Canadian Turf Talks
Guelph Turfgrass Institute
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Canadian Turf Talks interviews guests from all sides of the Canadian turfgrass industry – including lawn care, sports turf, golf, recreation facilities, and nursery sod. We cover turf management, work-life balance, and career advice for anyone looking to get into the turf world. Co-hosted by Dr. Sara Stricker from the Guelph Turfgrass Institute and Co-Hosts from the Canadian Turf Industry.
For transcripts and more information visit www.guelphturfgrass.ca/canadian-turf-talks
Brought to you by the University of Guelph and the Guelph Turfgrass Institute.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Oct 27, 2023
Episode 12 - From the desert to the rainforest
Rob Wilke, superintendent at the Skeena Valley Golf & Country Club in Terrace, B.C., was named the CGSA/Rain Bird Environmental Achievement-of-the-Year Award winner in 2022. Not only has he reduced water use on the course (mostly out of necessity), but he has developed a liquid compost product that is made on-site. Since he started spraying the compost tea on his fairways and greens, the Microdochium patch has been SEVERELY reduced - to the point that he has dramatically cut down on synthetic pesticide use. This episode covers turf management in extremely rainy, and extremely dry environments, and Rob's involvement with the British Columbia Superintendents Association.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
turfgrass, Ontario, golf, British Columbia, environmental, compost, disease control, superintendents association, Osoyoos Golf Club, Skeena Valley GCC
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
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Aug 25, 2023
Episode 11 - Design, build, and renovate
Jeff Mingay is a golf course architect based in Toronto who has been recently working to renovate Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ontario. Jeff and Bill Green, Superintendent at Cutten, join our co-hosts to discuss the renovations and golf architecture in general. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, the renovations at Cutten were completed entirely "in-house" over the past four years - thanks to a superstar team and the stars aligning. This episode covers construction, design, and re-interpretation of golf courses.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
turfgrass, Ontario, golf, architecture, construction, renovations
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
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Aug 11, 2023
Episode 10 - We're on a roll
Mike Schiedel's family has been farming along the Grand River in Waterloo County for 80 years. GreenHorizons Group of Sod Farms is one of the largest sod farms in Canada, and Mike is also the President of the Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario. Mike says that the sod business needs to be your hobby, your career, and your passion. This episode covers how sod is produced, the challenges issued by Mother Nature, and soil health.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
turfgrass, Ontario, farming, sod production, business
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
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May 19, 2023
Episode 9 - Surf and turf
Amanda Hoewing a Regional Sales Manager for Professional Turf at DLF North America in Ontario. DLF Seeds is a global seed company headquartered in Roskilde, Denmark. Amanda gets us "up to seed" on the supply side of the turf industry, from breeding to sales and everything in between. This episode covers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the turf seed industry, #NoMowMay, and what's coming next from turf breeders.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
turfgrass, Ontario, golf, lawn, golf course construction, horticulture, breeding, seed production
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
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May 5, 2023
Episode 8 - It's just you and nature
Jason Steadwell is a Turf Specialist at Syngenta Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He is possibly the "best travelled" in the Canadian turf industry, since he is supporting superintendents from Alberta to northern Ontario. From economics to raking bunkers and now acting as a PROBLEM SOLVER, Jason shares his experience with us. This episode covers some of the new projects underway at Syngenta (this is not a paid ad) and some suggestions for professional development in the golf industry.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
Disease management, Microdochium, golf, Alberta, Manitoba, superintendent, active ingredient, Syngenta, business, biologicals, travel
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
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Mar 31, 2023
Episode 7 - The sky is the limit
Your hosts Dr. Sara Stricker (Guelph Turfgrass Institute) and Jason Haines (Sunshine Coast Golf & Country Club) chat about the start of a new season for Canadian Turf Talks.
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Feb 3, 2023
Episode 6 - Always a class act
Cam Shaw is the Manager of the Diploma in Turfgrass Management Program at the University of Guelph. This two-year program includes classes on soil science, landscape design, equipment, integrated pest management, and a paid co-op placement in the turf industry. This episodes covers what to expect from the turf program in Guelph, how we are striving to make the industry more diverse and inclusive, and advice for anyone considering a career in sod, golf, lawncare, and sportsfield management.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
turf, industry, people, students, University of Guelph, working, recruitment, golf, learning, education, professional development
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
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Jan 20, 2023
Episode 5 - Plastic, real, or something in between?
Rob Heggie is the Director of Grounds at Toronto Football Club, which is also known as BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario. From horticulture to golf to soccer and now football - Rob has even hosted an outdoor ice hockey game on his grass! When you're pushing the limits of environmental factors, plus use and abuse of the turf stand, how does he keep the surface green and playable? This episodes covers Rob's craziest ideas and biggest challenges working at one of the most prestigious sports fields in Canada.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
sports field, turfgrass, Barbados, sports, soccer, football, artificial turf, Toronto Football Club, Toronto Argonauts, horticulture
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
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Jan 6, 2023
Episode 4 - Pushing up turfgrass
Rebecca Zinger is the Cemetery Keeper, Superintendent, and General Manager of Woodlawn Memorial Park in Guelph, Ontario. She has been in the cemetery industry since high school and draws on over two decades of experience. From mowing grass to pushing papers, she has faced all ends of the spectrum when it comes to interments. This episodes covers how to manage turf while combatting soil settling, what happens when a cemetery closes, and the truth behind myths surrounding this "dark side" of the turf industry.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
cemetery, Woodlawn Memorial Park, monuments, families, graves, burial, learning, turf management
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
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Dec 22, 2022
Episode 3- Take three deep breaths
Paul MacCormack is the General Manager and Superintendent at Fox Meadow Golf Course in Stratford, Prince Edward Island. He is also a blogger, meditation coach, and inspirational speaker. We talk about the artistry of turf management: the good times, the bad times, and how to use gratitude to improve your life.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
superintendent, golf, turf, struggles, meditation, mindfulness, Fox Meadow, leadership, PEI, diversity, inclusion, gratitude
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
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Dec 9, 2022
Episode 2 - Equestrian turned Superintendent
Leasha Schwab is the Superintendent at Pheasant Run Golf Course in Sharon, Ontario and she is the founder of the Ladies Leading Turf initiative. She is an inspirational leader and her goal is to foster positive relationships with her employees to ensure a safe and happy work environment. This episode touches on horse dancing, cocktail hours, dogs of turf, and much more.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
turf, people, golf, superintendent, staff, women, work, life, networking, Pheasant Run Golf Course
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
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Nov 25, 2022
Episode 1 - Saving lawns and improving life
Kyle Tobin is the CEO of LawnSaversLawn Plant Health Care Incorporated in Vaughan, Ontario. As an entrepreneur and leader in the turf industry, Kyle has many words of wisdom to share with our listeners. This episode touches on rock stars, integrated pest management, and the biggest challenge facing the lawn care industry: PEOPLE.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
people, turf, industry, business, lawn care, life, hiring
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
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Jun 3, 2022
Introduction to the Pod-Sphere
Your hosts Sara Stricker and Reg Langen chat about the purpose and scope of this new media platform.
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