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EDITOR'S BLOG

WHO SAID WE ONLY CUT GRASS?!
It takes years to acquire all the turf professional skills
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

Every task we undertake enables us to face new challenges and gain new skills and experiences - and there are a plethora of training courses available to help us expand our knowledge.

For far too many years our sports turf and amenity sector has been tarnished with those immortal words, ‘you only cut grass?’ Far too many people do not appreciate the skills and knowledge required to manage a living, growing landscape facility.

Whether it is growing plants, managing sports turf, or looking after large tracts of land there is need to have a specific knowledge and understanding of what you are managing to fulfil the potential of that managed facility.

It takes many years to acquire all the skills needed to be a professional grounds manager / turf professional.

Take the role of becoming a greenkeeper. The GTC state a fully trained, qualified golf course greenkeeper must be competent in the following:-

Monitor and maintain health, safety and security in the workplace
Responding to emergencies
Maintain good standards of health and safety for self and others
Communicating effectively
Dealing with disagreements/conflict
Keeping management informed
Understanding their roles and responsibilities
Switching and brushing
A range of mowing
Scarifying/grooming/verti-cutting turf
Aerating turf
Applying fertiliser/turf conditioner
Applying top dressing
Repairing divots
Irrigating turf
Identifying and controlling weeds, pests, turf diseases and disorders
Preparing ground to establish turf
Establishing turf
Identifying grasses on the golf course
Marking of hazards, out of bounds and ground under repair
Moving tee markers
Maintaining bunkers
Maintaining golf course furniture
Changing holes
Rolling turf
Driving a tractor with implements
Undertaking routine machine maintenance
Preparing machinery for use
Preparing machinery for storage
Measuring green speed and interpreting the results
The rules of golf relating to golf course maintenance
Preparing ground to establish plants on the golf course
Establishing plants on the golf course
Maintaining trees and shrubs on the golf course
Identifying plants on the golf course

A formidable list of skills and knowledge required. It often takes between three to five years to acquire the basic levels of knowledge and expertise along with undertaking various college tutoring to gain the relevant qualifications required to become a qualified greenkeeper.

Also, along the journey the candidate will be expected to attend government recommended courses that relate to the safe use of machinery and chemicals that are used in the workplace.

We never stop learning. Every task and job we undertake in this sector enables us to face new challenges and gain new skills and experiences.

For many years we have seen a plethora of industry courses introduced that are now required under government legislation - particularly those related to the use of machinery and certain chemicals used in the control of weeds, pests and diseases.

Lantra are one of our country’s leading awarding bodies for land-based industries in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Over many years they have developed a vast range of quality training and recognised qualifications that are delivered through a national network of training provider partners.

They have developed training and qualifications in a wide range of areas, from forestry and horticulture, to agriculture and landscape and much more besides for the last 40 years. They now have over 400 land-based courses on offer.

Their courses are developed by industry experts who know the sector inside out. They include a mix of training only and assessed training options and are packed with practical skills and technical content to help you develop and succeed in your career.

L-R David Fisher, Ian Pryce, Alison Spibey, John Spibey, Mandy Maynard

I recently met up with Lantra’s head of industry partnerships, David Fisher and national account manager, Mandy Maynard at Harper Adams University where they were launching one of the first new battery powered certificated training courses for anyone who is expected to use battery powered equipment.

As technology moves on, an increasing number of handheld machines such as chainsaws, leaf blowers and powered pole pruners are battery powered. This add-on course is designed to give you the training required in safe use of battery powered equipment.

Lantra have partnered up on this with battery tool manufacturer, EGO. Established in 1993, today the company are one of the world’s biggest tool manufacturers, producing over 10 million units each year, selling in 65 countries worldwide.

L-R Ian Pryce, Harper Adams and Mandy Maynard, Lantra

EGO is providing a range of battery powered equipment for the new courses. With Harper Adams University getting some equipment for use on these. On hand to receive this equipment was short courses manager Ian Pryce and John Spibey of TWR Training, one of the nominated trainers who will be delivering these new courses.

The course is a mixture of theory and practical demonstration.

The course is designed to be offered as an addition to other Lantra courses that cover the maintenance and use of hand-held equipment such as: chainsaws, powered pole pruners, hedge trimmers, brushcutters, strimmers and leaf blowers.

Alison Spibey, TWR Training

Lantra say that Anyone who works with chainsaws and landscape tools could attend the course. By the end attendees will have worked through:

Health and safety information
How to install a battery
How to remove a battery
Transport and storage
Safe disposal or the battery, battery charger and machine
Maintenance of battery equipment.

For any further information on these courses you can contact Lantra direct or through Ian Pryce at Harper Adams University.

David Fisher, Lantra, Lantra House, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, CV8 2LG, david.fisher@lantra.co.uk

Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB Tel: +44 (0) 1952 820280 Fax: +44 (0) 1952 814783

And finally, I would just like to remind you there is still time to benefit from the fantastic opportunity to win a trip to Louisville!

There’s the chance for you and a guest to attend GIE+EXPO in the USA this October.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is giving one lucky reader plus their guest, the chance to visit GIE+EXPO, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment show in Louisville, USA, in October 2020.

The winner of this amazing free to enter competition, who must currently work as a turf professional, will win two tickets to the show as well as travel to the US, transfers and accommodation.

So what are you waiting for?! Get entering and it could be you!

NEWS

IOG PROPOSE NAME CHANGE
To 'Grounds Management Association’

IOG have called an Extraordinary General Meeting for 2nd April at Edgbaston CCC, where members have the opportunity to vote in person for the rebrand.

AMENITY STANDARD WELCOMED
By all sides of sector says Amenity Forum

The new Amenity Standard is already being incorporated into tender documents and specifications going forward say the Amenity Forum.

Following its recent launch, the Amenity Standard has been very much welcomed by all sides of the amenity sector and is already being incorporated into tender documents and specifications going forward say the Amenity Forum.

The Amenity Standard, when held and displayed, demonstrates that all operational activities undertaken are at the highest professional standards and fully comply with all regulations, codes of best practice and follow all best practice guidance.

The Standard is being administered by the Amenity Forum and any Amenity Standard organisation must be a member of an approved assurance scheme. Organisations will not pay any extra to be part of the Standard; only the fees required to be a member of the relevant assurance scheme. The Forum audits the scheme operators involved not the individual organisations. At launch, three assurance schemes were recognised but discussions are on-going with all sub sectors of the important but diverse amenity sector about recognising further schemes or indeed in development of new ones. Indeed recently, a further scheme is seeking recognition applicable to distributors who supply products to local authorities, contractors and others.

The Amenity Forum believe the establishment of the Amenity Standard is a game changing moment for the sector seeking to provide the public and all involved with the assurance that amenity management operations wherever undertaken are safe, appropriate and at the highest standards. Integrated management approaches are core to this, making use of all methods available to achieve optimum results.

The Amenity Standard was formally launched in Scotland at a specially convened conference in February and will be central to a further conference being organised in Wales in May. The Standard has the backing of all national governments throughout the UK and is very much aligned to thinking as the UK government seeks to review the National Action Plan relating to weed, pest and disease management in the coming months. Organisations providing amenity management either for clients or indeed in house, are encouraged by the Amenity Forum to deliver at the Amenity Standard and to discuss how this can best be achieved, they can contact admin@amenityforum.net

Steve Hewitt, manager for the Standard, said, ‘’What goes on in the amenity sector is often unpublicised and unrecognised but those who operate within it are those creating safe, healthy amenity and sports surfaces fit for purpose. This applies to our streets and pavements, our roads and rail, our parks, our sports pitches, golf courses and more.

"The Amenity Standard is designed to give assurance to all who use such facilities that operations are carried out to the highest professional levels of best practice. In future, we would like to see that all amenity operations can demonstrate the Standard giving assurances equivalent to seeing the Red Tractor when buying food.’’

NEWS

SALTEX PLAN INCREASED INDOOR DEMOS FOR 2020
Due to visitor demand

There are more demos planned for SALTEX's Eco Village this year

Show organisers have announced that an increased number of indoor demonstrations will be taking place at SALTEX 2020 in a large dedicated arena on the show floor.

Show organisers have announced, that due to visitor demand, an increased number of indoor demonstrations will be taking place at SALTEX 2020 in a large dedicated arena on the show floor.

At the 2019 edition, the Eco Village demonstration area offered visitors the opportunity to view the latest green technology in groundscare and played host to daily demonstrations of sustainable products, which included electric mowers, loaders, brushcutters, hedgecutters, chainsaws and woodchippers.

The organisers say this feature proved successful and attracted large crowds of onlookers, which gave exhibitors the opportunity to promote their products in more detail. In fact, according to the SALTEX organisers every exhibitor that participated in the Eco Village reported an increase in footfall to their stand.

At last year’s event for example, Avant UK demonstrated its new electric loader in the Eco Village and John Spencer, national sales manager, felt that it put them directly in the spotlight. “A working area is a great show feature," he said. "Visitors love live demonstrations. It’s good to see all the machines and equipment on static stands but getting the chance to see them in action is a great opportunity.

“Last year’s Eco Village proved popular with the visitors, as a good size crowd gathered each time we demonstrated. Not only did this gain interest in our electric models, but it also drew the visitors to our main stand to look at all our other diesel and petrol models too.”

SALTEX say many exhibitors are already signing up to the new demonstration feature which is set to be more than twice the size of the Eco Village.

Commenting on the enlarged demonstration arena, SALTEX and events director Luke Perry said, “The success of SALTEX is achieved by listening to every single piece of feedback following a show. According to the post-show visitor survey there is a real desire to see more indoor demonstrations on the show floor. Therefore, for 2020 we have taken the decision to display more indoor demonstrations and make the experience even better.

“Not only will it be a fantastic attraction for visitors, but it will also be a great opportunity for exhibitors to proudly put their products directly in front of over 9,000 relevant visitors who have the appetite and budget for new equipment.”

SALTEX 2020 will take place at the NEC, Birmingham on 4 and 5 November.

NEW ROLES AT CAMPEY
For Ethan Yates and Dave Stonier

Campey Turf Care Systems has appointed a product specialist for North West England and the Isle of Man and a product demonstrator for Asia and the Middle East.

Campey Turf Care Systems has appointed Ethan Yates as product specialist for North West England and the Isle of Man and expanded the role of product demonstrator, Dave Stonier, to include Asia and the Middle East.

L-R: Ethan Yates and Dave Stonier

Ethan has worked at Campey since 2013, starting in the workshop as a New Holland apprentice while completing a three year agricultural course at Reaseheath College where he achieved triple distinction and was awarded the best academic student in his year. His experience within Campey continued when he moved into the role of product demonstrator in 2016 before taking up his new role in December 2019.

Campey has also expanded the role of product demonstrator, Dave Stonier. Dave has been with the company since 2015, having gained eight years of mechanical knowledge in his previous role and has worked as a product demonstrator throughout his five years at Campey. During that time, he has built his knowledge working with Lee Morgado on pitch renovations, demos and product installations in Europe and Scandinavia. Having progressed into the role, Dave has completed numerous installations and demos across Europe and has also represented Campey at trade shows in the UK, America and Eastern Europe. This hands-on experience made him the ideal candidate to continue the company's presence in Asia and the Middle East.

Speaking on the appointments, Campey managing director, Julia Campey said: “For the past seven years it’s been great to see Ethan progress through the company. Because he has spent time working in different areas of the business, he has a very detailed knowledge of the machines and how they work, and he is very capable of sharing that with customers. We’re all very happy to have seen him progress to this point and know he will excel in this role.

“Dave’s progression has been similar to Ethan’s in that he has been working with us for a number of years and really understands the machines and how they work. His enthusiasm for travel and knowledge makes him a great person for this job, and we’re all looking forward to seeing the progress he makes.”

STILL TIME TO WIN A TRIP TO LOUISVILLE!
Your chance for you and a guest to attend GIE+EXPO in the USA this October

There is still time for you to enter our competition which is offering one lucky turf professional plus their guest, the chance to visit GIE+EXPO, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment show in Lousiville, USA, in October 2020.

The winner of this amazing free to enter competition, who must currently work as a turf professional, will win two tickets to the show as well as travel to the US, transfers and accommodation.

Between the 21st-23rd October, GIE+EXPO will showcase the hottest products and technological innovations in the global outdoor power equipment industry - and you could be immersed in the latest developments plus be able to network with peers from across the world.

Throughout the three days you will be able to visit over 1000 exhibitors across the showfloor. There is even 20 acres of outdoor space for demonstrations and test-driving, so you can put the equipment through its paces.

This really is an incredible opportunity to get away from your place of work for a few days and to come back with a wealth of new ideas from across the globe.

To enter, visit the TurfPro website.

NORWICH CITY FC MAKE SIGNIFICANT FUNGICIDE SAVINGS
And see rapid establishment

After switching over to Johnsons Sports Seed four years ago, grounds manager at Norwich City, Gary Kemp, has praised the combination of Johnsons J Pitch, and J Premier Pitch.

Gary Kemp, Norwich City FC

The products have been used at the Carrow Road stadium and across the surfaces at the club’s training ground. While delivering improved disease resistance and great wear tolerance, it’s the speed of establishment that grounds manager Gary Kemp says has really impressed.

“One of the main issues we have is the very short turnover period between the end of the season and the start of the next,” explains Gary, who heads up a team of nine grounds staff. “With concerts and other events we often have just a few weeks to complete our renovations.”

With the advice of his DLF Seeds regional technical manager Craig Spooner and external contractors, this is now possible. “As our window of opportunity reduced, we trialled various seed mixtures and found that Johnsons delivered the quickest and strongest germination and establishment.”

Now solely using the Johnsons J Premier Pitch and J Pitch mixtures, Gary says he has been very happy with the results across the two facilities. “Year on year it helps us deliver our renovations on time, giving great wear tolerance and great colour which is particularly important for our stadium pitch. This last year has also been one of the best years we’ve had in terms of disease occurrence, despite the peaks and troughs we had with temperatures and rainfall. We think we’ve saved close to £10,000 in fungicide applications this year, and this is only going to become more important, with changes in legislation, moving forward.

“With Johnsons, you know that there’s a huge amount of research and development going on behind the scenes to develop mixtures that help us out with everyday problems, such as disease resistance, the ever-challenging issues with the weather and shade issues in stadia. The results we’ve achieved with their mixtures are proof that we can withstand those factors and it puts us in the best position to cope with whatever is thrown at us moving forward.”

PELLENC LAUNCH 4-YEAR WARRANTY
For all their batteries

Pellenc UK has announced the launch of a four-year commercial warranty for all batteries and three-year warranty for all tools.

Les Malin, managing director of Etesia UK, the UK distributor for Pellenc commented, “A commercial user requires a commercial warranty. Since 2014, all Pellenc batteries and tools have had a three-year commercial warranty in the UK.

"Now, all new Pellenc batteries, purchased from 1st March 2020, will carry a four-year commercial warranty and three-year commercial warranty on all Pellenc tools.”

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