WHAT WAS READ MOST IN 2024?

Today we reveal which stories were the 10 most read by TurfPro subscribers throughout 2024.

The articles that garnered the most attention were once again the expert, knowledgeable and passionate editorials written by TurfPro editor Laurence Gale and his invited specialist guest authors - as well as unusual and eye-catching news stories.

So without further ado, in order of ascending popularity, here are the most read stories in TurfPro of 2024.

10.

PAY RISE RECOMMENDED - 29th January 2024

Following extensive research, the Committee for Golf Club Salaries recommended a 7% increase in the salaries of golf club staff for 2024. 

9.

CALL FOR BAN ON LAWN CHEMICALS - 12th February 2024

David Hedges-Gower, chairman of the Lawn Association and an expert on sustainable lawn care, made an appeal for a nationwide ban on all pesticides used in lawn maintenance.

8.

IS IT TIME TO SAY NO TO 'NO MOW MAY'? - 7th May 2024

In a guest editorial Stephen Fell, md of Lindum Turf, asked does the annual campaign actually do any good for the environment and encourage an increase in pollinator numbers? Or is it just another example of greenwashing?

7.

PRO DEALERSHIP ENTERS ADMINISTRATION - 25th March 2024

Aberdeenshire-based dealers Balgownie Limited, a well known groundcare and agricultural machinery dealership, entered administration and was trading to a limited degree under the control of the Joint Administrators. 

6.

A SAD DECLINE - 20th May 2024

TurfPro editor, Laurence Gale, wrote in a heartfelt editorial that as a passionate, practicing turf professional, he finds it difficult to witness the sad decline of one of our wonderful local community sports facilities - the bowls club. 

5.

A WORRYING TIME FOR PARKS - 22nd April 2024

Laurence debated whether public grassed areas were not being cut due to saturated ground conditions or was it because councils were having to find further savings due to the severe cuts in their annual budgets?

4.

DERBY DAY DELIGHT! - 11th March 2024

On Sunday 3rd March 2024 history was made for the grounds management industry when, for the first time in football, an all-female grounds team prepared the pitch at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

3.

TUCKWELLS ACQUIRE LOCAL PROFESSIONAL DEALERSHIP - 5th June 2024

P Tuckwell Ltd, the John Deere dealer across the South East and East of England, completed the acquisition of Tomlinson Groundcare Ltd. 

2.

BILL TO BAN PESTICIDE USE BY PUBLIC AUTHORITIES INTRODUCED - 11th November 2024

A new bill that would ban the use of professional pesticides by local authorities and other public bodies for amenity purposes was introduced in Parliament..

1.

A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR OUR PROFESSION - 5th June 2024

Laurence Gale wrote an impassioned editorial arguing that with so-called experts at the play-off final undermining the work of Wembley's professionals, how are we supposed to attract new recruits into our sector?