Tag Archive for: Stephen

Bernhard and Company Mourns Passing of Stephen Bernhard

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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.

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Stephen Bernhard to receive Outstanding Contribution Award

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Stephen Bernhard to receive Outstanding Contribution Award: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), has announced the finalists of the BIGGA Awards 2025, while also revealing that a lifelong supporter of greenkeeping is set to receive the association’s Outstanding Contribution Award with Kress.

The BIGGA Awards will be presented at the BIGGA Celebration with Kress, which takes place on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Celebration (BTME). Held in Harrogate each January, BTME is Europe’s largest gathering of golf greenkeepers and provides world class education and networking opportunities for BIGGA members and those working in the sports turf and golf industries.

Stephen Bernhard to receive Outstanding Contribution Award

Stephen Bernhard to receive Outstanding Contribution Award

At the BIGGA Celebration with Kress, Bernhard and Company founder Stephen Bernhard will be presented with the Outstanding Contribution Award. With an unwavering commitment to education and professional development, Stephen has provided countless opportunities for greenkeepers to achieve new heights, not least through his support of the BIGGA Delegation to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show and the establishment of the Bernhard Academy in 2019.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “Stephen Bernhard has been an inspirational character in our industry for decades and via his generous support – in particular of the BIGGA Delegation to the United States – he has made positive contributions to countless careers in greenkeeping. His enthusiasm for greenkeeping and the wider sports turf and horticultural sectors have been undimmed with the passing of time.

“He has always sought to innovate and challenge were appropriate and time spent with Stephen is always thought-provoking. I’m thrilled that we are able to recognise his outstanding commitment to our industry in this way.”

Stephen worked in his father Jeffrey Bernhard’s turf nursery and landscaping business from a young age. He formed Bernhard and Company in the 1970s and the business became a leading name in spin grinding in the 1980s with its renowned Anglemaster and Express Dual machines. Throughout its history Bernhard and Company has built a reputation for providing a range of innovative sharpening tools alongside educational support for greenkeepers and groundspeople and in 2008 the company was awarded the Queen’s Award for Industry.

Also to be presented at the BIGGA Celebration with Kress are the Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year with Bernhard and Company and the Greenkeeping Project of the Year with Price Turfcare awards. In both cases, the innovative thinking and creativity of BIGGA members are celebrated, with nominations being received throughout 2024. BIGGA is delighted to be able to reveal the finalists of these awards below.

BIGGA Awards finalists 2025:

Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year with Bernhard and Company

  • Burnham & Berrow Golf Club for the hosting of Final Qualifying for The 152nd Open in July.
  • Morlais Castle Golf Club for hosting the Men’s Welsh Team Championship in August.
  • Woburn Golf Club for hosting The G4D Open in May.

Greenkeeping Project of the Year with Price Turfcare

  • Cowdray Golf Club
  • Long Ashton Golf Club
  • Parkstone Golf Club

Further information about the finalists can be found in the January edition of Greenkeeper International and on the BIGGA website.

The BIGGA Celebration with Kress will be hosted by Sky Sports’s Sarah Stirk and is a free, informal event that will be held in the Harrogate Convention Centre’s Royal Hall on Tuesday 21 January 2025. All attendees to BTME are welcome to attend and more information can be found on the BIGGA website.

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Bionema Appoints Stephen Ford

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Bionema Appoints Stephen Ford: Bionema Group Ltd, winner of King Awards in Innovation, a leading biocontrol technology developer specialising in sustainable biopesticides, biostimulants, and biofertilisers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Ford as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

Mr. Ford brings a wealth of expertise in agricultural biotechnology and pathology, particularly in developing eco-friendly solutions for crop protection and sustainable farming practices.

Bionema Appoints Stephen Ford

Bionema Appoints Stephen Ford

With over 20 years of experience, Stephen Ford is a seasoned innovator and plant pathologist with a strong background in mycology and phytopathogenic diseases. He has an impressive track record in founding and leading companies focused on sustainable agriculture across New Zealand, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. His expertise spans agricultural biotechnology, research and development, pest and disease management, and product commercialisation. As the founder of Biotelliga Holdings Ltd , Ecolibrium Biologicals Holdings Limited and Cellora Limited, Stephen was pivotal in developing and commercialising new biological insecticides and securing strategic partnerships with major industry players, including Syngenta. His proven leadership in bringing innovative products to market instils confidence in Bionema’s future.

In his new role as CTO at Bionema, Mr Ford will drive the company’s technological vision and strategy. He will establish a centre of excellence in biocontrol in Wales, leading a team of 10 skilled scientists and researchers. His leadership will be crucial in overseeing the development of innovative biotechnology products and ensuring the company’s technology development aligns with its strategic goals. Stephen will also play a key role in managing the build-out of a new research facility in Wales and production facilities overseas. These facilities will be instrumental in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and the successful commercialisation of Bionema’s products.

Prof. Dylan Jones, Chairman of Bionema Group Ltd, expressed his confidence in Stephen Ford’s ability to lead the company’s technological advancements. He stated, “We are thrilled to have Stephen join our executive team. His vast experience in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture and his proven leadership in bringing innovative products to market make him the ideal person to drive Bionema’s technological advancements. We are confident that our research and development efforts will reach new heights under his leadership, further solidifying Bionema’s position as a leader in sustainable crop protection.”

Dr. Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group Ltd, added, “Stephen’s appointment as CTO marks a significant milestone for Bionema. His deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our industry, coupled with his passion for sustainable farming, will be instrumental in achieving our mission to develop environmentally friendly solutions for crop protection. We look forward to working closely with Stephen to bring our innovative products to market and make a lasting impact on global agriculture.”

Stephen Ford commented on his new role: “I am excited to join Bionema and contribute to the company’s mission of promoting sustainable farming practices. The opportunity to lead a talented R&D team and work on pioneering biotechnology solutions aligns perfectly with my passion for developing sustainable alternatives to traditional agricultural chemicals. I look forward to driving innovation and helping Bionema deliver on its commitment to enhancing crop protection and plant health”.

Stephen Ford holds a Master’s in Plant Pathology and a Bachelor’s in Horticulture Science from Massey University, New Zealand. He has been recognised for contributing to the agricultural biotechnology industry with several awards, including the prestigious Auckland University Entrepreneurs Challenge and the NZ Bio Award.

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Legacy of Stephen Campbell

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Legacy of Stephen Campbell: Tributes have been paid to Stephen Campbell ­— Appleby Golf Club head greenkeeper for 40 years ­— who has died aged 65.

Read the full article from the CW Herald here

Legacy of Stephen Campbell

Legacy of Stephen Campbell

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