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EDITOR'S BLOG

A VERY PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS
Required by turf professionals
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I believe the modern-day turf professional requires a diverse set of skills that span technical, interpersonal, and organisational areas.

This week sees myself, along with my colleague, Steve Gibbs editor of our sister title for the independent dealer network, Service Dealer, in attendance at BIGGA’s BTME event in Harrogate.

As always, it is essential that we visit these trade shows as it allows us the opportunity to meet up and network with all the key drivers, practitioners and providers of machinery, products and services that are essential to help maintain and preserve our important parks, public open spaces, sports facilities – all vital community assets.

I believe the modern-day turf professional requires a diverse set of skills to effectively perform their job. These skills span technical, interpersonal, and organisational areas.

Primarily they need to understand plant biology, soil types, and proper plant care. Also knowledge of landscaping techniques, including planting, pruning, and fertilising regimes is important.

A proficiency in operating various grounds maintenance equipment such as lawnmowers, trimmers, blowers, and irrigation systems will also be required. As will the ability to perform routine maintenance on machinery and equipment.

They also need to log, record and measure performance and health of their habitats, playing surfaces and staff. They also must be aware and adhere to safety protocols and procedures to ensure a secure working environment for themselves and any fellow workers.

Knowledge of proper handling and disposal of chemicals and pesticides will be needed – plus the ability to identify and address issues related to plant health, pest control, and landscaping challenges.

They also need to be effective and efficient in scheduling and prioritisation of tasks to ensure specific jobs are done to meet client expectations and fixture lists. And have the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.

It goes without saying that having the ability to provide clear instructions and share information about grounds maintenance activities is essential. As is having effective communication with team members, supervisors, and other relevant stakeholders.

These turf managers also need to be aware of changing climatic conditions and weather fronts. This will allow them to plan and be prepared for any eventuality that may inconvenience their scheduled working regimes.

These skills collectively contribute to the successful upkeep and enhancement of outdoor spaces in various settings, including residential, commercial, or recreational areas.

Meeting up and networking with fellow professionals at events like BTME allows turf professionals to share ideas and to keep up to date with changing practises and current legislation.

The show continues to attract a wealth of experienced turf professionals from all over the world and has for many years been a rewarding experience for all those attending. Both Steve and I look forward to meeting many of you during the three days of the show.

Coping with the weather

Many greenkeepers at this time of the year will be certainly keeping an eye on the changing weather fronts though. The greenkeepers up in the north are more likely to be dealing with cold icy and snowy conditions it seems, whereas perhaps those in the Midlands and South maybe dealing with floods and heavy deluges of rain.

However, whatever the weather, greenkeepers will be busy carrying out many of their winter works programmes that generally sees refurbishment works out on the course such as ditch clearing, bunker repairs, tree maintenance operations, shrub clearance, drainage works and maybe some new construction works. A busy time for many greenkeepers.

As for me, I have been busy trialling some new EGO and STHIL equipment and will be publishing my thoughts on these products in the coming weeks.

I also want to start visiting some more golf courses again this year. So if you are interested in having me coming to see you, then drop me an email at laurence@turfpro.co.uk and I’ll look forward to seeing you during the coming months.

NEWS

PAY RISE RECOMMENDED
For greenkeeping staff

Greenkeeper salary recommendations have been published

In our first WEB ONLY story, find out what the Committee for Golf Club Salaries (CGCS) has recommended as an increase in the salaries of greenkeepers for 2024.

GMA REACCREDITED
To Department for Education standard

In our next WEB ONLY story, Association says standard recognises the work that goes into delivering information, advice, and guidance across the whole of the GMA.

DISEASE MANAGEMENT SEMINAR SET
Insights into regulations promised

Alternative approaches to disease management to be explored in presentation this week.

Envu will be exhibiting at BTME this week on stand 134, showcasing a range of products, whilst the company’s national accounts manager for the UK and Ireland, Phil Logan, will also be hosting a seminar titled ‘The future of disease management’ on Wednesday 24th from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM on the Seminar Stage.

Phil Logan

The company says he will be offering a deep-dive into the changing landscape of managing and controlling fungal diseases on golf greens, aiming to provide attendees with insights into regulations affecting plant protection products in the UK and EU.

“I’ll be exploring the importance of alternative approaches to disease management, explaining biological fungicides’ mode of action and discussing how bio-controls can be integrated into disease management strategies for reduced reliance on conventional fungicides,” explains Phil.

Envu also say visitors to their stand will be able to learn more about their Harmonix Turf Defense bio-control fungicide and will have the opportunity to participate in the Batak competition, where the fastest in turf can win a £250 Amazon voucher, with a £50 runner-up prize.

F G ADAMSON & SON COMPLETE REBRAND
Following dealership acquisition

F. G Adamson & Son was acquired in March 2023

Old name to disappear following the successful integration into the new dealer group.

In March 2023 the business of F G Adamson & Son was acquired by Ripon Farm Services.

Ripon say the acquisition represented an important milestone in their evolution as they entered the professional turf market for the first time, whilst supporting and strengthening its presence in the domestic turf sector.

As part of the acquisition, the name ‘F G Adamson & Son’ has continued to be used, with the depots at Swanland and Langworth continuing to specialise in the supply and support of commercial and domestic turf equipment. However, following the successful integration of the two depots into the group, these former F G Adamson & Son sites will now trade under the name of ‘Ripon Ground Care’.

In an official statement Ripon Farm Services said, "Over the next few weeks as this transition occurs, Ripon Ground Care will replace the name of F G Adamson & Son on our websites and social media, on stationery, clothing and on signage. Staff email addresses will also change.

"The transition represents a further significant milestone for Ripon Farm Services and will build on and strengthen our presence in the grounds care sector."

FORMER DEALERSHIP SALES MANAGER JOINS PRICE
As new ASM

Company says new recruit's knowledge of the golf and groundscare industries across the south of England is superb.

Tom Bailey, the former sales manager at RT Machinery, has joined Price Turfcare, the UK distributor of the Ventrac 4520 all-terrain compact tractor.

Tom Bailey has joined Price Turfcare as area sales manager

Tom joined RT Machinery Ltd in June 2015 as a trainee area sales manager, rising through the ranks before being appointed sales manager in November 2022. In 2019, Tom won Price Turfcare’s Dealer Sales Achievement award.

Commenting on his appointment, Rupert Price, managing director of Price Turfcare, said, “We are delighted to have secured Tom’s services; he is a very welcome addition to our sales team. His sales record at RT Machinery was second to none and that can be seen by his 2019 dealer sales award. He fully understands the attributes of the machine and its accessories and his knowledge of the golf and groundscare industries across the south of England is superb, with the added bonus that he is well respected across his territory.

“The industry tends to forget that we are still a relatively young business; it was only 2017 when we first introduced this unique compact tractor, with its multiple range of dedicated accessories, to the UK market. Now we are in an excellent position to move the company forward and Tom will be an integral part of our growth strategy.”

SALES MANAGER APPOINTED
With 25 years industry experience

Manufacturer says new recruit is well placed to spearhead sales, service and support for customers and dealers throughout the UK and wider international network.

Infinicut have announced the appointment of a new sales manager in the form of Alan Jack.

Alan Jack

With over 25 years of experience within the greenkeeping and professional turf care industry, the company says Alan is well placed to spearhead sales, service and support for customers and dealers throughout the UK and wider international network.

After completing his apprenticeship, Alan embarked on a career in greenkeeping, progressing through the ranks from assistant greenkeeper to management at various courses across Scotland. This foundation set Alan up for further positions in operational management within the sports turf and leisure industry. Combined with a track record in the sales of both amenity products and turf care machinery, Alan most recently held the role of operations manager at Luxury Carts Group KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) - where he was responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the sales team and distribution of golf equipment, including the Infinicut range.

“It’s a really exciting time to be coming on board,” said Alan, “with innovation driving exciting refinements and developments across the Infinicut portfolio for both fine turf and sports turf. The products already have an outstanding reputation for quality and efficiency and I’m excited to build on that with the help of our dealer partners around the world.”

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