A few weeks I wrote a blog about SALTEX and discussed the size of our industry in terms of how many people potentially are currently working in it. I was pleasantly surprised how many people had read the article and spoke to me about the subject.

Just to remind you I stated there are:-

• Over 2,500 golf courses in Britain, covering about 1,500 km2 - at least 0.5% of the land area.
• 418 principal (unitary, upper and second tier) councils in the UK – 27 county councils, 201 district councils, and 125 unitary councils.
• Over 2000 rugby clubs in the UK
• More than 7,000 teams of about 5,300 clubs are the members of the English football league system.
  There are currently 32,113 schools in the UK. Of these, 20,925 are primary schools and 4,168 are secondary schools. There are 2,381 independent schools, 1,256 special schools and 351 pupil referral units. Most of the UK's schools are in England.
• Over 300 historic buildings owned and managed by National Trust 
• Over 300,000 cricket players in the UK
• 2000 Green flag awarded parks and open spaces

All in all, we have a lot of people working in this diverse land-based industry. However, I personally see some serious challenges looming up for us in the coming years in relation to attracting the next generation of greenkeepers, groundsmen, garden and facility managers.

This has been echoed with some conversations I have had with local businesses, golf courses and local authorities who in recent times have found it difficult to recruit and retain experienced and qualified grounds staff.

There is no doubt that we as an industry need to do more to attract people into our industry - not always easy when our pay structures are generally much lower than most other professions.

Maybe we should clearly promote the potential salaries that can be on offer in this industry and not dwell on the fact of the lower starting wages.

Another problem we are currently facing is the wide spread disparity of what qualifications colleges are offering, coupled with the often dumbing down of some of our education programmes with less colleges offering specific greenkeeping /groundsmanship courses.

Having said that, both BIGGA and the IOG are seeing record numbers of people attending their education forums and associated qualifications. However, there still seems to be a void in the appropriate skill sets that need to be taught to the next generation to match the needs of the industry.

Over the last thirty years we have definitely seen a growth and development of talented individuals go on to hold prestigious posts in the industry, particularly within the private school and professional sport sectors. The real problem for the industry is retaining quality skilled people at the coal face of our industry. How do we hope to entice young people into the industry when pay scales are so poor at the entrance level?

Secondly, the work ethics of the young have changed. Not many want to get their hands dirty or even bother going to college. They want to find an easier job that often pays more than they are likely to get when taking up work in our turf care industry.

Speaking to James Mead, HG at Rugby School, he was quick to point out that often some of our own industry employers do not always recognise the skills required to maintain the diversity of their facilities, hence resulting in a lack of investment into educational opportunities for their employees.

He also stated that far too often he sees too many groundstaff not making an effort to be seen in a professional manner in terms of their appearance and how they conduct themselves. Quite often we let ourselves down and quite often we are judged by these standards. Which for many years has reflected on the salaries we get paid.

Having said that, we still have the problem of retaining their interest in our industry, especially when there are limited opportunities for them to move up the ladder and take on additional responsibilities - mainly due to the recent economic climate being quite static.

None more so than what we have witnessed in the public sector for the last fifteen years, with little or no investment in parks services, coupled with the large decrease in parks managers who have left or become disenchanted with their jobs and either left or retired.

This problem is not only being seen in the local authority sector. For a number of years we have seen many head greenkeepers also leaving the industry for one reason or another, often due to the pressure of the job or the fact that golf courses are not so financially sound as they were a number of years ago.

It takes many years to develop a skill set that enables groundsmen and greenkeepers to be good at their jobs. We just need to keep investing in these dedicated people for the benefit and future of our industry.

I firmly believe we must act now and come together with a national recruitment drive to attract and retain the next generation of groundsmen, greenkeepers and land-based personnel before it is too late.

We should be going into schools and promoting our wonderful industry, explaining in detail the wealth of opportunities it offers and the complexity of skills and opportunities to be gained whilst working within in it.

There are global opportunities for many who strive and commit themselves to this industry. We have plenty of role models who have worked their way up the ladder and enjoy the benefits this industry has to offer. You only have to look at some of the top guys; Neil Stubley (Wimbledon); Karl McDermott (Lord’s); Paul Burgess (Real Madrid); Gordon Moir (St Andrews GC); James Mead (Rugby School); Dave Roberts (Liverpool FC); Keith Kent (Twickenham RFU); all have worked their way up the ladder, are highly respected and are a credit to our industry. These, along with the thousands of others, are the curators of vast land assets that provide endless hours of enjoyment for many hundreds of thousands of people.

What other industry has a greater influence on the way we live and enjoy our pastimes?

The EU Commission has announced its decision not to renew the approval for the fungicide active ingredient, propiconazole.

As a result, all products containing propiconazole for any market, including turf management and crop protection, will be withdrawn from sale over the coming months.

Manufacturer Syngenta has announced that for turf managers, the fungicides affected by this EU decision will be:

• Banner Maxx
• Banner Maxx II
• Headway
• Instrata

Under the non-renewal regulations, the following key dates will implicate the final opportunity to buy and use any propiconazole-based fungicides in the UK and Ireland:

Syngenta issued a statement saying they were disappointed by the EU Commission decision, and they maintain the position that propiconazole does not pose a risk to human health or the environment, when used in accordance with current label recommendations.

Syngenta also said they continue to invest in turf specific R&D to ensure a range of state-of-the-art products will be available to the turf industry, to support their businesses.

Following on from the recent introduction of Instrata Elite, Syngenta hopes to launch another new fungicide early in 2019. Based on new chemistry it is already in the regulatory authority registration process, and offers a replacement for propiconazole products. The company says trials show it delivers effective and broad spectrum activity with lower active ingredient loading.

Timberwolf, the manufacturer of commercial wood chippers, is launching a campaign to help the arboriculture industry understand the key information surrounding the latest round of emissions legislation.

As part of the Government’s commitment to reduce engine emissions, non-road mobile machinery, including wood chippers, will be affected in the latest round of changes known as ‘Stage V’.

The ‘All the Facts, #NoOmissions’ campaign, launched by the company recent, sets out facts and information about ‘Stage V’, which takes effect in January 2019.

Timberwolf say they are taking the lead in providing clarity over the legislation, following what they describe as speculation and misinformation surrounding the new rules.

Over 20,000 people work in the arboriculture industry across Britain, contributing over £700 million to the UK economy - and Stage V is set to have an impact on the engine technology of essential machinery used every day.

Pre-Stage V diesel engines used in machines above 25hp, such as wood chippers, mowers and stump grinders, will no longer be produced after this year, so when manufacturers have used their stocks of these engines, new diesel machines will be fitted with Stage V-compliant engines that produce less emissions.

The ‘All the Facts, #NoOmissions’ campaign is running across Timberwolf’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels, and includes graphics to make the facts around the legislation clear and accessible to everyone.

Timberwolf product marketing manager, Antony Alexander, said, “Our ‘All the Facts, #NoOmissions’ campaign is about giving the facts about the new legislation, as lots of people are being told that diesel machines can no longer be used, which is totally wrong. Current diesel wood chippers can be used and traded after the implementation of Stage V in same way they can be today.

“This isn’t the end of diesel, far from it - it’s the start of a new wave of innovation in our industry. We’ve invested in a large stock of pre-Stage V engines so that we can produce our wood chippers for some time to come, but we’re excited to be leading the way in designing Stage V compliant machines with unrivalled performance.”

For more information on Timberwolf’s campaign, go to  or follow , Instagram and Twitter.

Two new hands-on machinery mechanics courses for professional end users have been added to Reesink Turfcare’s training offering for next year.

The two new courses, Air-cooled Engines and Basic Electrics and Hydraulics, have, says head of turfcare training at Reesink Neil Adams, been added according to demand: "With these two courses we’re going back to basics. There's so much technology used in machinery maintenance now with diagnostics tools and the like and while that is incredibly helpful, our customers are telling us they want to learn the foundation of these subjects such as how to do a complete engine strip down. Both courses offer a solid start for those new to the industry and a fantastic refresher course for those with a few more years under their belt."

The one-day Air-cooled Engines course covers understanding the operation and function of a four-stroke engine, learning how to identify components and operate in-line diesel injection and petrol fuel systems, and diagnosing and repairing common faults associated with modern engines.

The two-day Basic Electrics and Hydraulics course includes understanding and reading electric and hydraulic symbols and schematics, how to use and demonstrate safe practices with electrical instruments and test equipment and how to diagnose and repair electric and hydraulic systems failures effectively. In addition, battery operation and construction, basic electric theory including Ohm's Law, electrics and hydraulics safety and hydraulic oils and contamination procedures will also be covered.

Further information such as dates, which start in February for Air-cooled Engines and April for Basic Electrics and Hydraulics, can be found at Reesink's website. There, turfcare professionals and employers keen to offer staff the opportunity to learn and expand their areas of interest and need, will also find all the details on Reesink’s range of vocational training for land-based disciplines delivered with Lantra, the national awarding organisation. Alongside that is City & Guilds training and Toro and TYM manufacturer-backed turfcare machinery training.

Neil concludes: "These two new courses bring the total number of courses offered by Reesink to eleven, that's one of the biggest selections from a distributor and is something we're incredibly proud of. There's something to suit everybody, at every level, whether they work in the golf and fine turf sector, sports or grounds sectors.

“Our range of training courses demonstrates our belief in continuously improving standards in the industry. We aim to make training convenient with some courses delivered at the trainees’ working premises, too, using familiar equipment in a familiar environment. This set-up means it could not be easier for customers to develop and invest in their employees.”

Husqvarna has launched an online educational resource entitled Husqvarna Chainsaw Academy.

This is the digitised version of its book “How to Work with a Chainsaw” and contains step-by-step guides, animations, videos and more - all accessible through a computer or smartphone.

For many years, the company has provided instructional books used widely in forestry schools and courses on handling a chainsaw. Now, through a worldwide digital release, parts of this educational material becomes accessible for everyone, everywhere through smartphones and computers. Husqvarna Chainsaw Academy was developed with a mobile-first approach which means it can be used as a companion when out in the forest, helping professionals and amateurs get more out of their equipment.

The service contains basic guidelines on a variety of subjects relating to forestry work and chainsaw usage, focusing on how to fell a tree. The website offers an introduction to the important things one needs to know in order to fell trees safely, with step-by-step guides, easy-to-understand animations, videos, checklists and recommendations. Through this material, says Husqvarna, the user gets a fundamental overview of all the main aspects of felling a tree - from preparation and safety to felling, limbing and crosscutting.

By sharing knowledge accumulated over 60 years of chainsaw manufacturing, the service increases awareness of the safety aspects of chainsaw use.

“With the Husqvarna Chainsaw Academy we are digitising our knowledge on chainsaw use and making it accessible for anyone who wants to know more about safety and performance when using a chainsaw. We know end-customer behavior continues to shift towards mobile, which is why we developed the content for smartphones, so that it is easily accessible whenever, wherever. However, it is still essential to go through proper chainsaw safety training with a qualified instructor and check what rules and regulations may apply in your country”, says Hanna Nordquist, Global Brand & Communication Manager.

Husqvarna Chainsaw Academy is now available in English with more languages to follow during 2019. Visit https://chainsawacademy.husqvarna.com

STIHL have announced that they will be attending the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association's BTME exhibition for the first time in 2019.

Taking place at the Harrogate International Centre from January 22-24, STIHL will be using BIGGA's show to showcase its full range of grounds care products, including its new range of professional lawn mowers.

RM 756 GC

The company's full range will be on display, including the RM 756 GC, the RM 655 RS rear roller mower and the RM 4 RTP mulching mower. All created for professional use on larger areas, each mower within the collection is described by the company as being built for maximum durability and comfort for prolonged use.

Features of the RM 756 GC professional lawn mower include a solid mono handlebar that makes emptying the 80-litre grass box simple, whilst low vibration figures allow the mower to be used in comfort for a full working day. In addition, it comes with a 3-speed gearbox and a brake blade clutch mechanism to increase working speed and reduce machine down time. The deck housing is made from high quality magnesium to maintain durability and reduce weight, where as the full size polymer deck insert offers impact protection, further improving durability.

The RM 655 RS benefits from a stainless steel driven metal roller. Fitted with a mono-comfort handle as standard, the body design of the new mower allows for easy access and maintenance of working parts such as drive cables, pulleys and the drive belt. The optimised rear deflector flap works with the mono-comfort handle, improving access to the grass box and making emptying easier. The unit also features Blade Brake Clutch (BBC).

The RM 4 RTP is a 1-speed drive mulching lawn mower. The company says the self-propelled machine features anti-vibration elements, skirt protectors and a powerful engine. Features such as SmartChoke, double ball-bearing wheels and excellent grip aid operation while front and rear carrying handles aid transportation.

STIHL will be located on stand 108 in the Blue Zone at BTME.

Terra Firma has significantly increased its groundcare machinery offering by adding four new brands to its portfolio.

Terra Firma, one of Scotland’s largest specialist suppliers to the amenity and local authority markets, has recently announced dealership agreements with Kioti UK Ltd, Muthing flail mowers, Woods finishing mowers and Shibaura slope mowers.

Commenting on the agreements, Allan Wright of Terra Firma, said, “This is an exciting opportunity to further extend the portfolio of machinery offered by Terra Firma. The Kioti product range has proven to be robustly built, well-designed and offers top quality products at a competitive price. We look forward to further promoting the Kioti brand across our territory in Scotland and Northern England and building new relationships with our ever-expanding customer base - we feel it will fit perfectly for our customer profile.

“We are also delighted to announce our partnership with Muthing flail mowers, Woods finishing mowers and Shibaura slope mowers - further expanding our capability to provide our customers with a wide range of quality specialist equipment."

Terra Firma say they are well-placed to offer an excellent customer experience for sales and after-sales support, spare parts and service, and the new machinery is available with immediate effect.

The full range of groundcare equipment will be showcased in the all new Terra Firma Machinery Catalogue which will be released in January 2019.

Deere & Company reported net income of $784.8 million for the fourth quarter ended October 28, 2018, or $2.42 per share, compared with net income of $510.3 million, or $1.57 per share, for the quarter ended October 29, 2017.

For fiscal 2018, net income attributable to Deere & Company was $2.368 billion, or $7.24 per share, compared with $2.159 billion, or $6.68 per share, in 2017.

Affecting results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2018 were adjustments to the provision for income taxes due to the enactment of U.S. tax reform legislation on December 22, 2017 (tax reform). Fourth-quarter results included a favorable net adjustment to income taxes of $37 million, while the full year reflected an unfavorable net income tax expense of $704 million. Without these adjustments, net income attributable to Deere & Company for the fourth quarter and full year would have been $748 million, or $2.30 per share, and $3.073 billion, or $9.39 per share, respectively. 

Worldwide net sales and revenues increased 17 percent, to $9.416 billion, for the fourth quarter and rose 26 percent, to $37.358 billion, for the full year. Net sales of the equipment operations were $8.343 billion for the quarter and $33.351 billion for the year, compared with respective totals of $7.094 billion and $25.885 billion in 2017.

“John Deere has concluded another solid year in which the company benefited from a further improvement in market conditions and a favorable customer response to its lineup of advanced products,” said Samuel R. Allen, chairman and chief executive officer.

“In the fourth quarter, farm machinery sales in the Americas made further gains while construction-equipment sales continued to move higher, helped in part by our Wirtgen road-building business, whose financial contribution has exceeded our original forecasts. At the same time, the company has continued to face cost pressures for raw materials such as steel, which are being addressed through pricing actions and ongoing cost management.”

Added Allen, “The company’s strong performance has allowed for significant investment in new products, services, and technologies. In addition, the company in 2018 returned almost $1.8 billion to shareholders in higher dividends and the repurchase of over $900 million of stock. These steps reflect the strength of the company and our optimism about its future prospects.”

Campey Turf Care Systems has expanded its international dealership network into South America with the appointment of two new dealers.

The Macclesfield based company already has a network of dealers across the globe and the addition of C4 Turf Care and World Sports further strengthens their presence in that area of the world while giving customers in the region direct access to a range of Campey products.

L-R: Lee Morgado, Campey Turf Care; Roberto Gomide & Andre Amaral, World Sports; and Richard Campey

C4 Turf Care, operated by Dan Manning, who has 20 years experience in the sustainable turf man-agement industry, will cover Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Columbia and have already taken delivery of a Koro Field Topmkaer 1.6 with Universe Rotor and a ShockWave 155 for the Argentinian market.

World Sports has 22 years’ experience in the Brazilian market. The company aims to offer the best technology in Brazil and has recently seen the machines in use during a visit to England with Campey.

The visit included trips to Tottenham Hotspur’s Enfield Training Centre, Arsenal FC’s London Colney Training Ground, Twickenham, and a tour of Liverpool FC, with Richard Campey and Lee Morgado as hosts.

Campey Product Specialist, Ben Taylor will be the point of contact for South America working with both companies - who will be distributing Koro, Imants and Raycam products.

HEDGE FUNDING
Now is the time to start planting trees and hedges

FUTURE PROOFING
Recognising the value of our public green spaces

BLOWING IN THE WIND
The value of leaf blowers

DUTY OF CARE
Keeping up to date with training

AN OPTIMISTIC SALTEX
Innovation was the buzzword

SHOW TIME
A celebration of our industry

ARTIFICIAL WORRIES
Injuries and infections in the news

CHANGE, CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITY
At the Amenity Forum Conference

PARKS IN DEEP MIRE
Problem highlighted by national newspaper

RYDER CUP GLORY
Dedicated greenkeepers shine in Paris

DREAMS COME TRUE!
Dedication pays off

REASONS TO BE GLEEFUL
Trade show illustrates diversity of our industry

INTEGRATED USE OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS
Following good practice

UNDERSTANDING YOUR SOIL
Challenging conditions this year

THE SHOWS MUST GO ON
Our main industry events are a must visit

CRICKET RENOVATIONS
Plan and prepare early

CRISIS FOR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL PITCHES
And the selling of Wembley Stadium

GREEN NOSE DAY
Highlighting the work of turf professionals

SUMMER CHALLENGES
Difficult time for our whole industry

WORLD CUP MANIA
Every pitch stood up to the demands

RAISING THE FLAG
In praise of the The Green Flag Award® scheme