LOOKING AHEAD What might 2020 hold in store? by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR
I personally would like to see our local authorities prosper with the availability of enhanced funds to reverse the decline of many parks and open spaces and see many more parks being awarded Green Flag status.
Following all the Christmas festivities we are now on our next journey, the start of a new year and new decade that will no doubt bring a lot of challenges, opportunities and changes in the way we manage our amenity land assets in the coming years.
There will be exciting times ahead. Managing and maintaining an ever-changing living landscape has always been a challenge. The sheer diversity of it all is immense. Not only do we have to cope with the expectations of the end users, but constantly be ahead of the weather fronts and developing technologies.
Not having a crystal ball makes it difficult to predict what the future holds for our industry and those who work in it. However now, after the recent election results, Brexit will be well and truly done - and it will be interesting to see how that pans out for many of our manufacturers and suppliers in the coming years. Hopefully it will give confidence and see some increased investment being made, thus promoting some much-needed growth in our economy.
I personally would like to see our local authorities prosper with the availability of enhanced funds to reverse the decline of many parks and open spaces and see many more parks being awarded Green Flag status. Last year we had over 1700 parks awarded Green Flag in the UK.
Technology and innovation are moving at a great pace. Robotic mowers and battery powered equipment are becoming more wildly used in both the domestic and professional sectors.
The use of hybrid powered machinery will continue to grow, while larger petrol and diesel-powered vehicles will come under increased scrutiny.
The following three videos depict how quickly companies and businesses have to change and adapt to meet customers’ expectations and needs. During Saltex 2019 I managed to catch up with several industry personnel and manufacturers representatives and got them to reflect on the needs of the industry.
My first interview was with Gary and Sharon from Mansfield Sand who spoke about the challenges of suppling a range of top dressing and sand products to the sports turf industry.
The second was with Rupert Price from Price Turfcare who was proud of how well the new Ventrac 4500Y tractor unit was selling and becoming very popular with a lot of estate and golf course managers who need a versatile machine that can do a lot of different tasks when used with a range of attachments.
I also caught up with Matthew Hadley from Catalyst Computer Systems who spoke about the ever-changing demand for business software solutions to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of companies.
All three demonstrate how quickly our industry is capable to adapt to change and future challenges.
To view all of my interviews which I conducted at SALTEX, as well as to watch our archive of clips, please visit the TurfPro YouTube channel. Whilst there why not subscribe to be kept up to date with all our forthcoming video content.
There is no getting away from it, the smartphone and computer technologies are only going to increase and become a larger part of our industry in the coming years. We are already seeing the development of drones and robotics taking off at a rapid rate. Battery powered mowers are now at the forefront of many mower manufacturers minds. Both Dennis and Allett for example have now gone into full production of the next generation of battery powered pedestrian mowers.
STIHL, Husqvarna and Echo have been developing an ever-increasing range of battery powered products for both the professional and domestic markets. My recent trip to STIHL’s Tirol factory in Austria highlighted the investment and R&D going into the next generation of battery powered products.
I personally find it mind blowing to see the total range of machinery and hand-held tools we now have at our disposal, compared to 30 years ago. All are aimed at increasing efficiency, quality of work, and safety of the operator.
Looking ahead I would like to briefly address what I believe will be one of the major concerns for our industry in the coming years - how we are going to attract and retain the next generation into coming and working in our industry? This was a topic that was talked about at length at the recent Service Dealer Conference 2019.
I, like most who attended the conference, was totally enthralled by a talk by Dr Eliza Filby who spoke about the challenges of attracting and retaining people into the workplace.
I would like to see our industry formally come together collectively to promote the values and opportunities that are available for this next generation and find a way of selling and portraying the values of working in this sector. There needs to be a national strategy that funds the opportunity for the industry to be promoted in every school and college / university.
Deputy head groundsperson/sole charge £25,591-£32,662
Groundsperson (skilled) £23,932-£30,530
Groundsperson £19,174-£24,460
Junior groundsperson £16,303 (Age 17)
Junior groundsperson (aged 16) £13,538.
- I do believe getting companies to honour and deliver these pay scales will again be a challenge.
We are essentially the curators and managers who maintain a bio living environment for the benefit of everybody who lives on this planet. We therefore need to have in place a strategy and structure to replace the wide ranging, talented people who have spent their lives dedicated to looking after a valuable living resource.
I hope that we as an industry can rise to the challenge and can recruit the next generation to take on this most important mantel.
Finally, I would like to thank everybody who has contributed and helped me produce the many articles that we featured in TurfPro throughout 2019. I like to wish you all a very prosperous new year and look forward to meeting you all again at the BTME event in Harrogate in a couple of week’s time.
Taking place on the opening night of BTME and hosted by the BBC's Naga Munchetty, the Welcome Celebration will reveal the winners of the prestigious BIGGA Awards 2020.
BIGGA say the finalists of their 2020 Awards have once again shown what talented and passionate greenkeeping teams can achieve when supported by the clubs where they work.
The BTME event will be taking place once again at the Harrogate Convention Centre from Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 January 2020, with more than 5,000 turf managers, greenkeepers, golf club owners and decision makers expected to take part in the exhibition and educational programme.
2019 BIGGA Award winner Jack Percival
One of the highlights each year is the BIGGA Welcome Celebration, sponsored for the first time in 2020 by Campey Turf Care Systems. Taking place on the opening night of BTME and hosted by respected journalist and golf enthusiast Naga Munchetty, the Welcome Celebration will reveal the winners of the BIGGA Awards 2020.
The finalists of the BIGGA Awards 2020 are:
Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year sponsored by Rigby Taylor
Craig Haldane and the team at The Gleneagles Hotel and Golf Courses for hosting The 2019 Solheim Cup
Grant Peters and the team at Parkstone Golf Club for hosting the European Ladies Amateur Championship
Graham Brumpton and the team at Ipswich Golf Club (Purdis Heath) for hosting the English Women’s Stroke Play
Greenkeeping Project of the Year sponsored by Baroness and Kubota
Darren Anderson and the team at Bromborough Golf Club
Andrew Kerr MG and the team at Surbiton Golf Club
Robert George and the team at Thorndon Park Golf Club
The winner of the Outstanding Contribution of the Year sponsored by Jacobsen will be revealed on the night.
BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton said, “Last year’s refreshed BIGGA Awards were an incredible success, with the story of our member Jack Percival and his efforts to support the homeless in his home town leading to a standing ovation and bringing a fitting end to the Welcome Celebration.
“We thought it may be a tough act to follow, but I’m delighted that throughout the past year BIGGA members have once again redefined what it’s possible to achieve out on the course and what it means to be part of the greenkeeping community. The nominations we received this year were of an incredibly high standard and it’s testament to everyone who got involved that the judges had such a difficult decision in determining the finalists.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a BIGGA member or team of greenkeepers this year and I look forward to seeing each of the finalists at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration in Harrogate for what promises to be a fantastic opening to our annual exhibition.”
Findings from the SALTEX 2019 post-show survey have revealed the growth in visitor numbers at the event was supported by a large proportion of first-time attendees.
The organisers of SALTEX have published the results of the 2019 post-show survey.
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From 30 to 31 October a record-breaking 9,104 visitors attended the NEC, Birmingham to explore the latest trends and products in groundscare.
According the the survey results, growth in visitor numbers at SALTEX 2019 was supported by a large proportion of first-time attendees. 34 per cent visited SALTEX for the first time in 2019 compared to 28 per cent in 2018, 27 per cent in 2017, 26 per cent in 2016 and 23 per cent in 2015. 93 per cent of survey respondents rated their overall show experience as being either very good or excellent.
SALTEX say their visitors came from far and wide as the show continues to attract a growing international audience. This year’s show saw attendees from 49 overseas markets, topping the previous record of 45 countries which was set at SALTEX 2016.
The post-show survey also confirmed the high calibre of visitors, most of whom came from groundscare contracting companies, local authorities, dealerships, schools and universities, and sports clubs.
The buying power of SALTEX attendees was also high, with 36 per cent of survey respondents confirming that the purchasing responsibility was solely theirs, while 43 per cent contribute to the buying process and 32 per cent have the authority to sign-off on purchases up to £50,000.
Many exhibitors agreed that SALTEX 2019 was the most financially beneficial yet with 40 per cent of survey respondents saying they made purchases on the show floor.
The post-show survey findings also revealed top priorities for attending with 68 per cent saying they visited SALTEX to source new products/services/suppliers; 66 per cent attended out of general interest; 44 per cent wanted to see the latest industry innovations; 39 per cent attended to network with other like-minded individuals and 35 per cent to witness machinery demonstrations.
Product innovations were also a big pull this year, and 87 per cent of attendees rated the mix of products on display as excellent. The show also offered visitors the opportunity to see a number of these products in action through Eco Village demonstrations - which 78 per cent of survey respondents rated as excellent.
Attendees also made use of the training, advice and educational opportunities. The 57 free-to-attend, CPD-accredited seminars in the Learning LIVE programme proved popular with 84 per cent of survey respondents claiming the education offering was either very good or excellent; 83 per cent made the most of the Ask the Expert feature and 77 per cent said the Pathology and Soil Science LIVE was also an excellent feature.
SALTEX will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2020 and will take place at the NEC, Birmingham on 4 and 5 November and 95 per cent of SALTEX 2019 visitors concluded the survey by indicating that they will be returning.
Company says acquisition of Charles Machine Works and strong demand for snow and ice management products in their professional and residential segments contributed to success.
The Toro Company has reported results for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.
The company announced that full-year net sales increased 19.8% over the prior fiscal year to a record $3.1 billion.
Toro acquired the maker of the Ditch Witch products last year
Richard M. Olson, Toro’s chairman and chief executive officer, said, "We concluded fiscal 2019 by exceeding the $3 billion revenue milestone and delivering strong gross margin and revenue growth momentum heading into fiscal 2020.
"The year was marked by record results, the transformational acquisition of Charles Machine Works and strong demand for snow and ice management products in our professional and residential segments. New product introductions contributed to our growth, such as the stand-on BOSS Snowrator, the redesigned Power Clear snow thrower and the Flex-Force lithium-ion battery-powered products with all season capability.
"I would like to thank our team and channel partners for their dedication, consistent execution, and continued focus on our end customers.”
Fiscal Year 2019 Financial Highlights
Net sales of $3,138.1 million, up 19.8% compared to fiscal 2018 net sales of $2,618.7 million
Net earnings of $274.0 million, up 0.8% compared to fiscal 2018 net earnings of $271.9 million; *Adjusted net earnings of $324.3 million, up 11.8% compared to fiscal 2018 adjusted net earnings of $290.1 million
Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2019 Financial Highlights
Net sales of $734.4 million, up 36.2% compared to fiscal 2018 net sales of $539.3 million
Net earnings of $38.3 million, down 2.0% compared to fiscal 2018 net earnings of $39.0 million; *Adjusted net earnings of $51.8 million, up 51.5% compared to fiscal 2018 adjusted net earnings of $34.2 million
Looking ahead to 2020 Richard M Olson said, “With the first quarter of fiscal 2020 underway, we are encouraged by the retail activity in our professional and residential snow and ice management products. The fundamentals of the business remain strong and we expect to generate higher levels of free cash flow and return value to our shareholders through dividends and share repurchases."
It has been reported in the U.S that John Deere has completed a $24 million, 22,000 square foot project at their Horicon Works manufacturing facility in Wisconsin.
It has been reported in the U.S that John Deere has completed a $24 million, 22,000 square foot project that adds 12 jobs and 2 presses used to punch out steel parts at their Horicon Works manufacturing facility in Horicon, Wisconsin.
Trade journal, Farm Equipment says, this comes three years after a $43 million, 388,000 square foot expansion project at the same facility.
Horicon Works employs more than 1,200 people and produces lawnmowers and snowblowers at its downtown plant, while Building 101 on the city’s southern edge manufacturers parts for UTVs.
The latest expansion project at Building 101, which includes $250,000 in funding from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., adds a $1.8 million 700-ton press and a $3.2 million 1,100-ton press. Another 700-ton press will come in March that will replace an older model.
Steve Johnson, who has been factory manager since 2010 and has worked for John Deere for 40 years, said business at Horicon has grown 50% since 2010 thanks in large part to increased sales of Gators and riding lawn tractors. In addition, Horicon Works is also making parts for John Deere facilities in Georgia, Tennessee, Iowa and Illinois.
Dennis and SISIS are heading to West Palm Beach, Florida on January 13-16, to exhibit at the Sports Turf Managers Association event.
Dennis and SISIS are heading to West Palm Beach, Florida on January 13-16, to exhibit at the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Conference & Exhibition.
The British manufacturers have exhibited at the show for a number of years, which takes place in various states across America yearly and say they have on each occasion enjoyed huge success.
For the 2020 show, the companies say that visitors to their stand (booth 131) can expect an insight into the array of turf maintenance products manufactured by themselves.
Products appearing on the stand will include:
Syn Pro SVR 1500 – for synthetic turf
SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 – for aeration
Dennis G860
Dennis ES-860
Dennis PRO 34R – for debris collection
A number of experienced turf experts from Dennis and SISIS will be on hand at the exhibition to speak in detail about the products.
Fife Trust say outsourcing all their sharpening needs was taking up a large proportion of their maintenance budget and therefore cost savings was a key element in their decision making process.
Fife Trust say they were keen to improve the quality of cut on their sites and in order to do so, they believed that owning their own set of grinders became the perfect solution.
The Trust also said that outsourcing all their sharpening needs was taking up a large proportion of their maintenance budget and therefore cost savings was a key element in the decision making process. This was in addition to being able to control when and how they sharpen their cutting units. The expertise and reputation of Bernhard and Company was also a contributing factor and in turn led to acquiring the new Express Dual 5500 as well as an Anglemaster 4500.
L-R: Fife Golf Trust's Paul Murphy and Willie Nisbet
Paul Murphy, Golf Course Manager for Fife Golf Trust said, “I think the new laser set up will improve the precision and accuracy in what we do. Everything we have seen about the machine relates to the reason why we went down this route.”
Tom Johnston, Mechanic at Fife Golf Trust added, “The level of finesse you can get with these new grinders is second to none - and that all adds to the effect out on the course.”
Scott Purdy, aales manager for Bernhard said, “We are very proud to be supporting Fife, and with the added value of technology and remote support, we will be able to help Fife and other courses to improve their playability, turf quality and consistency.”
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