Tag Archive for: Top

Kubota tractor wins at top equestrian venue

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Kubota tractor wins at top equestrian venue: Equestrian sport is quite literally riding high in Britain – with Team GB winning medals in dressage, showjumping and eventing at the Tokyo Olympics, the passion for horses has never been greater.

Specialist riding arena surfaces have transformed the possibilities for venues wishing to offer training and competition opportunities all-year round, but require regular, skilled maintenance. A leading venue in Leicestershire has invested in a Kubota L-1382 compact tractor to help them achieve this.

Kubota tractor wins at top equestrian venue

Kubota tractor wins at top equestrian venue

Vale View Equestrian offers extensive facilities for all three disciplines: a state-of-the-art all-weather cross-country arena which replicates the terrain and obstacle challenges of a grass course plus its adjacent practice arenas span 2.5 acres. Then there are 66x26m and 70x30m indoor arenas ideal for show jumping and dressage, plus two other large outdoor arenas and a new lunge pen.

“The surfaces have to be harrowed every day, in preparation for events and during them,” explains Julie Hyslop, who founded Vale View Equestrian with husband Mark and daughter Emma Hyslop-Webb. “We have used a quad bike in the past but it lacked the power needed and became unreliable. The special sand mixture contains wax, which makes it difficult to pull through, but we are renowned by the leading riders for the quality of our surfaces, so we have to be able to harrow and level effectively.”

Local Kubota dealer Farmstar had previously supplied an F Series front mower which is used to cut grass areas around the site, so Mark approached the company to source a tractor.

“We were originally interested in a smaller tractor, but Farmstar suggested the 38hp L-1382 and it was the right choice to give enough power to pull the harrow,” he explains. “Yet it is very manoeuvrable with its hydrostatic transmission and power steering – we can even harrow around the jumps during a break in the showjumping competitions to ensure that we are offering the ideal footing to every competitor.”

The tractor is driven by a several members of staff including Olivia Toone and Fran Segalov who have a varied roles in the business, and two part-time groundsmen who set up the arenas with jumps or dressage markers.

“It’s a big plus that the tractor is so straightforward that anyone can drive it,” comments Mark. “Access for daily checks is also very quick and logical.”

While the L-1382 is kept busy with the harrow much of the time, it has also been deployed to move trailers carrying showjumps and portable cross country fences. Emma says that it will be used for a wider range of tasks in the equestrian centre’s grazing paddocks in the future.

“It will be really useful for topping up water troughs, manure clearance and maintenance of fencing in the future.”

“It’s the perfect equestrian tractor in our opinion,” she says.

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DLF Seeds a top 20 ‘Climate Friendly Company’

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DLF Seeds a top 20 ‘Climate Friendly Company’: DLF Seeds have been recognised as one of the top 20 most ‘Climate Friendly Companies’ of 2021 in a recent list compiled by European Seed Magazine.

Particular mention was given to DLF’s RadiMax facility in Denmark – the world’s largest open-field root screening facility – that is leading the way in the research and development of sustainable varieties to tackle one of the most pertinent climate threats, drought.

DLF Seeds a top 20 ‘Climate Friendly Company’

DLF Seeds a top 20 ‘Climate Friendly Company’

Years before the climate agenda hit the breeding companies, DLF took the bold move of assembling breeders and scientists from across the public and private sectors in the pursuit of advancing seed breeding to suit future climates. Through this consortium DLF built their RadiMax facility, which can test up to 600 plant lines simultaneously in four V-shaped pits, each equipped with a unique irrigation system designed to simulate specific conditions and, in turn, identify the deepest rooting varieties.

With more than five years of research now under their belts, DLF have been able to supply turf and amenity customers with varieties with verified deep rooting and drought stress tolerance. A deeper rooting plant is not only better placed to withstand extended periods without water, it delivers a stronger and more stable sward with lower reliance on inputs. This is because the significant root growth enables the grass to better utilise the water and nutrients naturally found in the soil profile, improving overall nutrient and Nitrogen efficiency.

Of specific interest to the amenity market is the notable developments with key Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass species which have led to the introduction of more sustainable and drought tolerant mixtures such as Johnsons Sports Seed J Fescue mix for golf. The unique combination of cultivars in this 100% fine fescue blend have been chosen specifically to provide high drought and salt tolerance, resistance to disease and a sward that requires lower inputs of water and fertilisers.

The trials at RadiMax also demonstrated how DLF’s 4turf® tetraploid perennial ryegrass roots faster and deeper when compared to traditional diploid ryegrass. Its rapid root growth and larger root mass makes for a more resilient plant, suited to a wide range of sports turf applications. 4turf® varieties are incorporated into a number of Johnsons mixtures, including the new Johnson’s J Premier 4Turf, combining 4turf® tetraploids with traditional perennial ryegrass to create the ultimate winter sport renovation mixture.

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Ferro is Top choice for Jordans

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Ferro is Top choice for Jordans: Jordans Sports Ground Solutions has reported excellent results from using Compo Expert’s Ferro Top specialty fertiliser, after applying it at several top-class sports venues.

From day-to-day maintenance to end of season renovations to new constructions; Jordans Sports Grounds Solutions provides a range of sports turf services throughout the South East and down to the South Coast. The business has rapidly expanded over the past few years and currently employs 11 highly skilled members of staff.

Ferro is Top choice for Jordans

Ferro is Top choice for Jordans

Owner Ian Jordan carefully selects the products and equipment to be used by the team: “As a contractor we always do the best we can for the client and choosing the correct products for their turf within budget is crucial,” he said.

Last year, with a harsh winter approaching, Ian started searching for a suitable product and he knew exactly what he was looking for.

“I was on the hunt for an iron-based product which would harden the sward and give us some colour through the winter,” he said. “I came across Ferro Top on the Agrovista Amenity website and spoke in more detail about the product with Andrew Norman (Amenity Specialist). We are gradually increasing the number of products we are using from Agrovista Amenity and Andrew gave his opinion on Ferro Top. Based on his feedback, I decided to give it a go.”

Agrovista Amenity is the exclusive national distributor of Compo Expert’s turf products in the UK and is seeing an increasing demand for the innovative fertilisers. A popular choice with many turf managers is Ferro Top, which is an iron specialty fertiliser with high levels of potash and magnesium as well as manganese to promote quality, resistance, and colour. The fine granulation ensures perfect sward penetration.

Ferro Top also ensures quick greening without a flush of growth, displaces moss, and protects against new settlements which is particularly important in winter to spring.

Ian decided to use Ferro Top on a range of sports turf surfaces including the stadium pitches at Gillingham FC, Dartford FC, Ebbsfleet FC and on three croquet lawns, two tennis courts, and a cricket square at Dulwich Sports Club.

Ferro Top was applied to all the sites at the start of December and Ian revealed that he plans on using it more extensively going forward.

Cosmetic appeal at this sort of level is key and approximately 7-10 days after we applied it, we thought wow! The grass went whoosh and the colour it produced was fantastic. This was the biggest impact; it made the grass look very healthy.

“What I also like about this product is that it seems to kick back into life when the turf has been cut – it just seems to really bring the colour out each time. We have all been very impressed with Ferro Top.

“Now we know its capabilities we will certainly be using it more,” continued Ian. “I think next winter we will look to apply it, depending on weather, in November and go with a second application in January.”

Ian was also quick to praise the assistance and technical knowledge he receives from Andrew Norman: “Both the delivery and customer service are very good from Agrovista Amenity, and Andrew has always been available if I need to talk to him about any of our requirements.”

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

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Campey keeps customer care top priority

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Campey keeps customer care top priority: Campey Turf Care Systems is bolstering its dedication to customer support with the addition of four new team members.

Workshop Manager Bob Nixon, Outside Service Engineer, Dave Juke, Sales Demonstrator Archie Thomas and Product Specialist for Tom Weston, join Campeys as the company continues to meet customer demand and expands into its new premises.

Campey keeps customer care top priority

Campey keeps customer care top priority

The second Campey branch in Bosley, Macclesfield, includes a showroom and walk-in retail shop as well as additional servicing facilities. The increase in workload from the new site and customer demand for new and used machinery has been met with several strategic appointments in all departments, as well as increasing the presence out in the field with a new Product Specialist Tom Weston.

Tom covers a large strip of the country from Macclesfield to Greater Manchester, down to Stockport, across to Chester and covering parts of the Peak District too. As an experienced greenkeeper spanning 24 years, Tom 41, has worked his way from assistant to head greenkeeper in clubs in the Stockport area, to becoming deputy course manager at Sale Golf club in Manchester, and is well placed to understanding the needs of both greenkeeper and groundsmen. He already has substantial knowledge of turf maintenance equipment and will be a real asset to Campeys.

By taking a proactive approach to staffing, Campey can ensure customer care is kept as a top priority in the workshop and out in the field in the build-up to a traditionally busy time for the turf care community.

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JMG Amenity wins top spraying award

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JMG Amenity wins top spraying award: Jason Garlick of JMG Amenity has won the prestigious overall title of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOY). The Award was presented by TV personality Naga Munchetty and Amenity Forum Chairman, Professor John Moverley, at a BTME ceremony in Harrogate last week (22 March).  

The Leicestershire-based JMG Amenity provides turf care and weed solutions across the east midlands and had previously won the ASOY category for sports turf application.

JMG Amenity wins top spraying award

JMG Amenity wins top spraying award

“Winning Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of all the team involved,” said Jason.

“Protecting the environment, our operators, customers and the public is the highest priority for our business,” he emphasised. “That is why we place strong emphasis on maintaining the highest possible standards and use only the most up to date equipment.

“It ensures minimal impact on the environment and assures the desired high levels of customer satisfaction.”

Quality is paramount at JMG Amenity. All personnel are fully trained and qualified in the correct handling and application of chemicals with all the equipment used.

The business offers agronomy and application services for public and private sector, including golf and all sports venues, leisure facilities, local government, utilities, schools, universities, industrial areas, forestry and other areas requiring vegetation management.

Winners of the ASOY category for Landscape & Industrial applications and overall runners-up in the industry-leading awards were Bournemouth-based Southern Horticulture, with the prize accepted by director, Tony Robinson.

The business specialises provides integrated solutions to invasive weed control and grounds maintenance for a wide range of customers. Protecting the ecology of landscapes during a treatment programme is an important element, advocates Tony.

“In most instances we can actually positively enhance the ecological value of a landscape, whilst still fully completing the original control objectives of customers.

“Winning an ASOY award for the second consecutive year highlights our continual commitment to operating in a safe and sustainable way, for the business, the environment and our customers,” he added.

Sothern Horticulture is also an approved instructor and assessor for LANTRA training for land-based industries.

The Amenity Sprayer of the Year awards are organised by the Amenity Forum, sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and supported by BASIS.

It recognises and rewards top sprayer operators across the amenity industry. It aims to raise standards, by identifying the best practice of individuals to enhance results – and share their experiences across the industry.

The ASOY awards now reflect the importance of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to any issue involving turf and landscape maintenance. “Knowing when not to spray is in many ways as important as the techniques to actually make an application,” advised Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes.

“The skills of sprayer operators to make efficient, effective and above all safe applications is essential for the future sustainability of the amenity and turf care industry. ASOY awards are a welcome way to recognise and reward the leading individuals and to learn from their experience.”

ICL Landscape & Industrial Manager, Barry Browne, added: “We are delighted to support such an important cross-sector industry initiative with a continued commitment to raise standards and improve results.

“Importantly it has identified and recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

Entries for ASOY 2022 will open soon. Look out on the Amenity Forum website for more details and entry form for your chance to win.

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