Magazine - Barenbrug Distributors get more than just Bags of Seed

By Lesley Walker in Industry on 15th Mar 2007 12:00

Underlining its commitment to its network of BAR range distributors, Barenbrug has recently completed a series of technical training days aimed at keeping distributors up to date with the latest in research and development, new cultivars and mixtures.

The company's UK research and development manager Jayne Leyland, who ran the training sessions, said: "We believe that by offering regular technical training to our distributors they will be better equipped to help find solutions to their customers' grass seed requirements. It's vital that they are involved and confident about the product range and have the expertise to provide a quality product range and the advice to go with it."

Jayne's training included sections on the impact of climate change and the solutions to these challenges which are emerging from Barenbrug's breeding programmes. She also revealed the latest results from the company's cool temperature germination trials, which show that selected cultivars can extend the renovation window by germinating in cooler temperatures, and others which can germinate in warmer temperatures and so help with re-instatement following combined heat and drought damage.

Barenbrug's three new distributors were also included in the training programme. These were Greentech Sportsturf Limited and Don Valley, both based in Scotland, and JA Humphrey, in Northern Ireland. "Bringing our new distributors up to speed is an important part of welcoming them into the Barenbrug network," added Jayne, "and will give them the tools to grow business in their areas."

Photo: Pictured (left to right are): Duncan Allan and Alison Allan, Don Valley; Billy Nimmo, Barenbrug; Elizabeth Wilson, JA Humphrey; Jayne Leyland, Barenbrug; and Andrew Allan, Don Valley.

Read more articles in Industry, by Lesley Walker or from March 2007.