Tag Archive for: Increases

TGA Warns of Further Turf Price Increases in 2025

/in , /by

TGA Warns of Further Turf Price Increases in 2025: The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) has issued a warning about anticipated price increases for turf products in 2025.

Following another year of challenging weather conditions and ever increasing operational costs, TGA members have reported mounting pressures that will inevitably drive up the overall cost of production, and therefore the sale price of turf.

TGA Warns of Further Turf Price Increases in 2025

TGA Warns of Further Turf Price Increases in 2025

This continues a trend in recent years, as the industry grapples with the ongoing effects of extreme and variable weather patterns. In 2024, further widespread wet weather, increased disease management programmes, and in many cases the legacy of the previous winter’s adverse weather have once again driven up production costs across the whole supply chain.

Impact of National Insurance Contribution Changes

Adding to these challenges, the government’s increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions, effective from April 2025, will significantly affect turfgrass producers. Contributions are set to rise from 13.8% to 15%, while the threshold at which employers begin paying contributions will drop from £9,100 to £5,000. These changes will substantially increase payroll costs for labour-intensive industries including turfgrass production.

Richard Owens, Chair of the TGA, commented: “2024 was another particularly challenging year for the turfgrass industry. Alongside continued weather-related disruptions and increasing operational costs, government-mandated fiscal changes are adding further pressures. Price adjustments are essential to ensure the industry’s viability and ability to meet future demand.”

Building on Previous Challenges

The anticipated price rises for 2025 build on the challenges highlighted at the start of 2024, when the TGA warned of price increases driven by extreme weather, rising fertiliser and fuel costs, and supply chain issues.

Looking Ahead

The TGA remains committed to supporting its members by promoting best practices, advocating for industry needs, and exploring innovative solutions to mitigate future challenges. However, with the effects of climate change continuing to impact growing conditions and economic pressures mounting, the association urges stakeholders to anticipate price volatility and plan accordingly for upcoming projects.

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.

Bionema’s RootVita® SP Increases Maize Head Size by 50%

/in , /by

Bionema’s RootVita® SP Increases Maize Head Size by 50%: A groundbreaking field trial in South Africa has demonstrated that RootVita® SP, Bionema Group’s innovative biostimulant technology, can increase Maize head size by 50%, marking a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture.

A prominent Maize farmer in South Africa tested this product in partnership with Bionema Group to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing root development, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health.

Bionema’s RootVita® SP Increases Maize Head Size by 50%

Bionema’s RootVita® SP Increases Maize Head Size by 50%

The Global Importance of Maize

Maize is the most widely grown cereal crop in the world, feeding over 1.2 billion people globally. It is a staple food for over 300 million Africans, accounting for 30–50% of daily calorie intake. With increasing climate challenges, soil degradation, and fertiliser price volatility, improving Maize productivity is critical for developing nations’ food security and economic stability.

Why This Matters for Africa

Africa’s Maize production is expected to fall by up to 30% by 2050 due to climate change and depleting soil nutrients, threatening the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. South Africa, one of the continent’s largest Maize producers, faces rising input costs and erratic rainfall, making sustainable solutions like RootVita® SP crucial.

The successful 2024–2025 field trials of RootVita® SP demonstrated:

✔ 50% increase in Maize head size.
✔ Improved soil microbiome activity for long-term fertility.
✔ Higher resilience to environmental stress.
✔ Reduced reliance on synthetic fertilisers.

Field Trial Findings: Transforming Maize Productivity

The trial, conducted across multiple farms in South Africa, was initiated in late 2024 and continued through the 2025 maize-growing season. The region’s soils often suffer from nutrient deficiencies, and climate variability has made crop production more challenging.

RootVita® SP, when integrated into standard Maize farming practices, significantly improved nutrient absorption, root development, and overall plant vigour, resulting in larger Maize heads and improved grain quality. These findings highlight the critical role of biostimulants in modern agriculture.

Sustainable Agriculture: Reducing Dependence on Chemical Fertilizers

With the rising costs of synthetic fertilisers and stricter global regulations on chemical inputs, farmers are turning to biological alternatives to maintain productivity without harming the environment. RootVita® SP offers a cost-effective, sustainable alternative that boosts yield and improves soil health and crop resilience against climate stress.

Dr. Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema, said, “This trial reinforces Bionema’s commitment to creating innovative biological solutions that transform modern agriculture. A 50% increase in Maize head size is a game-changer, particularly in regions where food security and soil health are pressing concerns. RootVita® SP is proving to be a sustainable alternative that allows farmers to maximise yields while reducing their reliance on chemical inputs.”

About Bionema Group

Bionema Group is a pioneering biotech company specialising in biocontrol and biostimulant solutions for sustainable crop production and plant health management. With a strong focus on biological alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals, Bionema’s products support farmers and growers in improving yields, enhancing soil health, and reducing environmental impact.

For more information on RootVita® SP and its application in Maize and other crops, visit: www.bionema.com

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.

Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases

/in , /by

Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases: The Grounds Management Association (GMA), the UK’s leading organisation for the grounds management industry, has seen a 43% rise in uptake of its training compared to this time last year.

This follows a challenging season for many sports. Over the past 12 months, the GMA saw enquiries related to flooding surge, coinciding with increased rainfall that was up 147% on the long-term average in some parts of the country.

In the North East of England, football clubs needing support because of water-logged pitches were up 244%. And 80% of rugby union clubs have had drainage issues this year compared to 50% last year.

Jason Booth, chief operating officer of the GMA, says: “We know last year was a tough season for many. More extreme weather means the challenges in our industry are getting greater. It’s time to focus on knowledge and skills to get ahead of the game so it’s essential clubs invest in their pitches and grounds teams.

“The GMA’s unique suite of training and qualifications are designed to help groundspeople advance their knowledge and skills – including courses specifically geared towards the new challenges faced in winter sports, like football, rugby league and rugby union.

“Our training is designed with the help of industry experts and supported by national governing bodies, including The FA, ECB, RFL and Sport England. We’re also the only industry association to be accredited by the Department of Education’s matrix Standard.

“As well as in person training, there are also plenty of online courses, perfect for busy professionals and volunteers who want to enhance their turf maintenance knowledge from anywhere.

“Grow your knowledge today, head over to our website and check out the training and qualifications we’ve got available.”

Discover the wide range of easy-to-access, high-quality training courses on the GMA website: https://thegma.org.uk/learning/training

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.

KYMCO UK increases ATV safety awareness

/in , /by

KYMCO UK increases ATV safety awareness: KYMCO UK has boosted its commitment to ATV safety by joining forces with the European ATV Safety Institute (EASI) – an industry safety body, which offers new KYMCO ATV customers with a free training course aimed at encouraging increased safety awareness.

The agreement provides new KYMCO ATV purchasers with EASI’s ‘ATV RiderCourse’ at zero cost. The interactive hands-on learning experience, normally with an RRP of £180 +VAT, promotes the proper and safer use of ATVs.

KYMCO UK increases ATV safety awareness

KYMCO UK increases ATV safety awareness

Neil Keeble, National Sales and Marketing Manager at KYMCO UK, said: “KYMCO is proud to support EASI – benefitting our customers with an important free rider safety and education course, with each new ATV purchased through our authorised dealer network.

“The ongoing awareness of safe and responsible usage of our ATV range is important to KYMCO, our dealers and customers alike. EASI’s ‘ATV RiderCourse’ will ensure a good understanding of safe and considerate ATV usage.”

Andy Heitman, Chief Executive Officer of EASI, added: “We are delighted to be supported by KYMCO UK, the British distributor of the Taiwanese ATV manufacturer. KYMCO UK’s sponsorship not only bolsters its reputation as a responsible ATV company, but more importantly highlights its commitment to safety and education for its dealer networks and customers.”

The training courses offered by EASI’s UK division improves operator skills, safety levels and awareness of ATV capabilities which are also known as quad bikes.

KYMCO remains a top three utility ATV brand in Europe and is now expanding its presence in the UK through a rapidly growing dealer network. KYMCO’s ATV range is designed to deliver the highest levels of performance, functionality and reliability. For more information please visit www.kymco.co.uk

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.

IKON XD Range Increases

/in , /by

IKON XD Range Increases: Ariens is adding to its IKON XD range of zero-turn mowers with two new models; the IKON XD 42 and IKON 52, both featuring the new 764cc twin cylinder Ariens engine – designed to be powerful yet fuel efficient.

This new engine has an enhanced combustion chamber that burns fuel mixture quicker, resulting in greater combustion efficiency. Couple this with its carburettor and the finely tuned fuel spray it produces and the Ariens engine is one of the most fuel-efficient engines available today – but this doesn’t impact on its power.

IKON XD Range Increases

IKON XD Range Increases

The IKON XD 42 Ariens engine is rated at 15.5kW of power @2800RPM whilst the IKON 52 Ariens engine is rated at 16.6kW of power @3000RPM. Both models with the Ariens engine also have over 50Nm of torque for optimum cutting performance. The engine is also easy to maintain thanks to toolless access to the air filter and well positioned oil drain. It is also long lasting and durable thanks to its design and anti-wear components.

The IKON XD’s innovative zero-turn capability means it can turn in its own footprint, ensuring no lawn is left unfinished. This is achieved through its ability to drive and steer from the back wheels via two independent transmissions. This guarantees it not only produces excellent finishes but reduces mowing time by up to 50 percent compared to a garden tractor. Additionally, its fully fabricated commercial style deck with advanced airflow and range of cutting sizes ensures exceptional cutting performance every time.

Furthermore, the high back seat with padded arm rests and large tyres makes it a comfortable ride – perfect for tackling large lawns.

The IKON XD 42 and 52 is now available with the Ariens 764cc engine. For further information on the IKON XD range, contact your dealer or visit https://www.ariens.eu/series/ikon-xd

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.