Industry Shake up? - Issue 109
I recently celebrated ten years with Pitchcare, but I joined the industry twenty-two years ago, and then I was part of the team to launch Greenkeeping magazine (still a respected title all these years later).
Throughout my time in the industry, I have seen many positive changes such as innovation in machinery, legislation improvements to increase health and safety, social media advancements and more women coming into the industry (well the media side at least). All this has occurred in a time when applied agronomy and plant science has advanced tremendously. However, on the flip side, team motivation and recognition of the industry seems to be at an all-time low. Is this down to the aforementioned social media presence - meaning we hear more moans - or does our industry truly need a shake up? In our cover article (page 8), we addressed the sentiments of many, and which is heavily focused around pay and progression. With the cost of living and interest rates soaring, we talk to both the GMA and BIGGA, and look at why simple labouring and low skilled job roles have tracked better against inflation. We also have viewpoints from within the industry on what can be done to attract and keep qualified and experienced staff.
As The Championships at Wimbledon drew to a close, we caught up with Head of Courts and Horticulture, Neil Stubley, to discuss the preparations and challenges for this year's tournament (page 32).
Also in the issue, Technical Manager for DLF, David Rhodes, discusses the impact of salt on turf and highlights how the world's largest breeder is providing research and innovation to deliver more salt tolerant seed varieties (page 36).
Our regular features also offer some interesting reading including Top Tips - verticutting vs scarifying (page 46), a wellbeing insight from Dartford Football Club Head Groundsman, Jay Berkhauer, on bouncing back after falling short in the playoffs, plus the increasing significance of rain rate with our industry expert Mark Hunt (page 40).
Enjoy!
Kerry
t: 07973 394037
e: kerry.haywood@pitchcare.com