In this episode, hosts Dr. Sara Stricker and Carol Turner are joined by guest Lisa Hartvikson, a Turf Managers Short Course alum and long-time turfgrass industry professional. Lisa shares her unconventional journey into turf management, from delivering newspapers to discovering a passion for all things turf at 45. Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation about turf challenges, and the love of turf!

In this insightful conversation, golf architect Christine Fraser discusses the intersection of accessibility, tradition, and innovation in golf course design. She highlights practical ways to make courses more inclusive for all golfers. This is an excerpt from the Women in Turf Showcase, hosted on March 19, 2025, in partnership with the U of Guelph Turf Student Club, Landscape Architecture Student Society, and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Enhancement Fund.

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Jiggens, the editor of Turf & Rec magazine, to explore the world of turfgrass journalism. He shares how he got his start in the industry, his approach to finding compelling stories, and the biggest changes he’s witnessed over his 30-year career. From shifts in media consumption to the evolving challenges facing turf professionals, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the stories that shape the industry.

Meet the new co-host, Carol Turner. We chat about Carol’s experience the must-attend conferences and events including OTS (Ontario Turfgrass Symposium), OGSA (Ontario Golf Course Superintendents’ Association) GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association of America), even BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association)! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.