Turf growers from across the UK shared news and information and planned for the season ahead as they gathered in North Yorkshire for their spring members' meeting.
The morning session of the event, sponsored by Trebro Manufacturing, was held at The Little Theatre in Skipwith, near Selby, where growers and trade members of the association heard from four speakers.
First to address them was Andy Spetch, who gave an insight into British Sugar's topsoil business and the products developed as a result of the 7.5 million tonnes of sugar beet grown on the east side of the country.
Attention then turned to business management as Matthew Atkin of Action Coach discussed the benefits of business mentoring in enhancing efficiency and performance.
Ian True from Trebro then took the floor to give an introduction to the machinery being demonstrated that afternoon; the SC2010 automatic stacking turf harvester and the UK-manufactured Loadmac forklift.
Finally, TGA grower Stephen Fell, also UK Chairman of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), outlined the benefits of integrated farm management and of being part of an organisation whose aims are to inspire and enable sustainable farming that is prosperous, enriches the environment and engages local communities.
Those present then made the short journey to the turf nurseries at Lindum Turf to see the Trebro harvester and forklift in action.
TGA Chief Executive, Tim Mudge, said: "It was great to kick the season off with a positive day of learning, networking and information sharing, and we extend our thanks to our superb speakers, and to our hosts Trebro and Lindum Turf."
"We're reaching out to other growers to join us. Being part of the TGA is about growing and learning together, for the benefit of our industry and the customers we serve. The next members meeting will take place in early December and we invite growers to make contact with us so we can invite you along."
