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Singing the praises of an Agrovista tank-mix

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Singing the praises of an Agrovista tank-mix: A tank-mix designed by Agrovista Amenity is helping to control the weed population at the Singing Hills Golf Club in West Sussex.

Singing Hills features 27 holes in three loops of nine holes, allowing golfers to play any combination. Designed by Richard Hird, this parkland course, with its gently undulating fairways, spectacular water holes and the Sussex Downs as a backdrop, is one of the county’s top golf venues.

Singing the praises of an Agrovista tank-mix

Singing the praises of an Agrovista tank-mix

Course Manager Mark Lunday and his Deputy Tom Granite have improved the course each year and are proud of the fact that golf can be played all year round without the need of temporary greens. However, the course does have somewhat of an Achilles heel according to Tom.

“We have suffered here for years with a really bad weed problem on our fairways and green surrounds,” he said. “In the past we have trialled all the different herbicides you can think of at different rates; we’ve tried it with wetters, stickers, pH adjusters and have done everything we possibly can but have not been successful.”

“Following the unsuccessful trials, we spoke to Joseph Dormer from Agrovista Amenity and he put together a special tank-mix,” added Mark. “We trialled it on two fairways and it worked well so we then chose to spray the entire course.”

The three-way tank-mix which Joseph Dormer recommended consisted of Praxys (2L/ha) – a systemic, post-emergence herbicide, containing clopyralid, florasulam and fluroxypyr which combines three active ingredients and two modes of action; GoGreen Select (25L/ha) which is a complex iron sulphate for rapid greening; and Evolution Xtra Soluble (20kg/ha) – a stabilised urea product which is a cost-effective nitrogen source giving 2-3 months longevity. The mix is applied with water at a rate of 320L/ha.

ALS Contractors were brought in to spray the Agrovista Amenity tank-mix on all 27 fairways and green surrounds with a view of controlling the troublesome weeds while also improving the condition and health of the turf.

Mark and Tom were suitably impressed with the process from start to finish.

“Singing Hills is such a large site, and we physically can’t get round to do the spraying,” said Tom. “Therefore, we needed the professionals to come in and get it all done in one morning rather than us trying to do a little bit at a time, and not get anywhere. The process went really well – the guys knew exactly what they were doing, and we couldn’t ask for more.”

“It is down to Agrovista Amenity’s scientific research that has enabled us to control the weed population at Singing Hills Golf Course,” said Mark. “Hopefully we will continue to see a lot more vigour and colour on our fairways, therefore enhancing the golf course.”

There is also a video with Joseph Dormer and the team from Singing Hills Golf Club which can be viewed by clicking here.

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

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One-in-three greenkeepers looking for work outside of golf

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One-in-three greenkeepers looking for work outside of golf: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has issued the results of a major industry survey, with some of the findings representing a stark warning to the golfing industry.

More than 1,300 members of BIGGA, representing golf clubs across the United Kingdom, responded to the survey, which asked them to provide details of working conditions at their facilities, in addition to commenting on their job satisfaction.

One-in-three greenkeepers looking for work outside of golf

One-in-three greenkeepers looking for work outside of golf

With talk of difficulties regarding the recruitment and retention of staff common, BIGGA undertook the survey to gain solid evidence of the challenges at UK golf clubs, and the results have raised a number of concerns.

Although 56% of respondents said they were happy working within the greenkeeping profession, 35% admitted they were currently looking for opportunities outside the industry.

With regard to issues of recruitment, 53% are running with teams at less than full strength, while 83.5% said they struggle to recruit new staff.

The boom in golf that followed the coronavirus lockdowns in the past two years has translated to a general increase in staffing numbers, with golf clubs having on average one extra full time greenkeeper compared to the previous poll in 2019.

However, investment in staff welfare facilities hasn’t materialised, with, for example, only one in five facilities offering single sex changing facilities and toilets for female team members. Despite increased reliance on technology, nearly half of clubs don’t provide internet connectivity within the greenkeeping facility.

Further details and a results breakdown is available on the BIGGA website at: https://www.bigga.org.uk/news-listing/greenkeepers-bigga-workforce-survey.html

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “I’m pleased to be able to present robust data to the wider golfing industry that lays bare some fairly frightening statistics on the challenges that exist within our profession.

“We know anecdotally that there are major challenges regarding the recruitment and retention of staff and also that pay, conditions and welfare are major contributors, but to see in black and white that nearly 35% of greenkeepers are looking for work outside the industry is truly a concern.

“Equally, finding out that only one in five facilities are equipped for female staff members shows that the sport’s laudable ambitions to improve equality and diversity are not translating into our side of the game.

“But the key question is what does the game of golf does with this information? It is widely known that there is currently a general challenge in recruiting and retaining staff across society. In order to continue functioning, many sectors have responded with significant pay increases and improvement in working conditions. Golf requires an integrated approach by the entire sport to overcome the challenges laid out by this survey. This approach will need to clearly lay out the challenges, create targets and devise plans to achieve our ambitions.”

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Retirement of Barrus Managing Director

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Retirement of Barrus Managing Director: The Board of E P Barrus Ltd is announcing that in December 2023 Managing Director, Mr Robert Muir, will retire from his position after 32 years with the company, including more than 11 as Managing Director.

Robert joined Barrus in 1990 from Ransomes Consumer Ltd, where he was Managing Director. He has contributed enormously to the growth and success of Barrus during his tenure. First as a highly capable Finance Director ensuring the financial stability of the company; and then as Sales Director and Managing Director. As well as being a popular leader of the company, he is hugely respected by both Barrus’ suppliers and customers.

Retirement of Barrus Managing Director

Retirement of Barrus Managing Director

Robert was instrumental in taking Barrus into the Garden Tools market, first with Wolf-Garten, then Wilkinson Sword and Town & Country. More recently he has been leading the drive on electrification within the markets that Barrus operates in, not least with the design & building of a hydrogen fuel cell powered inland waterways vessel.

Odgers Berndtson has been appointed to lead the search to identify Robert’s successor.

“It is hard to know where to start to thank Robert for his dedication to Barrus and his friendship to me and my family. There have been some interesting times over the last 32 years and Robert’s unwavering commitment has served us very well” said Robert Glen, Owner of Barrus.

“I have known and worked with Robert for over three decades. He is a tremendous leader and on a personal level, adviser, so I am thrilled that we will retain his wise counsel and expertise as he has agreed to remain on the board of the company as a non-executive director”, said Tara Glen, Barrus Chairman.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Tara Glen, E P Barrus Ltd Chairman: tara.glen@barrus.co.uk

Clare Glackin, Odgers Berndtson: clare.glackin@odgersberndtson.com

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Get ahead of the game at SALTEX

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Get ahead of the game at SALTEX: Visitor registration is now open, the new website is live and Europe’s largest free sports turf show, SALTEX, is introducing a brand-new look for 2022.

Registering for a free ticket has never been easier thanks to the event’s new website ­– saltex.org.uk. Now in its 76th year, Europe’s largest sports turf, amenities and landscaping trade exhibition will host all sectors of the grounds care industry, with over 400 industry brands standing ready to showcase their latest products and innovations.

Get ahead of the game at SALTEX

Get ahead of the game at SALTEX

Sarah Cunningham, GMA director of commercial and events, SALTEX event organisers, says: “As the biggest event covering the supply and management of products and services that help to create high quality leisure, recreation, and sports surfaces, it’s important that the new website is easy to navigate for visitors and exhibitors. I’m confident that the new site will deliver for both.”

Speaking about the rebrand, Andrea McMahon, GMA director of communications says:

“SALTEX represents innovation and progression. Its where the industry comes together to build networks, knowledge and learn about new innovations. It’s forward-looking and the brand needs to reflect this and we hope the new look strikes the balance of being modern and progressive, whilst retaining an element of simplicity connecting it to the previous look.”

The opening of visitor registration coincides with the launch of the 2022 show’s social media campaign, #aheadofthegame. As attending the show guarantees you’ll be ahead of the game, the tag couldn’t be more apt. SALTEX visitors are being encouraged to use the tag, along with #SALTEX2022 on social posts to share what they learnt at the show that puts them ahead of the game. Likewise exhibitors are being encouraged to use the tag to promote what they will be bringing to the show.

At the event, visitors will hear about latest product innovations and find all the machinery and technology needed to make their jobs easier. It gives access to expertise all in one place that they wouldn’t get anywhere else. Visitors will be surrounded by a broad spectrum of exhibitors offering solutions and providing answers – and there’ll be the opportunity to meet and network with others in the same industry for new ideas and fresh insights.

Sarah continues: “With a proven track record spanning eight decades, the SALTEX 2022 show won’t disappoint. Bringing together the best in the business to tackle the trends and issues affecting those working in the industry, the event will host over 400 industry brands in one place – all lining up the best products on offer for today’s growing needs. And, as always, there will be a comprehensive schedule of speakers across three theatres sharing their knowledge and expertise – with sustainability and environmental pressure at the forefront of the 2022 agenda.”

SALTEX will make sure you #getaheadofthegame so be sure to visit saltex.org.uk and

register for your free ticket. The show takes place at the conveniently central Birmingham NEC on 2-3 November. To discuss the option of buying stand space at the 2022 show, email Sarah Cunningham at scunningham@thegma.org.uk.

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Conserving water for the future of turf sports

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Conserving water for the future of turf sports: It’s official – fresh water supplies are dwindling, demand for water is steadily rising, and regulations on how much and for what purpose water can be used are becoming increasingly tightened. Finding ways to use water more efficiently is no longer an environmental nice to have; it’s a fact of life for most turf facilities today and imperative for our industry’s future.

As a turf manager you’ll always need water – it’s a fundamental building block of turf – but there are a number of steps you can take to influence how much water you need.

Conserving water for the future of turf sports

Conserving water for the future of turf sports

One of the biggest potential impacts on your water consumption can be made by redirecting water that already exists.

Plant selection can also play an important role in how much water is needed to keep your property at its visual best. Choose turf varieties such as fine fescues that require less water than others such as perennial ryegrass.

Even with these changes, irrigation is still essential and ongoing maintenance of your irrigation system is an effective way to reduce the amount of water wasted. Moisture sensors, weather monitors and other high-tech tools are also available to help you use your water conservatively.

Even after irrigation, there is still one more hurdle to getting water to your turf as efficiently as possible: your soil. How well your soil performs can have a tremendous impact on how much water you use.

Soil:water repellency interferes with how even the most well-placed water moves, leaving some areas a little too dry while making some a little too wet. This is certainly not a new phenomenon, but research indicates that it is much more common than previously thought.

Water repellency is one of the most pervasive water use issues, and it is also one of the easiest and most cost-effective to fix. Soil surfactants lower the surface tension of water and restore the wettability of effected soils, allowing water to move into and through the profile more efficiently. This reduces the amount of water lost to run-off and preferential flow

“Revolution is one of the very few products that makes a dramatic difference and actually changes the way turf is managed. It affects everything including the turf, the distribution of water, fertilisers, and other materials” – Sam Rhodes, Woodhall Spa GC.

Most courses have best management practices in place for their properties, but not all commit them to paper in a formal document. There are a number of resources available that provide guidance and templates for creating one, but should you bother? Absolutely.

Water conservation is a realistic goal, with both environmental and financial upsides.

Like it or not, the call for sustainability – and the challenges that presents – are going to be big issues for a long time. Doing what you can at your course does more than just protect a diminishing global resource – it protects your course, your job, and the future of the sports turf industry.