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EDITOR'S BLOG

BUSY SHOW SEASON UPON US
Plenty to interest turf professionals
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

September sees a number of trade shows where there will be plenty of opportunity to keep up to speed with the latest developments, products and education.

Firstly this week, I read with interest a thought provoking article about the current state of parks which considered mowing grass policies and regimes by a parks professional Known as 'The Pramulator'. A London-based gardener, the piece was published on the Parks Management Association website and is well worth a read.

He talks about how park budgets have been slashed over many years, with local authorities now facing further budget cuts that will change the way local authorities must manage these public assets. I can concur with his thoughts, having myself witnessed over thirty years of budgets cuts working as a parks professional and currently as a Green Flag judge. Every year we continue to see an eroding of parks standards.

So, as he says, it’s time to ask can parks continue to provide what, at their best, they have always provided? Or are we entering a new world where parks, or rather councils, can no longer provide for us in the way we have come to expect?

Show business

Moving on, September sees a number of trade shows planned for the industry. I personally will be attending this year’s inaugural GroundFest at the Stoneleigh Showground, Warwickshire on the 20th and 21st September. In its publicity the organisers promise the show will feature outdoor demonstrations, indoor zones, education, interactive workstations, machinery workshops, a wellbeing hub and a live music festival.

It will be certainly interesting to see how well attended this new show will be, especially as September is usually a very busy month for many grounds professionals and dealers.

The next show I am due to attend is The Landscape Show at the NEC on the 27th and 28th September, where I will be conducting a talk on lawn maintenance.

We then have to wait until November 1st and 2nd for the next major show, SALTEX held at the NEC and run by the GMA. The event is known for the quality, range and breadth of professional development opportunities it provides through its established Learning LIVE programme. This year, over 20 presenters will speak across three stages in two days.

We then have FutureScape 2023 on the 21st and 22nd of November, another must-attend landscaping event. For the past eight years, it has been a vital addition to the calendar for anyone within the industry.

And finally we must not forget the popular greenkeeping show at Harrogate in January 2024, BTME. Dates are 23rd 24th and 25th January 2024 with their educational events beginning on the 21st and running until the 24th.

So, we have plenty of opportunities to keep up to speed with the latest developments, products and educational opportunities within our industry. I hope to catch up with as many TurfPro readers and supporters as possible across all these upcoming events.

NEWS

NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES ON HAND TO SPEAK WITH VISITORS
At upcoming trade show

In our first WEB ONLY story, support is to be offered to turf professionals in learning how they can use new framework to upskill and improve their playing surface.

TOP SPORTS BROADCASTER CONFIRMED
To host industry awards

In our next WEB ONLY story, Hayley McQueen is best known for her work as lead anchor of Sky Sports News.

PRO MACHINERY ROADSHOW SET TO TAKE PLACE
Manufacturer on tour

Professional products will be on show and end-users will be able to gt hands on with new technology.

STIHL has announced that their Fully Charged Roadshow will return this October.

Aimed at professional users, the manufacturer says it is an opportunity to get hands on with their AP battery-powered tool system and meet their team of trained experts.

Simon Hewitt, head of marketing at STIHL GB, said, “More and more professional users are moving towards battery technology, so this national event allows us to highlight STIHL’s extensive range of professional tools and how they can meet the requirements of the most demanding applications."

The dates and venues are:

3rd October - York Gate Garden, Leeds
4th October - Newcastle Holiday Inn, Newcastle
5th October - Dalkeith Country Park, Edinburgh
10th October - Myerscough College, Preston
11th October - Harper Adam, Shropshire
12th October - Melton College, Melton Mowbray
16th October - Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
17th October - Bicton College, Devon
18th October - Sparsholt College, Winchester
19th October - Writtle College, Chelmsford

CANARIES IMPROVE POST-MATCH CUT EFFICIENCY
Praise from head of grounds

Norwich City FC's Adam Grantham says not only have they been able to 20 minutes off the job but can go a bit slower to achieve a clean, crisp finish.

Norwich City FC have recently added a third Infinicut SM34 rotary mower to their fleet at Carrow Road, with head of grounds, Adam Grantham, saying that the delivery in June 2023, has improved efficiency when it comes to the post-match cut.

Initially using a pair of Infinicuts primarily for debris clearance and the post-match clean-up cut, Adam says he could see the possibilities a third SM34 could bring to the efficiency of operations, with the latest machine delivered in time for the start of the new season.

“The trio have become a big part of our preparations as we move through the week," he said, "particularly during periods where we want to let the pitch ‘be’ for a little while - cutting with the rotaries to remove quantity ahead of a final cut with the cylinders.”

Adam continued, “Post match training is quite a regular thing here at Norwich so frequently the team and I are having to wait close to an hour following the end of a match before we can get on and cut. This extra machine not only knocks 20 minutes off the job but now means we can each go a bit slower to achieve a really clean, crisp finish.”

He concluded, “Normally you get speed or finesse with a machine, but rarely both. With the SM34’s we can tick those boxes to the benefit of my team and the pitch quality alike.”

KARCHER FINDS NEW UK DISTRIBUTION
Partnership announced

The new distributor says they expect the reach achieved via their dealer network will be compelling for customers.

Kramp and Kärcher have announced an exclusive distribution partnership to supply the UK agricultural market.

Under this partnership, the two companies say they will combine their "industry knowledge, resources, and technological advancements" to provide cleaning equipment tailored specifically for agricultural applications. It is part of a broader European collaboration which has seen similar deals rolled out in Denmark and France.

“We are excited to be able to stock the Kärcher range,” says Craig Marsh, assortment manager for Kramp UK. “They are the most recognised brand for industrial pressure washers and vacuum cleaners. The Kärcher team can offer excellent technical product support and on-site training for new customers. Combining this with Kramp’s reach with its dealer network and ability to deliver next-day delivery is a compelling offer for farmers.

"Our customers have already enquired about when they can place their first orders," added Craig.

TRADE SHOW ANNOUNCES ITS NEW KEY THEME
For 2024 edition

Organisers say the focus of the topic will be the responsibility the green industry bears regarding the role the garden plays in society.

'Responsible Gardens' has been announced by the organisers of spoga+gafa 2024 as the key theme of their next trade fair.

In Cologne from 16 to 18 June 2024, the show says that the industry will be reflecting upon the responsibility it bears regarding the current and future challenges and solutions relating to the role the garden plays in society. Together with the green industry, spoga+gafa says it will place the centre of attention on the different levels of responsible behaviour in and around private green spaces from the points of view of the manufacturers, suppliers and consumers.

Stefan Lohrberg, Director of spoga+gafa explained, "The focus of the topic is the responsibility the green industry bears regarding the role the garden plays in society. Together with our exhibitors and visitors, spoga+gafa will find the answers to these questions."

Resource-saving gardening, fairly produced garden products, low-emission BBQ technologies, climate-friendly garden care and irrigation, but also a responsible rapport between garden owners are promised at the show.. Stefan Lohrberg continued, "The more responsibly we treat private green spaces, the more social and personally-relevant our gardens, balconies and terraces will become. That is our to-do list for the coming years."

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