staff throughout the business including in parts, workshop and accounts departments in a bid to support business growth and offer job opportunities in the local area.

GGM Group spring forward with growth

GGM Group spring forward with growth

The new roles come after a busy first quarter for the business which has seen the unveiling of a refurbished showroom in Haydock, created to enhance the overall customer experience.

Recent months have seen the launch of three exciting new franchises for the group. Last year, they announced their appointment as a Honda authorised dealer for the lawn and garden range, which includes walk-behind lawn mowers, ride-on lawn mowers, robotic mowers, tillers and a range of handheld equipment including brushcutters, hedge trimmers and blowers.  The new expanded range of TP Chippers offers customers a range of high-performing on the road chippers including a 100% battery model and the recent inclusion of the FSI range of stump cutters cements GGM’s commitment to providing the ARB sector with a range of quality market leading machinery for all tasks.

The business also reports a huge uptake in the recently launched LANTRA accredited training academy, which provides delegates with the skills and knowledge required to safely operate and maintain relevant machinery through courses that deliver both practical skills and health & safety guidance. All training can be carried out on customers premises, using the equipment that team members will be using on a day-to-day basis or at the dedicated GGM training centre.

The LANTRA accredited training courses ensure that operators are trained to a national standard whilst fulfilling the organisations legal obligations with regards to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulation 1998 (PUWER).

In order to continue to offer customers a first-class service online, the business has launched a brand-new website, designed to further enhance the customer experience. The navigation makes it even easier for customers to find their favourite products and access GGM’s many services.

Managing Director Chris Gibson says:

“While many businesses have struggled over the past 12 months, we are delighted that GGM has continued to thrive. We have done this thanks to our fantastic team and our focus on innovation, always keeping us one step ahead of the game. In addition, we decided to recruit for these roles to help the local job market, as well as to facilitate business growth and our future plans”.

GGM is a specialist supplier of tractors and high-quality professional land-based equipment for commercial and domestic use across the North-West, Cheshire and Merseyside, with depots in Haydock and Colne. With a proven record of delivering a trusted service and exceptional after sales support, driven by a set of deep-rooted values, GGM takes pride in building long lasting customer relationships, based on anticipating needs, solving problems and delivering on time, every time.

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.