RTF performs well in drought yet doesn’t mind being waterlogged, is shade tolerant, salt tolerant and incredibly hard wearing


maintain large, open grass areas such as multi-pitch playing fields, polo grounds and parks. In fact, Turfmech and Inturf are already looking at enhancing the machine by increasing the cutting width further to offer a 17, and possibly a 21 unit MaxiMow. The obvious benefit will be that the time taken to mow vast turfgrass areas will be reduced even further. Very few turf producers mow on a daily basis, but more generally 2-3 times each week, depending on the season, the weather and at what stage the crop is. This new mower will offer turf growers the chance to increase their mowing frequencies, which, in turn will benefit the crop in many ways, producing less grass clippings and promoting a denser turf.


Inturf have been very


impressed with its performance, as it has reduced significantly the time taken to mow their fields. They have been so pleased with the results, and its cutting quality,


manoeuvrability and work rate, that they have ordered another one. Inturf ’s long association


with Turfmech has also led to other innovations, including the recent purchase by the firm of two Roll Max big roll turf harvesters to provide a highly streamlined field operation, whereby the turf can be cut, rolled, wrapped and made ready for collection by just one man. Although designed primarily to harvest big rolls (15m2


adapted to produce small rolls (1m2


), the RollMax can be ) of turf if and


when demand dictates. Whilst visiting Inturf ’s turf nursery, we were able to see the latest crop production of Rhizomatous Tall Fescue (RTF), a new breed of turf, which has been specially developed by Barenbrug researchers to cope with the rigours of climate change, and warmer, drier weather.


It is claimed that RTF performs well in drought, yet doesn’t mind being waterlogged, is shade tolerant, salt tolerant and is incredibly hard wearing. The tall fescue’s unique


properties are attributable to its rhizomes and remarkably deep root system producing a sward that is bushier, denser and stronger than anything seen before in the UK and Ireland.


It certainly looked


consistent, had good colour and was dense. However, I am sure the real test will come once it has been placed into a working environment.


It is vitally important that the turf that is commercially grown, harvested and delivered to the customer is maintained in pristine condition at all stages. This can only be achieved with the constant development of technology and working partnerships such as the one we witnessed between Inturf and Turfmech. This example of excellent cooperation, where different organisations have worked together for the development and progression of turf production and efficient working practices is one that could be taken on board in other areas of our industry.


EACH issue we catch up with a leading turfgrass professional and ask him or her what’s going on in ...


Lives READERS


Who are you? Russell Latham, Sales Manager for Mansfield Sands. I joined the company in 1998 and am responsible for marketing and generating sales of sand products in the UK. My specific area is the Fibresand and Fibreturf products.


Status? Married to Hayley. We have a son Thomas who is four.


What do you get up to at the weekends? I’m a keen sportsman and still play Sunday league football. I also manage to maintain my golf handicap at a steady 15. I also supports Doncaster Rovers and try to attend as many home games as possible.


What do you most enjoy about your job? The opportunity to meet so many people, every day is different and challenging.


What do you dislike about the job? Motorway driving; travelling up and down the motorway networks invariably results in delays. I hate being late for appointments


Favourite Car? Aston Martin DB9, however I make do with my company Volvo V50 estate which is also my mobile office.


Favourite Film? The Rocky Movies.


Favourite TV programme? I rarely watch TV; if I do it tends to be Sky Sport, keeping an eye on sporting venues.


Favourite Radio Programme? Talk Sport


Favourite music? All types but I have an affection for R&B


Favourite Sporting Activity? Playing The Brabazon Course at the Belfy.


Memorable sporting moment? Visiting England’s training ground in Baden Baden during the recent World Cup tournament. It was very impressive, in fact the FA arranged for Wembley’s Head Groundsman Steve Welch and his staff to go out there to maintain the training pitches.


What one thing would you change to improve our industry? I would like to see an improvement in pay and working conditions for Groundsmen in the UK. When you consider the vast salaries paid to professional sportsmen and the pittance paid to our dedicated groundsmen who, week in week, out produce excellent playing surfaces for them. There are still a lot of managers and directors of football clubs with a flat cap mentality who still think that it’s just a case of cutting the grass and marking out.


What do you do on your days off? I usually spend what time I get with my family, looking after, and enjoying, the delights of bringing up Thomas, who already has a set of golf clubs. We go and play at Scunthorpe Golf Club, our local club.


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