Tag Archive for: Of

Celebrating 40 Years of Polaris ATVs

/in , /by

Celebrating 40 Years of Polaris ATVs: Polaris Off Road, the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation, is celebrating a historic milestone: 40 years since the introduction of the first American-engineered ATV. Since 1985, Polaris has led the way in shaping the ATV industry, delivering purpose-built innovation, legendary performance, and a spirit of adventure that continues to define the category today.

To mark this anniversary, Polaris has unveiled the Sportsman XP 1000 S 40th Anniversary Edition, a limited release that blends nostalgia and modern design with a package of premium features. With a colourway and graphics package inspired by the iconic 1996 Sportsman 500 – one of the bestselling ATVs of its era – the 40th Anniversary Edition carries the legacy forward with exclusive retro-inspired graphics, commemorative badging, and premium Super Graphite paint.

Celebrating 40 Years of Polaris ATVs

Celebrating 40 Years of Polaris ATVs

“The 40th Anniversary Edition is a celebration of the legacy Polaris ATVs have built over four decades,” said Rodrigo Lourenco, Vice President Off Road Vehicles Sales, EMEA. “From the first American-engineered ATV in 1985 to today’s Sportsman and Scrambler models, we have consistently raised the bar for performance, versatility and durability. This anniversary is about honouring that history, while continuing to innovate for the future.”

2026 Sportsman XP 1000 S 40th Anniversary Edition

The Sportsman XP 1000 S 40th Anniversary Edition is a limited release that embodies the spirit of adventure and excellence. The edition offers a unique blend of nostalgia and modern design, with exclusive 90s-inspired graphics that celebrate its heritage, set upon the top-of-the-range 2026 Sportsman XP 1000 S model that features modern technology like multi-select electronic power steering (EPS) for less rider fatigue, ProSteer technology to eliminate bump steer, turf mode for gentler riding, on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) for extra traction when it is needed most, as well as an engine braking system (EBS) and active descent control (ADC) for a more confident ride.

The Sportsman XP 1000 S platform is Polaris’ top-spec, top-of-the-range ATV, delivering huge off-road capability with its powerful 952cc ProStar engine, and superior stability with its industry-topping 144cm wide stance. Key features include high-clearance dual A-arm suspension with 29.5cm front and 35.6cm rear travel, 27″ Duro Powergrip II tyres for optimal traction, and a high-strength frame engineered for maximum durability. XP 1000 S also comes with three rider-selectable drive modes: standard, work and performance. When it comes to work, Sportsman XP 1000 S is ready to go with a 1,588kg winch fitted as standard, a huge 136kg rear rack /91kg front rack capacity, and 830kg towing capacity.

40 Years Strong Campaign

Polaris is proud to celebrate four decades of innovation, performance and trust with the launch of its new video campaign, “40 Years Strong”.

Polaris has been at the heart of riders’ lives around the world since introducing its first ATV in 1985. The campaign pays tribute to the countless ways customers have relied on Polaris ATVs over the years, from early starts alongside farmers and long days hauling hay for smallholders, to adventurous trail rides through mud and dust, and the excitement of seeing checkered flags in the racing community.

Whether for work, play, or competition, Polaris has proudly stood by its ATV riders for 40 years, and “40 Years Strong” shines a light on the people who have made Polaris part of their journey.

The first episode, titled “40 Years of Early Starts,” pays homage to the farming community that wakes up before dawn each day and relies on Polaris ATVs as a trusted partner in their work. The series will be featured across Polaris Off Road’s social media channels in Europe, as well as on the Polaris Off Road International YouTube channel, with the first episode live today.

The 2026 Sportsman XP 1000 S 40th Anniversary Edition will be available in dealers across Europe this winter.

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.

Bernhard and Company Mourns Passing of Stephen Bernhard

/in , , /by

Bernhard and Company Mourns Passing of Stephen Bernhard: Bernhard and Company is deeply saddened to announce that its founder, Stephen Bernhard, passed away peacefully at the weekend at the age of 79.

Stephen was a visionary leader whose influence shaped not only Bernhard and Company, but the global turf and agronomy industries. His passions for innovation, education, and excellence have inspired generations of turf professionals and remain embedded in the culture and values of the company today.

Bernhard and Company Mourns Passing of Stephen Bernhard

Bernhard and Company Mourns Passing of Stephen Bernhard

Stephen founded Bernhard and Company in the early 1980’s and over several decades, guided the business from its roots in precision engineering and horticulture to become a world-renowned leader in turf technology. His philosophy, that success comes from continuous learning, collaboration, and a genuine care for the craft, continues to define how the company operates and serves its customers across the world.

Driven by his belief in lifelong education, Stephen established the Bernhard Academy in 2019, designed to provide outstanding opportunities for professional growth and knowledge sharing within the turf industry. His commitment to nurturing talent and supporting others has touched an immeasurable amount of lives and careers, and his legacy will continue to inspire the next generations of turf professionals for years to come.

Throughout his distinguished career, Stephen contributed enormously to the advancement of the industry. For more than 25 years, he was actively involved with the BIGGA Delegation, providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for British turf professionals to visit the USA’s GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, in the process mentoring and supporting countless individuals. His achievements were recognised with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2008 – an honour he was immensely proud of. Most recently, at this year’s BTME, Stephen was also awarded BIGGA’s Outstanding Contribution Award, recognising his lifelong dedication to supporting the industry that he so much loved.

Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, said: “Stephen’s passing is an immense loss to the global turf industry and to all of us at Bernhard and Company. His influence is felt in every part of our business – in the way we innovate, the way we work, and the way we support each other and our customers. Over his many years of involvement with the BIGGA Delegation and beyond, he touched so many lives with his generosity, wisdom, and passion. His legacy will continue for years to come, inspiring us to uphold the values he lived by every day.”

Stephen will be remembered as a pioneer, mentor, a friend, and a man whose vision and compassion transformed an industry and built a company that continues to thrive on the foundations he laid.

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.

Laura Darlow a winner of 30 under 30 – The Next Generation

/in , , /by

Laura Darlow a winner of 30 under 30 – The Next Generation: Green-tech is delighted to announce that Laura Darlow, Logistics Team Leader, has been named as one of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winners for 2025.

28-year-old Laura was chosen for her contribution and rapid career progression within the landscape industry. Now in its tenth year, the 30 Under 30: The Next Generation initiative celebrates 30 rising stars across the arboriculture, garden design, horticulture, and landscaping sectors, aiming to showcase the diverse career opportunities available to young professionals.

Laura Darlow a winner of 30 under 30 – The Next Generation

Laura Darlow a winner of 30 under 30 – The Next Generation

Laura joined Green-tech in 2015 after completing a Diploma in Horticulture at Askham Bryan College. She began her career as a Despatch Assistant before moving into logistics, where she has thrived in a fast-paced and evolving environment. Within just a few years, she progressed to Logistics Team Leader, a role that sees her coordinate the daily movement of customer orders across both UK and international markets. Laura plays a pivotal role in ensuring Green-tech delivers on its promises to customers. She has been instrumental in process improvements that have reduced stock holding, cut freight costs, and ensured compliance with all export orders.

Her achievements were further recognised in 2025 when she completed Green-tech’s Management Development Programme, earning the title of ‘Outstanding Contributor’ from the course trainer.

Speaking about this award, Laura comments, “I’m thrilled to have been recognised as one of this year’s Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30 winners. Working in logistics is fast-paced and varied, and I take great pride in ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. To see my hard work acknowledged in this way is hugely rewarding, and I’m excited to continue developing my career in this fantastic industry.”

Green-tech’s Managing Director, Kris Nellist, added, “Laura is an outstanding member of the Green-tech team, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognised with this award. Her commitment, attention to detail and proactive approach make her a key part of our operations, and she embodies the high standards and ambition that Green-tech stands for.”

Laura will officially receive her award at the Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30 ceremony on Wednesday, 8 October at FutureScape, ExCeL London.

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.

Winners announced for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year

/in , , /by

Winners announced for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Reesink Turfcare and Toro have revealed the winners of the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2025 at a spectacular event at Rudding Park in North Yorkshire.

Two talented greenkeepers were rewarded at the 36th Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards, cementing their place among an illustrious list of past winners.

Winners announced for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year

Winners announced for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year

Bradley Taylor, student at Myerscough College, and Matthew Strutt Donnelly, who attends Berkshire College of Agriculture, emerged victorious after impressing judges across a series of assessments designed to test their knowledge, skill and passion for greenkeeping.

Bradley, first assistant at Beau Desert Golf Club, in Staffordshire, was awarded the main Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year prize, while Matthew, an apprentice at Stoneham Golf Club, in Hampshire, secured the Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year award.

Following regional judging earlier in the year, eight finalists were selected to compete in the finals at Rudding Park, near Harrogate.

Over two days, they undertook a range of practical and theoretical tests, from seed and grass identification to presentations and interviews, giving them a platform to showcase their expertise and enthusiasm for the industry.

Jamie Beattie, assistant greenkeeper at Royal Liverpool, was the runner-up for the main award, with fellow Myerscough College student and Parkstone apprentice Oli Badger claiming that spot in the Young category.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards will return in 2026.

More information, including how to nominate a student greenkeeper and the prizes on offer, is available on the BIGGA and Reesink Turfcare websites.

You can see a list of the previous Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award winners here.

Quotes

Bradley Taylor, Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2025

“I was straight on the phone to my girlfriend. I shed a little tear when I spoke to her; it was just a moment of realisation setting in. I’d been carrying that trophy around, it’s so heavy, and I was still all tensed up. Speaking to her was like, ‘I’ve done this now, the hard work has paid off’. I was also lucky to have a few people I know up here to share it with too.”

Matthew Strutt Donnelly, Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2025

“The first time I went to BTME, I went to the Young Greenkeepers’ Conference and there was a segment about Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year with previous winners talking about it. I remember thinking, ‘I could do something like that, I want to put myself forward’. So I did, and here we are.”

Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager at Reesink Turfcare and main award judge

“This year’s finalists all brought something different to the competition, making being a judge a tough job. The range of perspectives, qualities and strengths on display were of a very high standard. Bradley though had the edge. He demonstrated a wealth of talent, delivered a fantastic presentation, and showed us an in-depth knowledge of the field in his interview. It was interesting and gratifying to see how dedicated he is and his passion for the industry. Well done, Bradley!”

David Timms, National Accounts Manager for Reesink Turfcare and Young award judge

“Matthew is a deserving winner. He shone on the course walk, with his personal project and in the exam and grass identification, but what gave him the edge was his confidence. He’s hungry for it and that made all the judges really excited for his future and what he might achieve. He’s a fantastic ambassador for young greenkeepers and his club, and we’re excited to watch him progress in the industry.”

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO

“Congratulations to Bradley Taylor and Matthew Strutt Donnelly, two very worthy winners among an exceptionally strong list of finalists. The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards have again proven to be an inspirational occasion, and I would like to thank our friends at Reesink Turfcare and Toro for a memorable event. Seeing the calibre of the finalists fills me with optimism for the future of our industry.”

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.

Toro U.K. announces new products ahead of GroundsFest

/in , , /by

Toro U.K. announces new products ahead of GroundsFest: Toro U.K. Limited ­­– owners of the Royal Warrant-holding lawnmower manufacturer Hayter® and global turf care leader Toro® – will unveil new products and initiatives at GroundsFest 2025. From battery-powered equipment to dealer-focused experiences, both brands are aiming to make a strong impression at the UK’s premier groundscare event.

As a prelude to their showcase at GroundsFest on September 9–10 – the UK’s largest industry event – they’ve released snippets of what to expect for tradespeople, groundscare professionals, influencers and dealers across the UK.

Toro U.K. announces new products ahead of GroundsFest

Toro U.K. announces new products ahead of GroundsFest

Hayter is nominated for an Innovation Award at GroundsFest this year for their new Harrier range, and both brands hope to showcase the best of what they have to offer.

The Dealer Hub

At the heart of Toro U.K.’s larger stand — which will showcase the complete Toro® and Hayter® portfolios — the new Dealer Hub highlights the brand’s ongoing investment in strengthening and supporting its nationwide dealer network.

Craig Hoare, Sales and Marketing Manager, had this to say about The Dealer Hub:

“GroundsFest is the ideal opportunity to reconnect with our dealers in person. This year, we’re putting our dealers front and centre,” Craig explains. “We’re offering early access to new-season materials and a dedicated space to talk about opportunities, challenges, and everything in between. The Dealer Hub is our way of saying: we’re here, and we’re listening.”

The Dealer Hub will offer visitors a range of exclusive benefits, including:

  • Advance access to new product details and upcoming campaigns.
  • Opportunities to engage directly with Toro and Hayter’s commercial and marketing specialists.
  • Complimentary refreshments in a welcoming, business-focused environment.

New product reveals

As well as the Dealer hub, both Hayter and Toro will be announcing new products, including long-requested attachments and new battery versions of professional groundscare equipment. Some of the announcements set to be shown at GroundsFest include:

  • Toro’s new eProStripe– a battery-powered evolution of the classic stripe mower
  • Toro’s professional clothing range– designed for durability and comfort on the job
  • Hayter’s Harrier roller brush attachment – engineered for enhanced lawn striping and debris clearance

The new announcements and Dealer Hub come at a time when Hayter and Toro are shifting focus to concentrate on the needs and wants of their community of groundscare professionals – a resource that both the horticultural heavyweights value deeply.

Matthew Coleman, UK Sales Manager, Professional Landscape Contractor & Site Works Equipment, had this to say about the products on show at this year’s event:

“We’re bringing over 80 products to GroundsFest this year – our biggest display yet,” says Matt. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for visitors to get hands-on with everything from our latest battery innovations to trusted favourites across the Toro and Hayter ranges.”

Free to attend, GroundsFest brings together live machinery demonstrations, an industry-focused exhibition, educational seminars, and on-site entertainment. Toro U.K. Limited welcomes dealer partners and professional users to their shared stand to explore the newest product innovations and learn more about the company’s continued commitment to supporting the turf care sector at every stage.

To register for GroundsFest, visit: www.groundsfest.com

To explore the full Toro and Hayter range, visit: www.toro.com/en-gb | www.hayter.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.