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

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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.

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Winners announced for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year

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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.”

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Toro U.K. announces new products ahead of GroundsFest

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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

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The Power of Botanical Balance

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The Power of Botanical Balance: The spring of 2025 was the hottest and driest on record. Four heatwaves, rainfall 40% below the average and soaring evapotranspiration have left reservoirs low and much of England officially in drought.

For turf managers, this isn’t a one-off challenge — it’s the new pattern. Fairways, in particular, have taken a hit with heavy traffic and hydrophobic ‘dry patch’ soils slowing recovery and reducing the overseeding window. Beneath the surface, next season’s outcomes are already being decided so what can you do create surfaces than not only survive, but thrive? Stuart Yarwood, Regional Technical Manager at DLF Seeds explores.

The Power of Botanical Balance

The Power of Botanical Balance

Resilience isn’t about one species — it’s about balance. Each grass brings unique strengths and, when blended intelligently, they create swards that can survive drought, recover faster and maintain presentation. The deep roots and rolled leaves of Fescues provide natural drought tolerance. Slender & Strong Creeping Red deliver rhizomatous recovery, Chewings provides fineness and root mass while Hard and Sheep’s add density on poorer soils. The creeping roots of Bents provide stability, boost drought recovery and wear tolerance, all with low inputs. Ultrafine Ryegrasses provide rapid establishment and resilience to traffic, ideal for situations where fast cover is critical.

Botanical diversity is an insurance policy: if one species falters, others fill the gap. This strategy forms the backbone of mixture formulation, with each Johnsons Sports Seed and Masterline mix from DLF a carefully tuned orchestra of grasses working in harmony to protect your surfaces from whatever the climate throws next.

Looking specifically at the Johnsons Sports Seed range, J Sustain Fairway is the ultimate ‘Climate Guardian’, with a five-fescue blend of Hard, Slender, Strong, Chewings and Sheep’s working together like a defensive line. J Fescue is a smooth, balanced and adaptable all-rounder for greens, tees, approached and fairways, while J Premier Fairway is a focused, premium fescue cocktail for fairways that provides consistency, density and top-class presentation. The new 2025 formulation of Johnson’s J Fairway is another gamechanger – featuring 5% Teetop Browntop Bent which equates to 10 million plants per bag! Its creeping roots stitch fairways together for outstanding resilience and accelerated recovery.

When traffic is high and recovery needs to be fast, the J Ultrafine Rye range is your emergency service – available with 25%, 50% or 100% ultrafine rye for superior play and presentation. For coastal conditions, you can consider the 100% Slender Creeping Red fescue blend of J Links – salt-tolerant, wind-tough and bred for true links authenticity.

The autumn brings warm soils, cool air and dews — perfect conditions for overseeding. Walk your fairways and study what’s survived to match seed choice to site conditions. Relieve compaction when soils soften, aerate to chase roots deeper and use wetting agents to re-wet profiles. Once overseeding is complete, protect seedlings from traffic and communicate realistic timelines with golfers.

2025 has been brutal, but intelligent overseeding is your defence. Combine botanical diversity, cultural best practice and DLF’s unrivalled seed purity to future-proof your fairways. Overseeding isn’t just repair — it’s an investment in resilience, playability and sustainability.

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Martin Lishman Ltd Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation

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Martin Lishman Ltd Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation: 2025 marks a milestone year for Martin Lishman Ltd as the company celebrates 50 years of innovation in the agricultural sector. Since 1975, this family-run business has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions for crop storage, quality control, and precision farming, helping farmers worldwide improve efficiency and sustainability.

The journey began with a revolutionary idea—a cost-effective method to cool stored grain at a time when ventilation systems were non-existent. The result was the development of the industry-renowned Pile-Dry Pedestals, which transformed grain storage by significantly reducing spoilage and improving quality. This innovation laid the foundation for a growing portfolio of solutions that now spans post-harvest technology, potato quality control, compact spraying systems, and precision agriculture tools.

Martin Lishman Ltd Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation

Martin Lishman Ltd Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation

At the heart of Martin Lishman’s success lies its people – the team whose dedication and expertise have driven the company forward, and industry professionals who have trusted and shaped its innovations. Their feedback and collaboration have been instrumental in every product the company has developed.

Over the decades, Martin Lishman’s hands-on approach, commitment to research, and close collaboration with customers have driven continuous advancements in agri-tech. From pioneering temperature monitoring systems to launching Barn Owl Wireless, a smart grain storage management system, the company’s products have empowered farmers to save time, reduce waste, and lower energy consumption. Today, Martin Lishman solutions are used in over 52 countries, reinforcing its global impact in sustainable farming. In line with celebrating 50 years, this year also marks one of the biggest product updates in the company’s history – a brand-new Barn Owl Wireless Web Application, delivering a whole host of new grain store management features tailored to the needs of modern farming.

The company’s expertise in manufacturing agricultural sprayers has also played a pivotal role in its expansion into the amenity industry. Leveraging years of experience, Martin Lishman Ltd has developed a series of sprayers that are now favoured by many leading sports clubs and facilities, further demonstrating its ability to innovate and adapt to industry needs.

As the company celebrates 50 years, it remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of agricultural technology. In 2023, Martin Lishman embarked on a new chapter under new ownership—bringing fresh ideas, new energy, and an ambitious vision for the future. While innovation continues to drive the business forward, the company remains deeply committed to its core values—sustainability, efficiency, and an unwavering focus on customer needs. The team takes immense pride in working side by side with farmers and industry professionals, ensuring that every product is built to meet real-world challenges.

Martin Lishman Ltd extends its gratitude to its customers, partners, dealers, and dedicated team members who have been part of this incredible journey. Their trust, collaboration, and support have been invaluable in shaping the company into what it is today. Here’s to the next 50 years of innovation!

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