Do not adjust your watches, it's not Friday yet. In fact tomorrow is Good Friday, hence this Weekly Update being with you 24 hours early this week.

I won't take up too much of your time today, because hopefully you'll be gearing up in your dealerships for a busy Easter period. Traditionally it was said that this weekend was the real start of the garden machinery dealer's season. If it was warm and sunny, people would be getting their mowers out of the shed for the first time since the winter - and discovering they either needed it fixed or required a new one.

Hence the Easter weekend was perceived as a real barometer, or at least a kick-start, for the season ahead.

However, the past couple of years, including this one, cannot exactly be described as 'traditional'. Far from it. Lockdowns, distanced trading and an ongoing stocking crisis has meant that we've been in a weird, parallel world. Everything has looked sort of familiar, but it's most definitely off!

So who knows how normal an Easter weekend this will be for our readers? Are you expecting more of a regular one than the past couple of years? Or has the fact that supply is so unreliable put paid to that? Do let us know in the comments below.

Some mower good news

In fact due to there being so much doom and gloom in the news lately, I was looking around trying to find some straws to clutch at, as something encouraging I could pass on ahead of the bank holidays - but the best I could do is as follows . . .

You know how in recent times when there's been a story about lawnmowing in the mainstream press, it's predominately about how mowing is bad for the environment and how homeowners and councils should just let it grow (No Mow May is coming up again soon for example). Whenever I see one of those, I always think it's not the most cheering for a good proportion of our readers, whose livelihoods are based around the cultivation of grass.

Well this week I saw someone who describes themselves as one of the UK’s "leading experts on lawns and grass care" refute these claims and in fact encourage gardeners to continue mowing to help the environment.

Richard Salmon, who admittedly as the founder of ProLawnCareUK has a vested interest in keeping lawns maintained, is adamant that simply adjusting the mower and using it more frequently is good for both nature and the grass.

In a statement to the press, Richard said, "We have 20 million plus domestic lawns in the UK. The vast majority are in inner city and urban areas where they are a vital green lung. Anything we can do to keep them healthy is good for nature and humans, and regular mowing is key to this."

He continued, “Weekly mowing encourages the grass to tiller or thicken out. This produces a greater green leaf area per m2 which, in turn, absorbs more Co2 during photosynthesis, keeping lawns green and releasing more oxygen to atmosphere. The more dense the lawn the better for all food sources."

Richard also said that leaving lots of uncut grass means it discolours, significantly reducing photosynthesis which, in turn, results in less oxygen being produced. He also stressed how it is,  " . .extremely untidy and requires more power to mow at the end of the season, and takes several weeks of cutting before the lawn returns to the verdant carpet it was prior to the no-mow regime.”

So there you go. A great counter argument to those who choose to decry the process of lawnmowing.

Whether it helps you sell machinery you haven't got, probably not?! But regardless, have a happy and prosperous Easter weekend!

We'll see you next week, back in the regular Friday slot.

Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd., has announced it has acquired a majority share in ELEO Technologies B.V., a battery technology company based in Helmond, the Netherlands.

The ELEO advanced modular battery system for off-road applications

The company says by integrating ELEO’s advanced, scalable, and modular battery technology, they will further its electrified powertrain capabilities with versatile, customised solutions for off-road applications.

“We are thrilled to partner with Yanmar”, said ELEO co-founder Bas Verkaik. “Yanmar’s leading position, premium brand reputation, global network and decades-long experience in off-road applications and ELEO’s advanced modular battery systems are a perfect match to accelerate the adoption of electrified powertrain solutions worldwide.”

Yanmar acquired a majority share in ELEO through its subsidiary Yanmar Europe B.V., by means of a series of related transactions including a full exit of early-stage investor Lumipol Group. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

After joining the Yanmar Group as part of Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd., ELEO will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity under its own brand at its current location in Helmond, the Netherlands. ELEO’s founders Bas Verkaik, Jeroen Bleker and Bram van Diggelen, will maintain their focus on strengthening the company’s technology and accelerating business growth. The founders will be joined by key executives from Yanmar to form the company’s management board.

“Yanmar is committed to delivering electric powertrain solutions that enable our customers to adopt zero-emission technology without compromising on productivity,” said Tomohisa Tao, President of Yanmar Power Technology. “The investment in ELEO gives us the opportunity to adopt highly innovative technology that has been engineered for the tough conditions in which our end-users work."

According to figures released by the AEA, UK agricultural tractor registrations were once again slightly below last year's level in March.

"However," said Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA, "as March 2021 saw the highest number of registrations for any month since 2012, that is hardly surprising.

"This year's total of 1,976 machines was only 5% lower and was almost 20% higher than the average for the time of year between 2016 and 2020."

Registrations for the year to date were 7% lower than in the first quarter of last year but 8% above the recent average, at 3,047 machines.

The Turfgrass Growers Association have announced that the Turfgrass Summer Show is returning for 2022.

Last held in 2020, the date for this year’s event is Thursday 28th July. Turffit will host the event with organisers saying they are looking forward to welcoming all the members and the turfgrass industry to Kinross, Scotland. 

The TGA say this event attracts all those involved in turfgrass production, from growers to the ancillary industry and will host an exhibition and demonstration to provide an interactive opportunity for those who attend.

The event will also be registered for both BASIS and NRoSO points which will be available on the day.

For more information, contact admin@britishgrowers.org

Organisers say more than 1,500 farmers and industry specialists are expected to descend on a farm on the Staffordshire border when a farming event returns this summer.  

 
The Arable Event, which is organised by Wynnstay and GrainLink, will take place on June 15th at Woodlands Farm, part of the Bradford Estates in Weston Under Lizard. 
 
Free to attend, organisers say the event sees visitors sharing knowledge and expertise, viewing extensive trial plantings while also getting hands-on experience of the latest farm machinery. Technical seminars will also be run with guest speakers. 
 
This year’s trial plots, grown by Bradford Farming LLP in partnership with Syngenta, will include winter and spring cereals and cover crops with regular tours on the day from Wynnstay specialists.  
 
There will be demonstrations of the latest working farm machinery and a moisture meter clinic run by Sinar Technology. Those attending the event will also be able to collect points towards BASIS and NroSO qualifications. 
 
This year’s special focus is on wellbeing in the farming community, with talks from mental health campaigners as part of the wider day of agricultural activities. This will include a session with Jude McCann, the CEO of the Farming Community Network speaking specifically about securing farmers’ resilience in a changing world. 
 
Event manager Kelly Dolphin said, “The pressures of working in agriculture are clearly documented and will have been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic and issues of isolation caused by lockdown. Protecting the emotional wellbeing of people working in the arable and farming sector is a key priority, which is why we are bringing this to the fore this year. 
 
“Our speakers will talk about identifying the triggers and warning signs that someone needs help as well as discussing what support is available in the agricultural sector. These sessions, combined with our regular popular features such as the trial plots, trade stands and machinery demonstrations will provide a holistic day of activities for arable specialists.” 
 
The Arable Event runs from 9am to 5pm with free refreshments throughout the day, a programme and Arable Event cooler bag for visitors.  

Campey Turf Care Systems has announced the launch of Campey Australia.

Rob Jenkins, new product specialist for Campey Australia
 
This expansion will see an established Campey Turf Care presence in the country which will collaborate with dealers to provide machinery and customer service.
 
The Australian arm of the brand will be overseen by Campey product specialist Rob Jenkins, who is based in Melbourne and has 20 years of turf experience across the world from top stadiums and golf courses through consultancy and sales. During his time in the UK, Rob worked with Campey and gained what he sees as a ‘sales apprenticeship’ from Richard Campey.
 
“I’m excited to be working with Campey again and get back to what I learnt when I was in the UK,” Rob said. “I’ve used the Campey ideology throughout my career, and that is built on a range of sports turf renovation equipment designed to rejuvenate worn pitches quickly without reliance on manufactured chemicals.
 
“Over time, I’ve seen a lot of countries turn away from harmful synthetic products to sustainable approaches to rejuvenate the soil, and in that area, Campey has it all. They have been providing these machines for over 30 years with proven results all over the globe, and we want to establish that in Australia. 
 
“Another part of their philosophy is getting machines out for people to try and demo. We’ll be working with our dealers as part of that process because getting out to customers is what has made the Campey name renowned not just in the UK but across many parts of the world, and we want to replicate that here. Of course, a large part of that is the service they provide, and we are currently looking for dealers in all States who can collaborate with us to provide that.
 
Export sales manager for Campey Turf Care, Nick Brown has welcomed Rob on behalf of the whole team. Nick said, "This project is very much a part of the current expansion programme that has recently seen the appointment of 15 additional Campey distributors across the world. Campey Australia is an extension of this and plays an important part in channeling sales across this strategically important area."

Every two years, a jury of international agricultural and agricultural engineering journalists presents the Farm Machine Awards. Normally, these are awarded at Agritechnica, but due to the cancellation of this year's event, the German Landwirtschaftsverlag (dlv) decided on a digital award, with the jury presenting the new Claas Trion with an award in the 'Combine Harvester' category.

Jan-Hendrik Mohr, who is responsible for the grain harvesting business area on the Claas Group executive board said, "The Farm Machine Award is a great honour for everyone who worked on this product and confirms our development goal of a strongly customer-oriented, technologically broad-based mid-range combine harvester.

“Rarely before have farmers and contractors from all the important growing regions in the world been so central to a new machine development as with the Trion. As a result, we can now cover an equipment range from low-spec to high-spec from 258 hp, which gives customers the opportunity to catch up technologically with the Lexion, or to use a simple machine without a lot of electronics to suit their business.”

The TRION was first presented and launched in Europe in the summer of 2021, with 20 models in the range and options of straw-walker, single rotor and twin rotor versions.

STIHL has extended its range of cordless brushcutters with the launch of the RGA 140, the first tool in the STIHL AP System dedicated for use with the STIHL RG cutting head, enabling maintenance workers, landscapers and groundskeepers to cut weeds and grass with ease in sensitive areas. 

Taking inspiration from the popular FSA 135 brushcutter and RG gearbox, the new RGA 140 features oscillating disc blades with low rotational energy, enabling low-spin mowing on hard surfaces and around fragile obstacles such as cars or greenhouses. Not only does this reduce the risk of flicking stones but, due to its low spin mowing and tailored RPM, the new brushcutter also reduces the safety distances to 3m from objects and 5m from people, making the tool ideal for use in built-up areas. 

The RGA 140 also boasts a 230mm cutting diameter and ergonomic controls. Featuring a quiet EC motor with three-speed settings and a clear LED display, users can continuously regulate the speed in order to work as efficiently as possible. In addition, the new brushcutter utilises a bike handle for well-balanced operation, offering comfortable use for professionals, particularly over long periods of time. 

Part of the AP System, the RGA 140 is compatible with STIHL's Smart Connector 2 A and features a mounting point on the tool housing, facilitating effective and timely maintenance, as well as increased productivity and reduced downtime. This model provides professionals with a long service life thanks to its sturdy motor housing, mesh air filter, and robust gearbox. Working time with the recommended AP 300 S battery is up to 100 minutes.

For more information on STIHL’s extensive range of brushcutters, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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