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The dawn of a new era in fungicide

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The dawn of a new era in fungicide: In a groundbreaking announcement at BTME 2024, Agrovista Amenity revealed the much-anticipated launch of Maxtima®, a revolutionary turf fungicide.

Maxtima® heralds a new era in fungicide technology, promising fast-acting and long-lasting solutions for turf disease control.

The dawn of a new era in fungicide

The dawn of a new era in fungicide

John Marland, Head of Amenity at Agrovista Amenity, expressed his excitement about Maxtima®, stating, “We are thrilled about the launch of Maxtima®, a product that truly represents the dawn of a new era in fungicides. Building on the success of Attraxor® plant growth regulator, Maxtima® showcases the excellence in BASF technology and promises fast-acting, long-lasting disease control that will undoubtedly make a significant impact in the turf management industry.”

Innovative Active Ingredient: Maxtima® contains Mefentrifluconazole, an advanced demethylase inhibiting fungicide. This active ingredient is responsible for the fungicide’s exceptional performance against turfgrass pathogens.

Fast-Acting: Maxtima® rapidly enters the plant and effectively combats active infections. Its quick uptake and action help control turf diseases promptly.

Effective at Low Temperatures: Maxtima® demonstrates excellent absorption even at temperatures as low as 4°C giving it an improved ability to combat fungal pathogens during the autumn and winter months.

Long-Lasting Protection: One of the standout features of Maxtima® is its ability to provide extended protection for up to 28 days. This is made possible by the active ingredient’s slow release from leaf tissue reservoirs.

Broad-Spectrum Disease Control: Maxtima® offers broad-spectrum disease control, making it effective against a range of turf fungal pathogens. It can help manage even the toughest turf diseases.

Favourable Environmental Profile: Maxtima® boasts low application rates, minimising chemical usage and impact on the environment.

Excellent for Rotation: Due to its unique chemistry, Maxtima® serves as an excellent rotation partner for non-DMI (demethylation inhibitor) fungicides on sports pitches, greens, fairways, and tees. This rotation capability can help prevent the development of resistance in fungal populations.

Phillippa Overson, Key Account Manager at BASF, highlighted the significance of Maxtima®, saying, “We have been so eager to launch Maxtima® in the UK! The ground-breaking DMI fungicide is a must-have for turf management professionals and is a cost-effective, and versatile fungicide for complete control of the toughest turf diseases. We know it is going to quickly become a favourite for turf specialists due to its wide range of disease protection, and its year-round application.

“Maxtima® is the latest turf product to be added to the BASF turf and amenity portfolio, and we’re extremely excited for turf management teams to try it.”

As the sun rises on the era of Maxtima®, the collaboration between Agrovista Amenity and BASF has delivered a product that not only meets but exceeds expectations in the realm of turf fungicides. Turf managers and professionals can now look forward to a new standard in disease control, one that is fast, enduring, and effective — ushering in a brighter future for turf health management.

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

Find out more about Maxtima in our video from BTME 

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Agrovista completes acquisition of Advance Grass Solutions

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Agrovista completes acquisition of Advance Grass Solutions: Agrovista has today announced the completion of its acquisition of leading sports turf agronomy services business, Advance Grass Solutions (AGS).

The acquisition brings together some of the most experienced and progressive teams in the sector, further strengthening Agrovista Amenity’s position as a key player in professional turf management.

Agrovista completes acquisition of Advance Grass Solutions

Agrovista completes acquisition of Advance Grass Solutions

The senior management team is now working on plans to ensure a smooth integration of the business.
Commenting on the announcement, Managing Director of Agrovista UK, Chris Clayton said, “AGS is a business that we have long admired and one that has delivered sustainable growth with an expanding customer base. The acquisition will allow Agrovista Amenity to extend its reach into customer channels in which it is currently underrepresented and better leverage the combined offer to our current and future customers. Growth of Agrovista Amenity remains core to the overall Agrovista strategy and the AGS acquisition demonstrates once again our commitment to the strategy.’’

Jamie Bennett, Chairman and CEO of AGS said “We are delighted about this exciting news. This acquisition will combine the strengths of both companies, enhance the product portfolio and increase the technical knowledge of both teams. I am very confident that all customers can expect a smooth transition, a data driven commitment to support and a market leading level of customer service without compromise.”

Existing customers are encouraged to continue working with their current account manager and service provider as usual, until further information is provided.
Sam Honeyborne, Managing Director of AGS added “We look forward to discussing the news and welcoming all customers, clients and suppliers to the Agrovista Amenity stand at BTME hall 1 stand 120/124.”

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

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Winner of Best Kept Green in Shropshire Announced

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Winner of Best Kept Green in Shropshire Announced: Trench Bowling Club has been announced as the winner of the 2023 Best Kept Green in Shropshire, sponsored by Dennis and SISIS.

It’s been a good year for Telford based Trench Bowling Club. Not only has 2023 seen the club celebrate its centenary year but they have also been awarded the Best Kept Green in Shropshire. Trench finished top to pip Whixall, Edgmond and Tilstock by just two points.

Winner of Best Kept Green in Shropshire Announced

Winner of Best Kept Green in Shropshire Announced

As well as being the secretary and the bar coordinator, David Evans is the man largely responsible for maintaining the green. He’s been part of the club for nearly 60 years and after retiring in 2013, he decided to take full-time responsibility of the green.

“I’ve learnt greenkeeping as I’ve gone along,” said David. “It must be in the genes because my father was a keen gardener and always took a great deal of pride in his lawns. Also, over the years I have been involved in bowls, cricket, and golf. I always took an interest in what the greenkeepers or groundsmen, were working on. The Dennis and SISIS bowls education days we have recently attended have also been very informative. These are a big help to people in my position to not only show what equipment is on the market but also to gather advice on maintenance tips.”

Trench Bowling Club came second in the competition in 2022 and David revealed why he believes they landed the trophy this year.

“I’ve managed to significantly reduce the thatch since we bought a new Dennis FT510 mower at the start of the year. I think this was the missing link because it has really helped me to improve the surface of the green. The verticutting cassette has thinned the grass out and eliminated the thatch and we’ve had lots of compliments from members and visiting teams about the playability of the green. Over the last couple of years, we have installed new gutters, which has vastly improved the overall presentation of the green and the green surrounds. I’d like to think that this also went some way towards winning this award, as the construction of the new ‘boxes’ and the installation was all carried out ‘in house’ by our members.”

With David spending most of his time at Trench Bowling Club, and his wife and daughter sharing the responsibility of the treasurer role, it is very much a family affair. However, the modest David was quick to acknowledge the hard work and dedication from everyone else who works at the club.

“As a family we put a lot of time in, but we’ve got a great committee that runs the club and there are so many other brilliant people that help out. I certainly can’t take all the credit. This award is for everyone at Trench.”

Further information about the range of bowls maintenance products available from both manufacturers can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com.

For more news, reviews, and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter @DennisMowers and SISIS @SISISMachinery. You can like the Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK and www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest Dennis and SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers and www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Explore the world of CRF with ICL at BTME

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Explore the world of CRF with ICL at BTME: Located in Hall 2, the ICL Stand (224) will serve as a vibrant hub of knowledge and practical advice, offering attendees a chance to network and enjoy a coffee brewed by expert baristas.

Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to learn more about the many benefits of using Controlled Release Fertilisers (CRF) and will also be able to pick up a copy of the new ProSelect grass seed brochure in which they can learn about the new and improved mixtures that are ideal for golf courses, sports fields, turf growers and landscape contractors.

Explore the world of CRF with ICL at BTME

Explore the world of CRF with ICL at BTME

ICL has been a long-standing supporter of BIGGA’s Continue to Learn education programme and will be playing a significant role in the 2024 edition. This year, five greenkeepers will embark on the ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship 2024, receiving a generous package of three nights’ hotel accommodation and 15 hours of training and development within the educational programme.

Furthermore, ICL will host a series of informative seminars:

Turf nutrition masterclass

ICL’s Henry Bechelet, Technical Manager UK and Ireland, and Dr Andy Owen, International Technical Manager, will update and upgrade your knowledge on how good nutrition can support healthy turf surfaces and significantly improve your golf course.

Monday 22 January, 09.00 – 12.30

What’s in a soil analysis?

For this seminar, Dr Andy Owen & Henry Bechelet explore soil sampling, the interpretation of soil analysis results, and their practical application in annual golf course management.

Monday 22 January, 13.00 – 17.00

The power of water: Wetting agent trials and technology

This seminar will detail how golf course managers can utilise the latest wetting agent technology to unlock the power of water for turf management, to provide the best quality playing surface. It will illustrate key findings from the latest in-depth research trials at leading UK golf course venues and independent trial stations carried out by ICL.

Thursday 24 January, 10.00 – 10.45

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk and icl-growingsolutions.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Announcement of resignation of chief operating officer

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Announcement of resignation of chief operating officer: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has today announced the resignation of Chief Operating Officer Sami Strutt.

Sami (née Collins), will depart the association in February 2024 before taking up a role as education director at the Bernhard Academy.

Announcement of resignation of chief operating officer

Announcement of resignation of chief operating officer

Sami joined the association in 1993 as an administration assistant. Over the ensuing 30 years Sami rose through the organisation, being appointed chief operating officer in 2022.

Notable successes of her time with BIGGA include the development of the world-leading Continue to Learn education programme, BIGGA’s innovative Continuing Professional Development system and the Future Turf Managers’ Initiative. She has been instrumental in the development of the Master Greenkeeper Certificate, the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards and the BIGGA Delegation to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show with Bernhard and Company.

In 2019, Sami was invited to officially open the Bernhard Academy at the company’s headquarters in Haverhill, Suffolk.

In recent times Sami assisted BIGGA Chief Executive Jim Croxton as the association navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, hosting webinars to give BIGGA members ongoing access to digital learning despite the enforced cancellation of BTME 2021.

Upon being appointed chief operating officer in January 2022, Sami gained responsibility for a wider portfolio, overseeing the activities of BIGGA’s membership team with a remit to advance the operational structure of the association.

Sami is a graduate of The R&A’s Women in Golf Leadership Programme and has since progressed to become a coach for participants of the programme.

Sami said: “I have loved working for BIGGA and I anticipated spending my entire career with the association. Being able to have so much input into a business that I joined when I was so young was amazing, but I’m certain that this move is the right decision. This opportunity with the Bernhard Academy is one that I never imagined would be made available to me, so it is one that I couldn’t turn down. My certainty that this is the right decision is testament to what I have achieved with BIGGA, as the association has given me the experience and ability to take this next step.”

Jim Croxton, BIGGA chief executive, said: “When many people think of BIGGA, they think of Sami Strutt. She’s been a fundamental part of our team for over 30 years and has been at the heart of many of the things that are good about our association. She’s a hugely popular and important member of the BIGGA family and we’re disappointed to lose her, but thrilled that she’s got an opportunity to make her mark on the wider industry and one that will hopefully align with BIGGA’s strategic ambitions going forwards.

“I’m sad to lose a valued colleague but glad that we’ll still be in regular contact. She’s had a wonderful journey with BIGGA and I’m proud that the Bernhard Academy has chosen her to take on this key role.”

For more from Sami, including recollections of her time at BIGGA and her thoughts on the future of the association, head to the BIGGA website.

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