The past week has been surreal here in Ireland. The cherry trees are in full blossom, birds are singing, blue skies, and people are out for walks in the countryside and on the beaches. One would think that life is normal. It is anything but. This coronavirus is dictating everyday life here and all over the world. We are now in lockdown mode with many restrictions.

I live in a rural area, which has its advantages. There are fewer people in daily communication, which reduces infections being passed to others. Up until Friday, in this spell of fine weather, I have been going on walks each day to keep myself sane. I saw farmers take advantage of the fine weather. They were out tilling the land getting the ground ready for spring sowing. It was a lovely sight in the fine weather. The ground was dry, ideal conditions for carrying out such tasks. For them life goes on regardless. However, for most of us, we are restricted to staying indoors or walking within 2km of our homes.

Lots of businesses have come to a grinding halt and many have lost their jobs as a result. The Irish government has asked those that can, to work from home. In today’s era of technology this is a real alternative but many industries are not ‘operate from home’ friendly businesses. Service dealers and distributors are perfect examples of such types of business. One cannot simply sell or demonstrate machines from home.

Speaking to several garden machinery dealers around the country, closing down is having a detrimental affect on their businesses. It couldn’t happen at a worse time as we head into the growing season. April and May is the time of year when most lawnmower sales are made and to see business owners shut down during this time is extremely hard for them and their employees.

One dealer told me “We have written April off as a trading month and hope that we don’t remain closed for May. Some of our employees decided to stay at home, which leaves us on a skeleton staff. However this will be all irrelevant if we are told to close down for a few weeks”.

Many of the tractor manufacturing companies in Europe have ceased production for two weeks.

However, most of the farming dealerships here in Ireland are still open for business but have adjusted their daily trading strategy. Some have developed a Call & Collect service only where the customer phones in advance to see if the part they need is in stock. If it is they pay for it over the phone and then arrive at the premises to collect their item, which will be left outside the door of the premises. If the part is to be ordered the dealer will contact the customer when it arrives.

The coronavirus doesn’t affect grass growth. Lawns and sportspitches will still need to be cut and groundstaff are still out and about maintaining their facilities, even if no one is around to play on them. The Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) have recommended that golf clubs close until April 19th. They do suggest that greenkeeping staff continue maintaining the courses. On their website they state:

For security and essential maintenance purposes, greenkeeping staff can still attend work.

All work must be carried out in strict accordance with government guidelines on physical (social) distancing. Clubs should divide course staff into two teams where possible and if one becomes unavailable, the other team will still be okay to work.

I honestly hope that, when the virus crisis is over that our industry can recover from it. Many will but I’m sure there will be some casualties. In the meantime stay safe and healthy.

For the most up to date information and advice on Coronavirus, please go to:

 
https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus

hse.ie/coronavirus

gov.ie

DEUTZ has announced it will be shutting down large parts of its production in Europe (Cologne, Ulm, Herschbach, Zafra), from April 1 through April 17, 2020.

In a statement the company said many of its customers have already closed down their production or are planning to do so in the very near future. This action is also being taken in order to protect their employees. Furthermore, following consultation with employee representatives, the Company will apply for short-time working.

Against this backdrop and amidst the rapidly developing coronavirus crisis, DEUTZ is withdrawing its guidance for 2020. As it is not yet possible to assess the extent of the impact on business, it is not currently possible to update the guidance. DEUTZ has already taken precautionary measures to ensure that it has sufficient liquidity with regard to possible stress scenarios due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Frank Hiller, Chairman of the DEUTZ AG Board of Management, said, “The coronavirus crisis is forcing us to take these measures. So far, we have not had a confirmed case of coronavirus at our DEUTZ AG sites, and naturally we want it to remain that way. The health of our employees is the focus of our efforts. In addition, the precautionary measures to ensure compliance with minimum distances between employees are making efficient production currently impossible in the assembly area, which is why we have taken the decision to temporarily close down large parts of our production.”

The application process for the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Mechanisation course in IT Tralee, Co. Kerry has been changed to now go through the Central Admissions Office (CAO) – meaning prospective students should look into applying now, according to the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA).

In a statement to members on March 19th last, FTMTA chief executive Gary Ryan confirmed the news, advising potential students to apply before the CAO deadline of May 1.

“Admission to the Bachelor of Science [Agricultural Mechanisation] degree programme is now through the CAO process rather than via the direct entry system which was previously in place,” Ryan said.

This fact should be brought to the attention of any prospective student thinking of applying for a place on the course. The CAO code for the course is TL743.

The chief executive noted that, while the main closing date for CAO applications has now passed, it is still possible to apply for the course.

Ryan highlighted that late CAO applications will be accepted from Thursday, March 5, to Friday, May 1, while the online change of mind facility will be available until Wednesday, July 1.

Continuing, he said: “Prospective students, in addition to meeting the required educational standard and obtaining the necessary CAO points, must have been accepted by a sponsoring farm machinery business who will provide the required work placements during the three years of the course.”

Proof of acceptance by a sponsoring farm machinery business is an essential part of the application process.

“You may be aware that first year of the course did not run in September 2019 due to a lack of suitable candidates.”

“The college advises that there has already been a very healthy level of applications through the CAO for entry to the course this year and it is expected that the course will proceed,” Ryan concluded.

Source: Agriland

The organisers of this year's SALTEX exhibition, due to take place at the Birmingham NEC from November 4-5, have issued a statement stating that planning for the show continues to be in full swing.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the Institute Of Groundsmanship who run the show, said, "After recent consultation with our strategic partners we are hopeful that the situation we face today will have passed and that SALTEX will take place on 4 and 5 November. We understand though that this is an evolving situation. Recent exhibitions at the NEC that were scheduled to take place this March and April have already promoted the fact that they have rescheduled for October and November this year. This provides us with added confidence to continue preparations for SALTEX 2020.

"SALTEX has faced many challenges in its 74-year history and everyone associated with the exhibition - organisers, exhibitors, visitors - the groundscare industry, has always shown resilience. It is this strength and unity that defines this fantastic industry.

"We are ever mindful of the government advice and guidance. We live in hope that after this period of darkness, SALTEX and the groundscare industry will be a shining light as we plan for a brighter future and return to better days ahead.

"SALTEX 2020 will be a great opportunity for the industry to come together, to re-unite and to look ahead to the future. It is our hope that we can all gather as one and that SALTEX’s 75th anniversary will be the most vibrant and celebrated event in its long history.!

Geoff continued, "In the meantime, we have already taken the necessary measures to ensure that our team can continue the work required to deliver SALTEX this November, while at the same time planning for every eventuality.

"Of course, it is necessary to adapt to the uncertainty we are all experiencing, as government advice can change at any time. We are committed to keeping you up to date every step of the way.

"Please take care of yourselves and loved ones and remember to offer extra support to those most vulnerable. Try and maintain a positive outlook and we look forward to brighter days ahead – because they will come."

A very successful and well attended Husqvarna Open Evening was hosted by Atkins in the Oriel House Hotel, Cork on Wednesday, 26th February last.

From left: Niall Kelleher (Atkins Cork), David O’Sulivan (Atkins Fermoy), Mark Wolfe (Atkins), Andy Walsh (Liffey Aftersales Manager), Voytek Mertusak (Atkins Bandon), Darren Conboy (Atkins Cork), Martin Browne (Liffey Area Sales), James Byrne (Atkins Cork)

Andy Walsh, aftersales manager of Husqvarna Ireland distributor, outlined the technology, installation procedures, options, costs etc of the market leading Husqvarna automower range.

Atkins sales and installation staff who attended provided valuable information to potential customers, assisting with the various enquiries which arose.

Mark Wolfe, Managing Director at Atkins commented “Robot mowers now account for more than 50% of our sales over tractor mowers in the domestic market sector. These mowers have taken the industry by storm”.

Following Andy Walshe’s informative, and entertaining presentation, Mark Wolfe conducted the raffle among attendees for the Husqvarna model 310 Automower.

The range of Husqvarna Automowers is available through Atkins and there is a large stock of these products at their Carrigrohane Road depot. The Automowers can also be viewed in the Atkins web store

The agricultural machinery producer AGCO/Fendt is stopping the production at the sites Marktoberdorf and Asbach-Bäumenheim.

A statement from the company said during disruption in production, supporting dealers´ and customers´ service demands remains a top priority. At the locations Feucht, Waldstetten, Hohenmölsen and Wolfenbüttel the supply of parts is for the time being still ensured. 

“At AGCO the safety of our employees, dealers and farmers is the absolute focus of our efforts. At the same time we want to ensure that our customers can continue to work and provide food for the population“, said Christoph Gröblinghoff, chairman of the AGCO/Fendt management.

“As a responsible company we apply strict hygiene rules and offer home office solutions wherever possible. At the same time we also secure our company in order to be able to remain profitable and stable on the market. The same applies to our sales partners who want to serve the farmers in the best possible way, especially now in spring ordering and sowing. Because of the missing parts we do not see any other possibility than to stop the production. When we can start again with the tractor production depends on the parts availability of our suppliers. As soon as the supply chain is working again we are starting again."

Fresh off the success of the 2019 Open Championship it hosted, Royal Portrush Golf Club has signed another five-year agreement with Toro, bringing the relationship between the historic club and the brand to 30 years.

Course manager Graeme Beatt, centre left, with Reesink’s Doug Reid, pictured with some of the Toro fleet at Royal Portrush last year

Course manager Graeme Beatt, looking back on The Open says, “In the four years running up to the competition we made some big changes. This included adding seven new holes, 34 tees and 22 bunkers across both our courses. And the Dunluce links course, which held The Open, had added five new greens, 19 tees and 18 bunkers, plus changes to every hole of some kind. Additionally, two miles of road and 18 miles of pipe and ducting were installed to accommodate new infrastructure for spectators of The Open. Toro machinery and irrigation were integral to our prep, the course maintenance throughout the event and the aftercare. And the whole time we saw excellent results which, with 25 years of experience with Toro at the club, was nothing less than expected!”

It’s this long history that saw the club sign a further five-year agreement at the conclusion of last year, continues Graeme. “I’ve been using Toro for the majority of my career and during that time the machines have proved themselves to be reliable and robust. The finish they provide is second to none. Combined with the excellent service from Reesink Turfcare, there really was no question who we would turn to for our next renewal, especially after the huge success of The Open, which was a real team effort.

“Reesink loaned us 25 Toro machines, joining our 50-strong existing fleet, and we simply wouldn’t have been able to make such a success of hosting the event without that help. With many of the players staying late to get extra practice, we had to get the course – all 7,300 yards of it – ready within a very short time period each morning. And it wasn’t just the increased number of machines that allowed us to do this, but the efficiency and quality of those machines.”

After the conclusion of the competition, with so many spectators, Toro was needed to help with the recovery of the links course.

“The course was generally in great condition when the competition ended as the maintenance throughout was to such a high standard, from both the machinery and irrigation,” says Graeme. “However the spectator areas had seen a lot of stress, so it was important to have high-quality machinery to aid the turf’s recovery.”

With the course back up to standard and a new agreement in place, Graeme’s thoughts turned to the next five years and he has big plans: “We’re looking at bringing in Infinity sprinklers across the whole course after seeing them in action on the new holes. They perform so well, particularly in windy conditions which we have a lot of here! We’re also considering introducing hybrid mowers to the fleet. Not only are they better for the environment and eliminate any possibility of an oil leak, but they are now tried and tested machines.”

But ultimately, what this latest deal does is “continue to provide golfers with a championship standard experience,” says Graeme.

Kress UK have announced that they have appointed Cyril Johnston as an exclusive distributor for Ireland.

Kress open day at Cyril Johnston

Tony Macer, Kress UK national account manager said, "The Cyril Johnston team are a forward looking company and are the perfect partner for us to develop the Kress brand alongside in us in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The recent open day proved to be a great success, with many dealers signing up on the day. We are looking forward to growing together with Cyril Johnston, providing dealers and their customers with a robotic mower rich in features unique in the market."

Tom Black, general manager of Cyril Johnston said, "We are proud to partner with Positec UK to be able to offer their innovative selection of Kress robotic lawnmowers in Ireland. This exciting range of products offers us and our customers the opportunity to enter into a growing sector of the market with a strong proposition.

"Our approach to the market will be a comprehensive one, with the establishment of a Kress network across the country. All customers joining us on this journey will be offered extensive product and installation training, point-of-sale material for their showrooms and a real opportunity to generate profit."

A recent open day at Cyril Johnston;s on Friday 6th March, saw over one hundred invited dealers from around the Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland attend, with some gathering at the Stormont hotel for an evening meal and entertainment the night before.