Tag Archive for: Support

New Turf Advisor app to support management decisions

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New Turf Advisor app to support management decisions: The new Turf Advisor app from Syngenta will now give greenkeepers, turf managers and agronomists instant access to a wealth of key information and advice to help make better decisions for day-to-day actions and planning.

Fully customisable for any location and situation, the revolutionary Turf Advisor app provides essential weather data and turf management models, presented in a clear dashboard that can be tailored and adapted through the season to focus on imminent issues and challenges faced.

New Turf Advisor app to support management decisions

New Turf Advisor app to support management decisions

UK & Ireland turf managers will be the first to have access to the immense global Syngenta investment in supporting turf managers and agronomists to make more effective sustainable turf management decisions.

The displayed data sets in Turf Advisor have been specifically selected as factors that influence turf health and management, including rainfall, leaf wetness, humidity, soil temperatures, Day length and evapotranspiration, for example.

Uniquely, it displays both the historic weather data for recent days that will have impacted on current turf health and quality, along with the forecast information for the coming days helping turf managers understand where they sit in a weather pattern, helping them to make management decisions.

Furthermore, the app makes many of the renowned Syngenta turf disease forecasting models more accessible and easier to use – enabling turf mangers to instantly assess risks, set risk thresholds tailored to their site and plan their actions. GreenCast disease models available include microdochium patch, anthracnose, grey leaf spot and a new for Syngenta UK & Ireland specific Smith-Kerns model for Dollar spot pressure forecasting.

Registered users can select and change which of the data sets they have showing on their personalised dashboard, and the order they display. That will enable their dashboard to be tailored through the year – to focus on microdochium patch factors coming into autumn high risk periods, for example, then adapted to better cope with managing grass growth rates in the spring.

Turf Advisor incorporates the Growing Degree Day calculator that has proven the most favoured digital support tool on the Syngenta Turf website, along with an exciting new Growth Potential model. The two can be used in conjunction to more accurately predict growth patterns and product application timings. Importantly, users can now see their cumulative GDD tally in real time, to plan actions and application timings on the move.

Also built into the app is a clear spray window forecast, which can prove crucial in ensuring applications are made at the most appropriate timing and in the optimum conditions to improve efficacy and accuracy.

Syngenta EAME Technical manager, Glenn Kirby, has been instrumental in developing the Turf Advisor app. As a former course manager, his practical experience has ensured the app delivers the information he would use in making turf management decisions every day.

“The app has been entirely designed from the viewpoint of a practical greenkeeper or turf manager,” he reported. “We all know that subjectively we are using data around the weather and our own experience of the course to make decisions.”

“With Turf Advisor we now have objective data and records that can help support stronger practical turf management decisions. It in no way replaces the turf manager’s experience, but helps to support and validate their decsions,” he pointed out.

It has taken many of the aspects of the pioneering and globally renowned GreenCast website and added a whole raft of new elements selected to support turf management – and made it readily accessible and easy to use in an app.

“Microdochium attacks are influenced by a multitude of factors, for example,” he advised. “The GreenCast microdochium model will pinpoint when there is the highest risk of outbreaks according to rain and temperatures, but for the most effective proactive strategies it should be used in conjunction with leaf wetness, humidity, GDD and Growth Potential to assess how it will impact on the turf and immediate implications.

“All those factors can be instantly viewed on the dashboard in the Turf Advisor app.” Users can set two profiles within the app enabling them to truly customize for their needs.

Syngenta trials of new fungicides and biocontrols will now include a Turf Advisor led programme, so that the launch of new products can be supported by the digital tools and recommendations.

Turf Advisor app is now available to download free for Apple and android devices, from the app Store or Google Play, with direct links from the Syngenta website:

https://www.syngentaturf.co.uk/turf-advisor-app

Users can follow a series of YouTube videos with suggestions of how to set up their dashboard and useful factors to focus on for potential challenges over the coming months. Further seasonal advice will be provided through the GreenCast Advisory Blog and On the horizon podcast.

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Yamaha continues support for Dartmouth

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Yamaha continues support for Dartmouth: Yamaha Motor Europe N.V., Branch UK is continuing its support for The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa amateur open golf tournament, which takes place on Saturday 29 April 2023. The Devon-based resort has just achieved a placing in Today’s Golfer magazine top 100 golf resorts.

Yamaha’s Golf Car division has sponsored the event for the past 20 years and provides a range of prizes for the various winning categories as well as entering a corporate team.

Yamaha continues support for Dartmouth

Yamaha continues support for Dartmouth

The Yamaha Open will consist of teams of two competing on a 4-ball, better ball, 85% handicap basis with a shotgun start at 12 noon. The cost is £60 per team for visitors and £40 for members’ teams. At the conclusion of the event, prizes will be presented at a complimentary dinner.

Yamaha are also offering support for competitors who wish to stay at the hotel with a bed and breakfast package available from £147 per night based on two people sharing.

Set in 225 acres of rolling South Hams countryside, the Championship Course opened in 1992. Designed by renowned British golf course architect Jeremy Pern, Dartmouth is reputedly one of his best creations. The course makes clever use of undulating terrain and numerous water features. From the ‘tips’ the layout stretches to almost 7200 yards, with 4 different tee boxes that ensure all levels of golfing ability are catered for. Dartmouth’s Championship Golf Course is undoubtedly tough but there’s plenty of excitement to be had out there.

Dan Palmer, Manager, Power Products (Yamaha Motor) commented, “Over the years the Yamaha Open has become a fixture in Dartmouth’s calendar and is always very well attended.  It’s an opportunity for golfers to experience one of the UK’s Top 100 golf resorts, so for teams interested in entering the event, they can do so by calling 01803 712011. The closing date is Saturday 15 April. We are committed to supporting the golf sector and are delighted to continue our sponsorship of this event.”

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Greenkeepers selected to support The R&A

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Greenkeepers selected to support The R&A: Royal Liverpool Golf Club will host The Open for the 13th time in July and the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has revealed the team of almost 50 greenkeepers, gathered from all over the United Kingdom, who will be on hand to support the home greenkeeping team for the duration of the championship.

Each year The R&A requests the assistance of BIGGA members in the staging of the event. Every full BIGGA member who has been with the association for at least two years is eligible to apply for a place on the Volunteer Open Support Team and those who are selected are given incredible access to golf’s oldest major, supporting every match with bunker raking duties.

Greenkeepers selected to support The R&A

Greenkeepers selected to support The R&A

Rory McIlroy was victorious the last time Royal Liverpool hosted The Open, in 2014, when BIGGA members raked the course’s 82 bunkers a total of 945 times. BIGGA members were even busier in 2006, when Tiger Woods claimed the Claret Jug and the team raked 1,092 bunkers across the four days of the championship.

In January, previous members of The Open support team were given the opportunity to stand beside the Claret Jug as it made an appearance at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, the annual trade show and education programme that provides incredible learning opportunities to those working in golf greenkeeping and sports turf management.

BIGGA is delighted that this years’ Volunteer Open Support Team will feature a large number of first-time team members as a place on the team is inspiring and showcases to greenkeepers what they can achieve through continuing professional development and by engaging with the numerous exclusive opportunities made available to members of BIGGA. Throughout the tournament the team members will be provided with accommodation, subsistence and uniform for the event.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “The team at Royal Liverpool has the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of St Andrews, who last year created a truly historic championship. Yet I’m confident that the team led by Links Superintendent James Bledge, who is preparing to host his first Open Championship, will set a world class stage for what is sure to be an exciting event.

“I’m thankful to The R&A for once again inviting so many BIGGA members to participate in The Open support team, particularly given we have so many first time members this year. Is there a better way of inspiring the next generation of greenkeepers and showcasing what can be achieved in your career with a lot of hard work and dedication, than an up-close look at the world’s greatest major championship? I’m thankful on behalf of the BIGGA members who have been selected and I’m proud to be able to invite them to represent the entire association on this global scale.“

The 151st Open takes place from 20 to 23 July 2022. Applications for the BIGGA Volunteer Open Support Team for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon will open later this year.

Here are the BIGGA members who will be assisting the home greenkeepers for the duration of The 151st Open:

  • Aaron Allibon, first assistant, Orsett Golf Club
  • Jake Austin, first assistant, Royal Wimbledon Golf Club
  • David Ball, senior greenkeeper, Thetford Golf Club
  • Adam Barton, greenkeeper, Conwy Golf Club
  • Andy Bate, greenkeeper, Hesketh Golf Club
  • Jamie Blake, head greenkeeper, Broadway Golf Club
  • Paul Boozer, head greenkeeper, Sheerness Golf Club
  • Tom Bromfield, first assistant, Trentham Golf Club
  • Daniel Bungay, greenkeeper, Hockley Golf Club
  • David Collins, head greenkeeper, Lickey Hills Golf Club
  • Aaron Cross, assistant greenkeeper, Thorndon Park Golf Club
  • William Curran, deputy course manager, Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club
  • Marcus Davies, assistant greenkeeper, Wentworth Club
  • David Duke MG, superintendent, Golf & Country Club Seddiner See
  • Daniel Evans, head greenkeeper, Maesdu Llandudno Golf Club
  • Tom Evans, course manager, Wexham Park Golf Centre
  • Paul Fowkes, deputy head greenkeeper, Scraptoft Golf Club
  • Paul Gater, first assistant, Caldy Golf Club
  • Richard Goddard, deputy course manager, Ashridge Golf Club
  • Lee Greveson, course manager, The Manor Golf Club
  • Craig Hempseed, estate manager, Mortonhall Golf Club
  • Rob Jones, deputy course manager, Enville Golf Club
  • Richard Keith, assistant greenkeeper, Ferndown Golf Club
  • David Leach, first assistant, Ruddington Grange Golf Club
  • Sam Ludlow, assistant greenkeeper, Luffenham Heath Golf Club
  • Adam Lund, head greenkeeper, Dinsdale Golf Club
  • Benn McLeod, first assistant greenkeeper, Musselburgh Golf Club
  • Scott McTaggart, course manager, Sandyhills Golf Club
  • Jake Messenger, assistant groundsman, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
  • Ashley Millar, deputy head greenkeeper, Churston Golf Club
  • Danny Millar, deputy head greenkeeper, Rudding Park Golf Club
  • Darren Miller, first assistant, Farnham Golf Club
  • Jason Norwood, greenkeeper, Reay Golf Club
  • Ryan Oliver, assistant greenkeeper, Hornsea Golf Club
  • Peter Pattenden, greenkeeper, Carden Park Golf Club
  • Steven Penman, deputy head greenkeeper, Thornton Golf Club
  • Scott Rigby, head greenkeeper, Gathurst Golf Club
  • Luke Sheldon, head greenkeeper, Beau Desert Golf Club
  • Curtis Small, greenkeeper, Stover Golf Club
  • James Stratford, greenkeeper, Broome Manor Golf Club
  • Craig Surgeon, head greenkeeper, Kirkcaldy Golf Club
  • Mark Tyson, deputy course manager, Oakmere Golf Club
  • Ken Ward, head greenkeeper, Harrogate Golf Club
  • Sam Wilkinson, deputy course manager, Ponteland Golf Club
  • Ryan Williams, first assistant, Caldy Golf Club
  • Lewis Whatsley-Parsons, greenkeeper, Queenwood

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Support your employees with their mental health

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Support your employees with their mental health: Perennial, the charity helping people in horticulture, is calling for organisations to become ambassadors and participate in its Mental Health First Aider training programme. As part of the charity’s health and wellbeing focus the programme aims to put more Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace.

One in four people experience mental health problems which is the biggest contributor to ill health and is consistent with the people who come to us for support.

Support your employees with their mental health

Support your employees with their mental health

Perennial’s Health & Wellbeing Survey (2021) found that mental wellbeing was among the biggest perceived challenges for people working in horticulture. 85% of people’s mental wellbeing was poor or below average and 26% of people listed depression, anxiety, and stress as critical issues. A further 22% said they did not recognise when they were unable to cope or how to deal with these circumstances.

A significant culture change around mental health is needed across the horticultural community. Organisations need to be committed to raising awareness about mental wellbeing and supporting their employees with their mental health. We want people to have an in depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing, the practical skills to spot the signs and symptoms and to have the confidence to step in, reassure and support their colleagues.

We are looking for employers with over 20 employees who proactively want to increase their team’s mental health and wellbeing to join our pilot training programme. Perennial’s training is delivered in partnership with Mental Health First Aid England:

An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing.

Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of a range of mental health issues.

Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress.

Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening.

Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support.

An understanding of how to keep themselves safe while performing their duties.

Resources include – A reference card for the Mental Health First Aid action plan and the Line Managers’ Resource, an invaluable source of advice on how to support an employee experiencing mental ill health.

Places are still available for our next training course on the 30th November to 1st December and we are running courses throughout 2023, to find out more about, please contact Helen Waddington, Email hwaddington@perennial.org.uk.

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Worldwide support for SALTEX

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Worldwide support for SALTEX: SALTEX, Europe’s largest FREE sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, proves Britain’s exhibition scene is back to pre-Covid levels with international exhibitors and visitors from over 40 countries now signed up to attend.

Such overwhelming overseas support with 12 weeks to go before the show opens its doors on 2 November shows the strength of this event, now in its 76th year, and it’s a great indication that Britain is back to being fully open for business as exhibitors and visitors travel to the event from as far afield as Australia.

Worldwide support for SALTEX

Worldwide support for SALTEX

But what is it about SALTEX that is generating such international interest? Francesco Dotto, president of GrAssMed, the Mediterranean Groundsman Association, tweeted: “[SALTEX] is the most important green fair in Europe, for real professionals, but also for those who to approach sustainable and serious green.” He refers to, of course, the show’s focus on sustainability and the environment, key topics at this year’s show featuring prominently in the Learning LIVE seminars, with the show bringing together the best in the business from around the world and the most effective products and innovations to help tackle current issues.

This is certainly a view shared by SGL, manufacturers of grass growth products such as grow lighting systems and data monitoring tools, based in The Netherlands – and just one of many international businesses exhibiting at this year’s show. Derk Pelle, content marketeer at SGL, confirms the reason they attend is because “SALTEX is an inspiring, international event where turf professionals come together to exchange knowledge and learn about the latest innovations in the industry and engage with turf professionals face-to-face.”

Matthew Williams, national account manager UK and Ireland at Compo-Expert, said: “European visitors come to SALTEX because they recognise it as the best golf and groundsmanship event in Europe.”

The International Greenkeepers Association will again have a presence at SALTEX with members from around the world registering to visit. Among these is Daryl Davidson, head groundsman at Sydney University, who is excited to be making the journey: “This is a great opportunity to catch up with a heap of new and old friends from our great industry,” it was he says, “an easy decision to jump on board”.

And it’s not just international exhibitors who are signed up for the show, overseas visitors’ enthusiasm for SALTEX is at an all-time high too. Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association, says: “There promises to be a diverse visitor profile this year, we know there are visitors from over 26 countries already. We had a good show last year with our post-show visitor survey, showing that 83 percent of attendees rated SALTEX 2021 overall as excellent, very good or good, and 67 percent of those saying they attended specifically to purchase new products or services, and 84 percent either had full purchasing responsibility or contributed to the process. These are great stats, but we knew that it was post pandemic and people were longing to get out and meet up again but to continue this momentum is really encouraging.”

For visitors keen to confirm their attendance at this show which is promising to be its biggest and best yet, find out more about SALTEX 2022 and register online at www.saltex.org.uk

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