Tag Archive for: Turf

ICL and Syngenta Launch Turf Rewards 2024

ICL and Syngenta Launch Turf Rewards 2024: ICL and Syngenta are excited to launch Turf Rewards 2024, a loyalty scheme specially designed to enhance turf management across the UK and Ireland.

The innovative programme rewards clubs and companies with points for purchasing ICL and Syngenta products, which can then be exchanged for rewards that can increase productivity and improve turf health.

ICL and Syngenta Launch Turf Rewards 2024

ICL and Syngenta Launch Turf Rewards 2024

‌Turf managers gain access to a variety of rewards, including advanced agronomic and turf maintenance tools, and valuable educational resources, encouraging professional growth and elevating standards in turf care.

‌This year, the scheme welcomes AIM, Syngenta’s new one-box fungicide programme, offering an impressive 40 points. Additionally, the European Turfgrass Laboratories Organic Matter Profile Test, redeemable for 20 points, joins the list of rewards, underscoring the scheme’s focus on practical, impactful benefits for turf professionals.

‌In reflection of its growing popularity and effectiveness, the Turf Rewards website has been comprehensively overhauled for 2024, making the process of accruing points and enhancing operational efficiency even more straightforward for everyone involved in turf management.

‌Turf professionals are encouraged to join Turf Rewards 2024 to elevate their turf management practices. For detailed information and to start reaping the benefits, please visit www.turfrewards.com for the UK scheme and www.turfrewards.ie for the Republic of Ireland scheme.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success

Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success: With over 700 visitors and over 60 companies exhibiting, the second edition of Scots Turf demonstrated substantial growth and has built a platform for an exciting future.

The aim of this show was to build on the success of the previous year by offering more stands and educational opportunities for visitors to explore at Hamilton Park Racecourse. An increase in the number of exhibitors from 16 to 64 ensured a diverse range of products from leading industry names such as Campey Turf Care, AllGrass, Dennis, SIS Pitches, and John Deere.

Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success

Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success

The growing stand count, set to increase again for the third event, has proven the Scotland’s desire for a dedicated show, and Scots Turf Founding Committee member Richard Heywood is ready to continue the growth.

“It was fantastic to see such a broad selection of visitors from all aspects of our industry, and the feedback we received from everyone we asked was incredibly positive,” he said.

“We were blown away and delighted with the response we received from companies wanting to exhibit. Our target in year two was to attract 30 businesses. In reality, we ended up attracting over 60, with a waiting list of ten more, and I think that shows the positive impact we’re having in Scotland.

“I’d say this is our first proper year as a ‘trade show,’ and we were very much encouraged by seeing over 700 visitors coming through the gates, with around 500 arriving in the first hour.

“It really shows an appetite for something like this in Scotland, and we will be looking to grow year upon year, helping to establish this once again as an event that you need to put in your diary.”

Updates on Scots Turf 2025 will follow throughout the year, including initiatives to support Scottish charitable causes. While demand for stands is high, companies are invited to apply for next year.

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DSV Eurograss: Revolutionising the UK Turf Market

DSV Eurograss: Revolutionising the UK Turf Market: In the world of turf grass breeding, one name stands out as a beacon of innovation and excellence – Deutsche Saatveredelung AG, otherwise known as DSV.

With a rich history spanning over six decades, DSV has been at the forefront of cultivating and refining turf grass varieties that have featured in Europe’s most prestigious stadiums. Now, with a renewed focus on conquering the UK market, DSV introduces Eurograss, a testament to their commitment to superior quality and unmatched performance.

DSV Eurograss: Revolutionising the UK Turf Market

DSV Eurograss: Revolutionising the UK Turf Market

The journey of Eurograss traces back to the humble beginnings of turf grass breeding at DSV. Established in 1965 with the merger of Nordwestdeutsche Futtersaatbaugesellschaft in Bremen (NFG), DSV laid the foundation for a legacy of excellence in turf grass cultivation. Over the years, meticulous breeding programmes at DSV’s state-of-the-art stations in Asendorf, Germany, and Les Rosiers, France, have produced a diverse range of turf grass varieties tailored to meet the varying needs of different regions and usage patterns.

Tailored Excellence: DSV’s Turf Grass Breeding Philosophy

At the heart of DSV’s success lies a relentless pursuit of perfection in turf grass breeding. The breeding objectives are finely tuned to cater to specific usage directions, whether it be for home lawns, ornamental purposes, sports arenas, or landscape applications. This bespoke approach ensures that each turf species meets the exact standards of durability, density, and resilience required for its intended purpose.

A hallmark of DSV’s turf grass breeding programme is its unwavering commitment to innovation and adaptability. In response to evolving environmental dynamics, such as climate change, DSV has proactively integrated traits like drought tolerance and disease resistance into its breeding objectives. This forward-thinking approach has led to the development of groundbreaking varieties like Europitch, Eurobeat, Eurocarina, Tasida and Regenerate which excel under the toughest conditions, ensuring lush greenery even in the face of adversity.

DSV Eurograss: Revolutionising the UK Turf Market

DSV Eurograss: Revolutionising the UK Turf Market

Testing the Limits: Striking the Right Cord

Central to DSV’s success is its rigorous testing regime, overseen by leading experts like Cord Schumann, the head DSV turf breeder in Asendorf. Each candidate undergoes comprehensive evaluations over several years to assess its suitability for different applications. From deep cutting assessments to cleat roller simulations mimicking the wear and tear of sports activities, every aspect of turf performance is scrutinised with meticulous precision. Cord’s unique sensory test, where he walks barefoot over the turf plots, epitomises DSV’s hands-on approach to quality assurance, ensuring that only the finest varieties make it to market.

Setting the Standard: Eurograss in the Global Arena

The culmination of over a decade of breeding and testing is evident in Eurograss. With over 90 DSV turf varieties approved worldwide, Eurograss has firmly established itself as the gold standard in turf grass quality. Notably, Eurograss varieties feature prominently in prestigious recommendation lists like the British Society of Plant Breeders Limited (BSPB) list, reaffirming their status as industry leaders in turf innovation.

As Eurograss sets its sights on the UK market, it brings with it a legacy of excellence and a promise of unparalleled quality. With a comprehensive range of cultivars tailored to suit every need and environment, Eurograss is poised to revolutionise the UK turf industry, one blade at a time.

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Redexim Turf Tidy tackles thinning roughs

Redexim Turf Tidy tackles thinning roughs: The delivery of a Redexim Turf Tidy 3000 has brought a swift end to the hunt by Arbroath Golf Links for a versatile cut and collect machine for maintenance of their roughs and fairways.

An impressive demonstration sealed the deal for delivery by HRN Tractors in November 2023, with the Turf Tidy going on to thin out over an acre of roughs over the winter period – improving the playability and ecological status of the Scottish club.

Redexim Turf Tidy tackles thinning roughs

Redexim Turf Tidy tackles thinning roughs

The maintenance of the traditional coastal links course, designed in 1877 by Old Tom Morris and opened a year later, is currently managed by Head Greenkeeper Ally Wyllie and a team of two. “We decided to try and tackle our thick rough to create a more enjoyable experience for our members” Ally explains. “After a conversation with David Raitt at HRN Tractors, we had a demonstration of the Turf Tidy and could immediately see how well it performed… so much so, we placed the order there and then!”

The versatile Redexim Turf Tidy 3000 offers effective scarification, flail cutting or sweeping with collection in a single pass. Designed with a fully floating head, the Turf Tidy is able to follow the contours of the ground making it suitable for a range of fine turf and sports turf applications. A 1.8m working width and 3m3 hopper – with hydraulic high-tip function – complete the specification.

“Since its delivery, the Turf Tidy has done a fantastic job of cutting through the long grasses to thin out over an acre of roughs. With this work well received by the members, we’re looking to continue this project into the spring, with the aim of enhancing our ecological status through the encouragement of finer and more native grasses.”

He continues, “One of the main reasons we purchased this machine was its ease of use and the speed at which we can change between functions. We’re planning on using this machine between October and March, and by quickly and simply adjusting the rollers we can change the set-up from flail mowing the roughs to scarifying the fairways – bringing these up to the standards we’re setting on other areas around the course.”

Ally also comments on the brilliant back-up support and service received pre and post-purchase. “David, together with Allen Whellans from Redexim, have been brilliant throughout. The help we’ve had has set us on the right track to get the best out of our machine and achieve the very best results.”

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Groundbreaking turf innovation at BTME 2024

Groundbreaking turf innovation at BTME 2024: Envu, a leading provider of turf management solutions, is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s (BIGGA) Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) from January 23-25 at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

At stand 134, Envu will showcase a range of products including the first and the only bio-control fungicide on the market in the UK and Ireland, Harmonix Turf Defense.

Groundbreaking turf innovation at BTME 2024

Groundbreaking turf innovation at BTME 2024

The company’s National Accounts Manager for the UK and Ireland, Phil Logan, will also be hosting a seminar titled ‘The future of disease management’ on January 24, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM on the Seminar Stage.

Offering a deep-dive into the changing landscape of managing and controlling fungal diseases on golf greens, the seminar aims to provide attendees with insights into regulations affecting plant protection products in the UK and EU.

“I’ll be exploring the importance of alternative approaches to disease management, explaining biological fungicides’ mode of action and discussing how bio-controls can be integrated into disease management strategies for reduced reliance on conventional fungicides,” explains Phil.

“Visitors are welcome to join us on our stand to find out more about Harmonix® Turf Defense.”

Boasting broad-spectrum contact fungicidal activity, Harmonix® Turf Defense is a revolutionary bio-control fungicide and the first and only registered product of its kind in the UK and Ireland. With its proven ability to reduce the reliance on chemical products, it is set to transform attitudes towards turf disease management.

“It is designed to combat common turf diseases such as microdochium patch, anthracnose, and dollar spot,” says Phil.  “Importantly for users, Harmonix® Turf Defense is suitable for use on golf courses and sports turf throughout the year, whether the grass is in vegetative rest or actively growing.”

“This groundbreaking fungicidal innovation is based on a patented strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, QST 713, which naturally produces high volumes of bioactive compounds known as Lipopeptides, which exhibit fungicidal activity upon direct contact with plant pathogenic fungi,” notes Phil.

Visitors to the Envu stand will also have the opportunity to participate in the Batak competition, where the fastest in turf can win a £250 Amazon voucher, with a £50 runner-up prize.

Find out more https://www.uk.envu.com/turf-management/harmonix-turf-defense

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Scots Turf Gets Bigger and Better for 2024

Scots Turf Gets Bigger and Better for 2024: Following the resounding success of its inaugural year, the Scots Turf Show is returning to Hamilton Park Racecourse, promising an expanded exhibitor list and more education opportunities.

The second edition of Scots Turf will take place on 6th March 2024 at Hamilton Park Racecourse, featuring exhibitors such as Campey Turf Care, AllGrass, Dennis, SIS Pitches and John Deere.

Scots Turf Gets Bigger and Better for 2024

Scots Turf Gets Bigger and Better for 2024

One of the most notable enhancements for 2024 is the substantial increase in exhibitors from an initial 16 to an impressive 50. This growth speaks volumes about the event’s popularity and ability to attract key players in the turf industry. The expanded exhibitor line-up ensures a diverse array of products, services, and expertise on display, making Scots Turf a comprehensive hub for all things turf related.

Alongside fellow Scots Turf Founding Committee member Alan Thomson, Sales Manager SIS Pitches, Campey Product Specialist Richard Heywood, has worked hard to bring this event to Scotland and is excited to see its early success and where it can go in the future.

“The Scots Turf Show was designed to bring the trade to the Scottish Turf community, and it has quickly done that with a lot of success,” Richard said.

“Whilst it is primarily for Scotland, it’s an event that is open to everyone, and I think the developments we’re making demonstrates the show’s progress.

“As we enter our second year, the increased number of exhibitors reflects the growing importance of this event in the industry, and we’re already excited for our advancements in 2025, where we will increase the area for indoor exhibitors.”

Scots Turf holds particular significance for the Scottish Turf community, serving as a pivotal platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and industry collaboration. The event brings together professionals, suppliers, and enthusiasts from various corners of turf management and provides a valuable opportunity for the grounds community in Scotland.

Feedback from the previous year has been taken onboard about the seminar programme, and the Show will again strive to provide the most relevant, valuable and comprehensive educational opportunities to those attending.

Registration is free via Eventbrite, with the first 500 guests receiving a bacon sandwich and tea/coffee on arrival.

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Turfco – Turf management made easy

Turfco – Turf management made easy: Turfco built the first mechanised topdresser in 1961 and continues as the first choice of professional turf managers worldwide. Turfco designs and manufactures products that help do jobs more efficiently and effectively in topdressing, seeding, debris blowing, application and renovation. We work with you, and deliver the equipment and services you need to be successful.

We’re driven by a passion for improving the health and playability of your turf, and this unwavering commitment has yielded a continuous series of breakthroughs; that’s quality innovations rewarded by 16 patents.

Turfco – Turf management made easy

Turfco – Turf management made easy

In the UK we are primarily known for our high-quality range of trailed and truck-mounted WideSpin 1550 series top dressers, powerful Torrent 2 debris blowers and our TriWave overseeders. We also manufacture the CR-15, a combined material handler and top dresser for fairway maintenance, the Mete-R-Matic range of drop-style top dressers and pedestrian edgers and turf cutters.

To see how productivity can beautify your course, come and see us on in Hall 6 stand 608

www.turfco.com

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Mansfield Sand’s Turf Solutions at BTME

Mansfield Sand’s Turf Solutions at BTME: From January 23 to 25, 2024, Mansfield Sand invites you to explore Stand 242, where a comprehensive array of innovative products for sports, landscaping, and equestrian applications will take centre stage.

A Legacy of Innovation

With a rich history spanning over 170 years, Mansfield Sand has consistently pioneered the development and production of premium silica sand-based products. As the market leader, the company has supplied its high-quality solutions to some of the most prestigious sporting venues across the UK and Europe.

Mansfield Sand’s Turf Solutions at BTME

Mansfield Sand’s Turf Solutions at BTME

The Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range

Step into the world of Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range, sourced from the Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield. These silica sands play a pivotal role in constructing and maintaining various sports surfaces, including winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens, and amenity turf areas.

Tailored Solutions for Fine Turf

Mansfield Sand’s Soil Top Dressing, crafted for the fine turf market, is a homogenous product made from premium silica sands and top-quality soils. Sterilised and screened to a 3mm size, this dressing is easy to spread, stone-free, and pebble-free. Mansfield Sand also offers bespoke dressing blends and the flexibility to incorporate soil amendments into any product.

Precision in Rootzone Blends

Understanding the demands of turf managers, Mansfield Sand’s rootzones are crafted with only the highest-quality materials. Whether for renovation or construction, the Mansil 40 Silica Sand, blended with quality screened topsoil, ensures the perfect start for a flawless surface.

Sand Compost Rootzones for Sustainability

Mansfield Sand boasts a range of premium sand-organic material blends, ideal for creating rootzones requiring organic-rich profiles. These blends aid in nutrient retention and enhance drought resistance, contributing to sustainable turf management practices.

Reinforced Rootzone Technology

To meet the rigorous standards of the sports turf industry, Mansfield Sand offers a range of reinforced rootzones. Featuring technologies like polypropylene fibres and flexible elastane fibres, these solutions provide stability and durability, ensuring consistent drainage and performance.

Visit Mansfield Sand at BTME 2024

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Mansfield Sand’s solutions at BTME 2024. Head to Stand 242, where the experienced team will guide you through how these innovative products can significantly enhance your turf.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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The Future of Sports Turf Higher Education Needs Your Opinion

The Future of Sports Turf Higher Education Needs Your Opinion: There is a proposed new Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager Apprenticeship on the horizon with the option of including a Sports Turf Foundation Degree.  What are your thoughts on this?

In October 2023, a new Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician Apprenticeship was made available (for details please see Institute for Apprenticeship and Technical Education (IFATE) website).  This new progression route builds on the Level 2 Sports Turf Operatives or Level 2 Greenkeeping and/or supports those seeking to develop their supervisory skills, knowledge and behaviours in sports turf.

The Future of Sports Turf Higher Education Needs Your Opinion

The Future of Sports Turf Higher Education Needs Your Opinion

Based on the role and duties of a sports turf manager, IFATE have now recognised that a continued progression route to a higher level 5 apprenticeship qualification in sports turf may be needed.

To ascertain the taught knowledge, skills and behaviours for a level 5 sports turf manager, a new survey is now available to canvas industry opinion.   If you have a vested interest in sports turf, sports turf operatives (groundstaff/groundskeepers) and general management of sports turf (e.g. any sport that uses a predominantly natural grass surface), then please complete the survey

Survey: https://forms.office.com/e/iYyA7Y3L06

Further to this, the survey is seeking opinion for utilising an existing level 5 university sports turf qualification as an educational programme towards achieving a level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager apprenticeship.  Specifically, utilising a ‘Foundation Degree in Sports Turf Management’.

Why a Foundation Degree?  The newly developed recommended ‘Duties’ of a level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager indicated a role that is based on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).  The Foundation Degree in Sports Turf is a longstanding STEM-based higher education sports turf qualification.  The existence of the FD is potentially readymade to meet this need.  Over 200 sports turf professionals have completed the FD since 2013 and just over 50 have progressed further and graduated with a Bachelor of Science with honours (BSc. Hons).  It appears to be a successful qualification for technical sports turf professionals, however there may be barriers preventing more individuals from achieving this qualification, namely university tuition fees.

Why Apprenticeships? Completion of a formal apprenticeship is a recognised qualification that confirms that an individual has completed at least a year of training and education and has sat an independently assessed and regulated examination, known as an End-Point Assessment.  Arguably, the UK Government values Apprenticeships and generates funding to incentivise and meet the costs of this training for employers.

If the turf industry is of the opinion that the Foundation Degree in Sports Turf Management has a valuable part of Level 5 Apprenticeship for Sports Turf, then there is a good case to include this qualification.

How much will it cost?  In summary, a Level 5 apprentice’s employer could access about a 95-100% reduction in the fees.  An apprentice would have no fee.  An employer would need to facilitate an average of six hours a week for an apprentice’s off-the-job training.

Please complete the survey if you would like to contribute on the future of sports turf education and training for higher level apprenticeships

Survey: https://forms.office.com/e/iYyA7Y3L06

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Turf Tank Brings Mental Health Boost

Turf Tank Brings Mental Health Boost: Initial marking for athletics and other sports used to be a source of anxiety and stress at Dollar Academy, but since using the Turf Tank One, the mindset of the team has been positively transformed.

Situated in the town of Dollar, Central Scotland, the co-educational day and boarding school occupies a 70-acre site at the base of the Ochil Hills. It is there Head of Grounds, John Vaughan-Davis, and his team strive to provide the best surfaces possible for the 1300 children aged 5-18.

Turf Tank Brings Mental Health Boost

Turf Tank Brings Mental Health Boost

A significant part of that task is pitch presentation and line marking. Previously, the job of initial line marking for athletics, in particular, brought a lot of stress to the team, creating a negative environment to work in. But with the Turf Tank robot at their disposal, that’s all changed.

“I think the mental health of our team has improved because of the Turf Tank,” John begins. “Historically, leading up to athletics marking, initial rugby marking, and football initial markings, there’s always been a bit of anxiety, a bit of stress, and it was a really, really anxious environment to be around.

“Now that we’ve got the Turf Tank, it’s completely changed the team’s mindset. It’s gone from being tense to just relaxed and having faith and trust in the Turf Tank. It just eased everyone’s concerns. It’s made a much better working environment for all of us, leading up to those points by removing an added stress and taking it away.

“So mental health is probably one of the biggest benefits that I’m not sure people talk about enough.”

As well as benefitting the existing team, John has also seen an impact when recruiting. In his experience, the use of innovative technology has interested potential candidates and should be used as a tool to attract people into the industry.

By attracting new staff and boosting the morale of the existing team, the Turf Tank is helping John achieve his goals for the site and add finishes like school logos and numbers on rugby pitches, which they couldn’t do without the robot.

“Having pride in what we do reflects across the whole school, and that’s very much at the core of our working process,” John explains.

“We want to try and produce the best pitches that we can in the conditions we are given, and the Turf Tank certainly helps us present the pitches in the best way possible.

“We can’t do a lot of the things that the Turf Tank does by hand. For example, the numbers that we did today, the school badge or a lacrosse pitch at short notice that we can now do within 20 minutes. We’ve marked small football pitches for charity days and other events that we couldn’t have done without the Turf Tank.

“So for us to produce the best pitches we can is one thing, but being able to do things on short notice is another thing that we keep on having to do. The Turf Tank takes all the pressure off of that element of it, but also knowing that when we do put it out, it’s going to do a 100% job.

“It is correct every single time we put that machine out, it’s spot on. Regardless of the event, it is always, always 100% right.”

Dollar Academy Video Interview – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NC6cGNsO1A

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