EDITOR'S BLOG
PREPARING FOR 2022's GROWING SEASON
Making plans
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR
 
Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

Hopefully your machinery has been serviced and is ready for the start of a new growing season?  


We are less than eleven weeks away from the end of March, the traditional signal for the start of our growing season, and the time for commencing our spring renovations. Hopefully your machinery has been serviced and is ready for the start of a new growing season?  


County Cricket Clubs will be planning and organising their pre-season square, nets and practice areas. These preparations usually commence in February where in recent years we have seen the erection of tents and marquees with heaters to aid the preparation of professional playing surfaces. 

 


In the past, many professional cricket clubs would take their players overseas to warmer climates to prepare for the new season. However, with budgets becoming tighter and especially with Covid, most, if not all, will be now be required to train on their home ground. This will no doubt place extra pressure on the grounds staff. 


Also, professional football and rugby groundsmen are being tested by the sheer number of games played during the Christmas period and up to the end of the season. Again, having to work in all weathers they, and the rest of the professional grounds teams, should be congratulated for their endeavour and commitment throughout this busy period.

 

 

Golf clubs continue to be very busy, with greenkeepers working hard to complete their winter work programmes which are often centred around ongoing tree, pond and ditch works, bunker repairs and any major refurbishments to tees and other course features. Irrigation systems will be inspected with relevant repairs and calibration of the systems being carried out. Modern day watering systems are a key component in the maintenance of fine turf playing surfaces. 

 


New planting


The next two months are ideal times to complete any new planting schemes, especially when planting bare root plant materials such as hedging, trees and shrubs. The government are keen to help landowners plant more hedges with a current BN11 Stewardship scheme paying £11.60 per metre 


Some hedgerows are so important that no amount of planting could replace them. The government has brought in legislation to protect hedgerows of key importance (currently in England and Wales only). Hedgerows provide food and shelter for many species. Because they often link small woods, they are essential protective corridors along which wildlife can travel.

 

 

Hedges may support up to 80% of our woodland birds, 50% of our mammals and 30% of our butterflies. The ditches and banks associated with hedgerows provide habitat for frogs, toads, newts and reptiles. Hedges are an excellent feature to plant, providing a wealth of benefits, acting as a wind break, barrier or screen.


Next time you are out walking, take the opportunity to admire our wonderful countryside and see for yourself the impact hedges have made over many generations. It now down to us to continue to properly manage these precious heritage landscape features for future generations to enjoy.


Parks


On the parks front, interest is growing in the recent formation of the Parks Management Forum with over 1400 subscribers now registered on their books. This new organisation is working with other Regional Parks Forums and organisations such as the Landscape Institute, APSE, Parks Action Group, The Parks Alliance, The Gardens Trust, The National Trust, Heritage Fund, Chief Leisure Officers Association, Chartered Institute of Horticulture, Fields in Trust, Keep Britain Tidy, CPRE and is forging stronger links with Scotland, Wales and any other national and international organisations that have in common the passion and values that underpins our work in valuing our parks and open spaces.

 

 

The Forum represents an unrivalled reservoir of understanding, expertise and dedication. Running parks is an expert job and needs a voice to be heard by politicians as they formulate policies and make financial decisions which have huge repercussions for the viability of public open space. For too long parks, as a discretionary service, have been a poor relation of other public services, down the pecking order as just a ‘nice-to-have’. The Covid-19 crisis has shown that is not where they belong. With good support the forum can definitely become the voice of parks professionals.


A recent UK survey of Parks 2021 by APSE and cfp has confirmed the importance of parks.

 

Servicing dealers

 

Finally, I would like to mention the role of our excellent network of servicing dealers, who have also gone beyond the call of duty to support and service the needs of the industry during this pandemic.

 


The choice and range of machinery is now quite frankly staggering. We have so much choice and it does not come cheap. So therefore, it is important to look after it and keep it serviced and in good order. Hence the importance of building up a good relationship with your local machinery dealer.


Without our fleets of machinery and equipment we would struggle to do our job of maintaining our huge range of playing surfaces, parks and public open spaces.

NEWS
BUNKER-LESS COURSE FIRST
Rated in England's top 100
 
Bunker-less course

In our first WEB ONLY story the golf course consultancy who worked at the club, says despite having no bunkers, the course poses a magnificent challenge to the golfer nonetheless.

 


FIND OUT WHAT VISITORS THOUGHT OF SALTEX '21
Survey results released
 
SALTEX 2021

Our next WEB ONLY story is the GMA has released results of their post-show visitor survey.

 


ISEKI REPORT RECORD YEAR
And announce further investment
 
Iseki have announced further investments

The company says 2021 saw their sales rocketing up and market share increasing.

 


Iseki UK & Ireland have announced further investments in the business to support the record sales levels achieved in 2021.

 

 

Commenting on what the company describe as continuous year on year achievement, David Withers, managing director added, “2021 was a strange year with Covid and the global supply chain issues but despite some of the challenges Iseki UK & Ireland had an amazing year with sales rocketing up and market share increasing as more and more people see the significant benefits of investing in Iseki products.

 

“To support the on-going growth we have also purchased a second lorry and hired Simon Grove to support higher levels of deliveries and an increased demand for demonstrations across the UK. As the business continues to expand we need to ensure we are supporting our dealers and customers to the same if not higher standard than what we have before, making sure we offer the best product, pre purchase and aftersales support.” 

 

David also added, “As we look to the future we see opportunities to continue this growth trajectory and are optimistic that in 2022 we can get close to our original target of having doubled Iseki sales over a 5 year period.

 

“People are responding positively to our ‘can-do’ attitude, increased dealer network and the excellence of the Iseki product range. It is great fun to be part of a team that is winning in the marketplace and growing strongly, these new investments will help us maintain our winning ways!”

ROYAL BURGESS UNVEILS NEW PRACTICE TEE
Updates facilities
 
The new practice tee

Edinburgh facility reveals new practice tee that members and visitors can enjoy all year round.

 


The Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh has appointed Huxley Golf to update its practice facilities.

 

 

The oldest golf society in the world now has a new practice tee that members and visitors may enjoy all year round.
 
Huxley Golf’ have created an all-weather surface tee that sits behind and carefully complements the existing natural turf tee. Measuring 3.6m x 17m and created using Huxley Premier All-weather Tee Turf 2, the new tee keeps the practice facility in play all winter while enabling the natural grass to regenerate for summer use.
 
Course manager, Chris Yeaman, said, “We paid careful consideration to this decision as we have not used artificial golf surfaces previously. It’s incredibly important for us to give our golfers the best experience, no matter how they choose to enjoy The Royal Burgess.
 
“I’m pleased to say that the support and advice we received from the Huxley Golf team from design through to installation has been superb. The playing surface itself is second-to-none and it blends exceptionally well with the natural surroundings. Where natural turf is under extreme pressure, as ours is, I’m confident that we have provided our members and visitors with the best alternative available. Importantly too, it means that our highly regarded coaching service can keep pace with demand, whatever the weather.”
 
Hugh Fraser, Scotland & North East England area manager at Huxley Golf oversaw the project from beginning to end. He commented, “It was a huge privilege to work with Chris and the team at The Royal Burgess. With this new practice tee, they have opted to embrace the new without in any way impacting their impressive heritage and reputation. I’m confident that it will be well received by everyone who plays upon it.”
 
Huxley Golf has also created practice areas for nearby Gullane Golf Club and The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers Muirfield.

AGROVISTA APPOINTS
New managerial role
 
Agrovista have made a new appointment

Ex-greenkeeper and course manager takes up position.

 


Tom Weaver has been announced as the new central area sales manager for Agrovista Amenity.

 

Tom Weaver 

 

Tom initially started his career as a greenkeeper and worked his way up to the position of course manager. He credits his greenkeeping experience for helping to shape his career path and claims that he was proud to once have been ‘on the tools.’

 

At the age of 28 he became a sales advisor for Pitchcare, where he began advising greenkeepers and turf managers on various products - many of which he had previously used. Tom made an impact, and it wasn’t long before he was overseeing the internal sales team. 

 

Based in Allscott, Telford, Tom will still be leading the internal turf team but in addition he will also be focussing on the external side of the business. 

 

“I’m sure there be will lots of twists and turns in the road ahead," said Tom, "but that is part of the job and I fully intend on successfully overcoming any challenges. In terms of my direct line of management I could not ask for much more – my relationship with Dan Hughes (Head of Commercial) and John Marland (Head of Amenity) is very strong and it’s always nice to have their support. 

 

“2022 has the potential to be hugely successful and I truly believe we can do great things here.”

 

Commenting on Tom’s appointment, Dan Hughes said, “Tom joins an exceptionally talented and experienced area management team of James Watson (South) and Ramsay MacGregor (North). Despite still being relatively young, Tom brings a wealth of agronomy skill and proven management experience to the role. At heart Tom is an industry person, sports enthusiast and a conscientious team player who will strengthen our business and engagement with customers.”   

CAMPEY MAKE INTERNATIONAL APPEARANCE
Major trade show
 
Campey Turf Care Systems are appearing at an international show

Campey Turf Care Systems are exhibiting a selection of their machinery at a major international trade show.

 


Campey Turf Care Systems is exhibiting at the 33rd annual STMA conference and exhibition which begins today, January 17th, and runs until Thursday.

 


This year’s event is taking place at the Savanah Convention Centre, Georgia. Campey will be featuring their latest synthetic, hybrid and natural turf grooming products, and a new addition to the US from Campey, the Martin Lishman Micro-Spray.
 
Other products on their stand will be the Campey Uni-Scratch, Unirake, the Seddresser and the LM3010 liquid transfer line marker.
 
As always, the week-long STMA event will provide a number of invaluable seminars, training opportunities and networking events. Throughout the week, Campey product specialists will be available to give advice on machinery and answer any turf related questions. 

DEALER JOINS FORCES WITH LOCAL POLICE
To help fight rural crime
 
The dealership has continued its relationship with local police

The relationship was established three years ago and is still going strong.

 


Cotswold Farm Machinery has supplied its fourth Suzuki ATV to the Gloucestershire Police Rural Crime unit, which now has a fleet of three KingQuad 500s and one KingQuad 750.

 

Gloucestershire Police has fully trained many of its officers to safely operate the ATVs


The relationship with the Gloucestershire Police Force began over three years ago when Suzuki and Cotswold Farm Machinery teamed up to give the Police a long-term loan of an ATV so that it could be assessed against a UTV.


The test was deemed a success and Gloucestershire Police say they are seeing the benefit of using ATVs because they are quicker off the mark, quieter and more manoeuvrable, which they say not only helps on a day-to-day basis but also when called upon to undertake pursuits across rough terrain.


Gloucestershire Police has fully trained many of its officers to safely operate the ATVs. The vehicles are seen as a useful tool in not only combating crime but also as a tool for crime prevention by enabling officers to cover large areas quickly and safely, which means that they are giving a much more effective and highly visible presence throughout rural areas.


PC Ashley Weller from Gloucestershire Police’s Rural Crime Team said, “It has become very clear the use of ATVs definitely has a place in the modern policing of rural communities.

 

"Our experience of using the Suzuki KingQuads has been excellent and we are appreciative of the support from Cotswold Farm Machinery, who are at the centre of the community in which we operate.”

WINNER FEELING CHIPPER!
Prize presented
 
The winner has been united with their prize

At November's SALTEX show lawn care professionals, landscapers and gardeners were in with the chance of winning a premium chipper.

 


At November’s SALTEX show lawn care professionals, landscapers and gardeners were in with the chance of winning a Hansa chipper as part of a giveaway arranged by Lawn Care Legends.

 

James Wyeth with his prize


The winner was revealed at the show as Surrey based gardener, James Wyeth, who has now taken receipt of his C7 Chipper, worth £2,600. To enter, James had to submit three photos of his best work, which was then judged by a panel with the results announced at the show.

 
Discussing his win, James said “I was thrilled to win the Lawn Care Legends competition and I am already so impressed with the Hansa C7 Chipper. I've been using garden machinery for 40 years and I must say Hansa's build quality is second to none - great piece of kit.”
 
Lawn Care Legends is an online group started in 2017, that has grown to have nearly 6,000 members with an international following. The group aims to unite all landscapers and gardeners, giving them a supportive place to showcase their work, share tips and advice, and ask questions for help from other members.


Hansa products are available in the UK exclusively through Henton & Chattell dealerships.

JOBS
AGRIGEM
Sports Expert
 
Agrigem

We offer a great opportunity for genuine career development and are currently seeking confident Managers with excellent customer and management skills, who are commercially astute, numerically sound and take pride in attention to detail.

 


Are you looking to change your lifestyle and work in an industry that you love? Or have recent events left you looking for a role with a growing company? Are you a professional with experience in the sports sector? Would you like to have the security of working with a successful, friendly team remotely or from a brand new, purpose-built office & warehouse with great benefits? 

 

We offer a great opportunity for genuine career development and are currently seeking confident Managers with excellent customer and management skills, who are commercially astute, numerically sound and take pride in attention to detail.  

 

Widely viewed as the fastest growing and most innovative independent company in our industry, we have an appetite and reputation for finding the right people and pushing them for success. Sustainable growth even through the last year has seen us recruit further staff & recently expand our office and warehouse facilities. We strive to provide an exceptional service to our customers across many exciting large and niche sectors including Sport. 

 

This is an innovative and diverse role where you will be responsible for overseeing and developing customers, whilst offering the most up-to-date advice in order to help our existing high-profile customer base. 

 

We offer a highly attractive salary along with a bonus scheme and a generous 23 days’ holiday per year plus public holidays. As part of our commitment to our team, you will also be entitled to Private Healthcare, Gym Membership, exceptional Pension Plan, flexible working & recreational teambuilding days. The company regularly partakes in social activities and offers company incentive schemes, highlighting our team culture in line with our “Always Great” company values. 


Relevant industry qualifications would be advantageous, although continuous training will be offered in line with our continual improvement plan. Drive and self-motivation are essential. Do not worry about the products or technical aspects of the role; to succeed in this position all you will need is a lot of spirit and drive. You don’t give up easily and you are ready to make an impact and go the extra mile. 

 

Roles & Responsibilities 

 

Your role will include, but not limited to the following tasks; 

  • To develop & manage a current & new customer base of commercial growers & other relevant companies.  
  • Utilise your ability and knowledge to consult users and introduce them to the products and technology that we have available. You will help build relationships and partnerships to deliver commercial results.
  • To oversee and develop working predominantly from our Head Office in Lincoln or remotely.
    - Assisting in the development of our product range.
    - Lead generation.
    - Assisting & creating of PR & marketing opportunities including open days, trials sites & tradeshows.
    - Visit customers and their businesses across the UK and abroad.
  • To prospect new leads & look at adding additional value to existing customers that may be handed to you.
  • To respond to calls, emails & customers where you will advise them in a technical manner to assist with their requirements.
  • To be involved with any marketing campaigns.
  • To be involved with technical & commercial meetings with regards to products & market positioning.
  • To attend various trade shows & events, some of which may require an overnight stay, both in this country and abroad.
  • This is a full-time position working remotely or from our head office just outside of Lincoln
  • In addition to the highly attractive package, we are offering a competitive salary, company car or car allowance, and you will be entered into our company bonus scheme.

To find out more about joining us please send us your latest CV and covering letter to our UK Sales Manager: martin.ford@agrigem.co.uk

ADVERTISE YOUR JOBS HERE
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Advertise your recruitment needs on TurfPro Weekly Briefing and reach our targeted audience of recipients every week.

Contact Nikki Harrison for details - 01491 837117


PREVIOUS FEATURES
EDITOR'S BLOG ARCHIVE
Catch up with Laurence Gale's recent blogs
 
TurfPro editor, Laurence Gale

Want to catch up with one of editor Laurence Gale's blogs? Here is the place to do so.

 


TURFPRO FEATURE ARCHIVE
Find our previous features here
 
TurfPro Feature Archive

If you want to catch up with any of TurfPro's previous features, here is the place to do so.


A PREMIUM PRODUCT
Delivered at Naas Golf Club

 

THE GREEN REVOLUTION
And Esker Hills

 

MAKING A CHANGE
Laytown and Bettystown Golf Links

 

A DAY AT THE RACES
Naas Race Course

 

WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE VOICE
How the industry needs to proceed

 

OVER 175 YEARS OF EDUCATION
Wesley College

 

ELECTRIC EXCITEMENT
Dennis's Ian Howard talks electrification

 

THE HOME OF CORK GAA
Páirc Uí Chaoimh

 

LONG POLE BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS TESTED
STIHL HLA 66 and HLA 86

 

OVER 800 YEARS OF HISTORY
Johnstown Castle and Gardens

 

A CLUB GONE WILD
Kilkenny Golf Club

 

A GOLF COURSE IN THE GARDEN OF IRELAND
Woodenbridge GC

 

80 YEARS YOUNG
Charleville Golf Club

 

AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE
Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club

 

GETTING BACK TOGETHER
Albeit gradually . .

 

GO WEST
Inishturk GAA pitch – one of the most westerly sportspitches in Europe

 

WORKING ON A TIGHT BUDGET
Nenagh Golf Club

 

ON A MISSION
Wrekin Golf Club aiming to enrich wildlife and fauna

 

WILD AND WONDERFUL
Design By Nature

 

LEARNING HOW TO SURVIVE
Abbey Par 3

 

TACKLING OBESITY
Vital that schools can provide sport

 

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Vital for turf professionals

 

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
Tullamore Golf Club

 

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES
At Trinity College Dublin

 

BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW
Bray Golf Club

 

A WELL POLISHED COURSE!
Ierne Social And Sports Club

 

IDENTIFYING THE TRUE VALUES
Of grounds maintenance

 

THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE & ADAPT
But it will survive

 

WIRRAL GOLF COURSES SAVED
Renewed hope and optimism for the future

 

GREEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING IS UNDERVALUED
Parks invisible on national agenda

 

A SHINING LIGHT IN IRELAND'S SUNNY SOUTHEAST
Wexford Golf Club

 

GREEN SPACES DO NOT LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES!
Keith Kent says we must invest in people

 

WE SHOULD TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THE UK INDUSTRY
Right time for all sides to come together

 

SOIL LIFE IS PRECIOUS
Good-quality soil can help save the planet

 

MORE THAN JUST CUTTING GRASS
Encouraging the next generation

 

A BUZZ FROM DOING THE JOB
Wide experience of the turf grass industry

 

PAYING THEIR WAY
Low wages is the bane of the industry

 

AMENITY MANAGEMENT IMPACTS US ALL
Professor John Moverley

 

CARING FOR PARKS OF ALL TYPES
Mary Worrall

 

TOP FIVE FRUSTRATIONS FOR CRICKET GROUNDSMEN
What causes you the most frustration in your role?

 

PROFESSIONALS AT THE CUTTING EDGE
Vic Demain and Phil Sharples

 

BOWLS CLUBS IN PERIL
A sad decline

 

A VERY SPECIAL INDUSTRY
Loz looks back

 

SNEAK PEAK AT A ROBOTIC "GAME CHANGER"
Commercial model capable of covering 50,000 m2 teased

 

HALESOWEN PICK A BIG ROBOT UP FRONT
Invest in mowers

 

COMPRESSED AERATION
The new way

 

PARKS MATTER MORE THAN EVER
Recent sector developments

 

ON TEST
STIHL blowers

 

THREE CORE VALUES TO SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY
Real concerns for the future

 

ENGLAND'S GREEN SPACE GAP
A split along racial lines

 

ON TEST
EGO STX3800 strimmer with RTX2300 Rotocut head

 

A SECTOR FACING IMPORTANT TIMES
Review of the National Action Plan

 

PARKS MATTER
The role of public parks in the recovery: a discussion paper

 

A UNIQUE SPORTING VENUE
Wormsley private estate

 

A BTME OUTDOORS?
A good bet for the industry

 

PARKS NEED APPROPRIATE POLITICAL REPRESENTATION
Q&A with Philippa Reece, Parks and Foreshore Manager at Adur and Worthing Council

 

CRICKET LOAM
What does it mean?

 

A HERCULEAN EFFORT TO GET PARKS BACK TO NORMAL
Q&A with Chris Worman, Rugby Borough Council’s parks and ground manager

 

ON TEST
STIHL battery products

 

TURFGRASS STRESS MANAGEMENT
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidants during biotic and abiotic stress in turfgrass plants

 

AUTUMN DISEASE MANAGEMENT
The coming months are going to prove very difficult

 

THE ABUSE OF PARKS . .
Is the abuse of society

 

WHY PARKS MATTER?
A statement from the Parks Management Forum to the Prime Minister

 

THE 21st CENTURY PARKS MANAGER
Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial

 

EAT, SLEEP, CUT, REPEAT!
Cricket under covid

 

TIME FOR A SINGLE SHOW?
Debate brought back into focus

 

A CHALLENGING TWO MONTHS
Running golf design projects from home

 

PRESSURE SITUATION
Cementing the reputation

 

A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF
10 years at the helm of Olton GC

 

GAME CHANGERS IN TURFCARE
The day the Lord's outfield reconstruction proved its worth

 

THE ESSENCE OF ESSENTIAL
Finding a sensible way forward on defining "essential maintenance"

 

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS
2001

 

HOW TO LOOK AFTER A GOLF COURSE WITH NO GOLFERS
Fundamental to the survival of almost all courses, if not of the game itself

 

RAIN STOPPED PLAY WOULD BE WELCOME
. . along with ‘lunch is being taken early’

 

PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TURFGRASS PESTS
An urgent problem

 

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

 

INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL
Opportunity to embrace new methods

 

ENVILLE ON THE UP
Major investments taking place

 

GREEN FLAG AWARDS 2019
A great success

 

U.S PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT SHOW EXCELS
Buoyant GIE+EXPO

 

LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP
At Gleneagles

 

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup

 

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2006 - present

 

HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark

 

CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities

 

BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards

 

TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?

 

UNDER PRESSURE
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EDDIE SEAWARD
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager

 

MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
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NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS
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ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
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WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
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WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

 

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals

 

SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

 

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

 

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

 

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs

 

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley

 

THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

 

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

 

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?

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PARTNERS
CAMPEY
 
Campey Turf Care Systems
Foley
 
Foley Company
LANTRA
 
LANTRA
ORIGIN AMENITY SOLUTIONS
 
Origin Amenity Solutions
Garden trader
 
Garden Trader
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