AGSA Annual Awards

Dr. Tom Hsiang

Topic: 

Turf Disease Management in the era of reduced fungicide use.

Description: 

The increasing restrictions on the use of conventional
synthetic fungicides show a need for effective alternatives. Some of
these alternatives include cultural controls, low-risk products,
biological control agents, and activated resistance against diseases.
Attend this seminar to learn about viable strategies for turf disease
management with reduced use of conventional fungicides, and to assess if
you would suffer withdrawal symptoms. This presentation will also
provide application rates and safety information of some of the
alternatives.

Paul MacCormack

Topic:

Wholistic Greenkeeping

Description:

This seminar will delve into the complex relationship between having a successful career as a golf course Superintendent and a personal life filled with meaning and presence. We will discuss the following:

- The various pitfalls and traps that foster poor decision making and lead to burnout 

- Ways to build resilience and promote well being

- How these factors influence one's leadership style

- How these factors in turn work to build a workplace culture that thrives. 

This will be an interactive afternoon where the attendees will be encouraged to reflect on their own journeys, discuss themes in a group setting,  and share if they feel comfortable doing so. 

Ryan Beauchamp

Topic:

The Bayer Necessities of Application 2.0

Description:

Efficacy Foundations 2.0.  The curriculum will focus on how Superintendents can extract the most value out of the chemical component of their Integrated Pest Management programs. The content of the seminar is very comprehensive while being delivered at a grass roots level that is grounded in science. Participants will be introduced to Fungicide Phyto mobility, correct product placement with emphasis on understanding different formulation technologies and Buffer zone management. Tips and tricks will be shared with the goal to maximize efficacy of plant protection products in an environmentally responsible manner.

Jeff Mingay

Topic:

What is golf architecture relative to improving your course

Description:

With two decades of experience working to improve aged courses, golf architect Jeff Mingay talks about how he sees/analyzes existing layouts relative to making recommendations for improvement. Jeff also explains how golf course superintendents can employ the same lense and criteria to determine what's required to genuinely make their own golf courses better. Jeff will discuss opportunities at the teeing areas and why short grass always trumps rough, while also explaining that sand bunkers are overrated and only trees in the right places are necessary.

Callum Haughn

Topic:

Sharing for Strength: What’s Working Around the Maritimes?

Description:

The best part of this industry is superintendents willingness to share information. As a sales representative, I get a unique opportunity to see successes, and sometimes failures, during my travels. This session will aim to share some of those stories with the hopes of helping attendees leave with some new ideas that they can put to use at their own facilities.

NS/ NL:  

• February 15, 2022 Turf Disease Management in the Era of Reduced Fungicide Use is worth 1.0 point in Pest Management
• February 15. 2022 Turfgrass Insect – Preparing for this Year and Beyond is worth 1.0 point in Pest Management
• February 22, 2022 The Bayer Necessities is worth 1.0 point in Labeling
• February 22, 2022 Wetting Agent Chemistry is worth 0.5 point in General category
• February 22, 2022 How to Optimize Your Fungicide Program is worth 1.0 point in Pest Management
• February 24, 2022 Alternative Approaches to Suppressing Microdochium Patch is worth 1.0 point in Pest Management

NB:  

• February 15, 2022 Turf Disease Management in the Era of Reduced Fungicide Use is worth 1.0 point
• February 15, 2022 Sharing Strength, what's working around the Maritimes is worth 1.0 point
• February 15. 2022 Turfgrass Insects – Preparing for this Year and Beyond is worth 1.0 point
• February 15, 2022 Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) fertilization strategies and considerations is worth 1.0 point
• February 22, 2022 What is golf architecture relative to improving your course is worth 1.0 point
• February 22, 2022 Managing for soil biology in golf: Lessons learned over the years is worth 1.0 point
• February 22, 2022 The Bayer Necessities is worth 1.0 point
• February 22, 2022 Wetting Agent Chemistry is worth 0.5 point
• February 22, 2022 How to Optimize Your Fungicide Program is worth 1.0 point
• February 24, 2022 Alternative Approaches to Suppressing Microdochium Patch is worth 1.0 point

Gordon Kauffman

Topic:

Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) fertilization strategies and considerations
                    

Description:

Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) fertilization strategies and considerations.  Attendees will learn about the N cycle, fate of soil K, understanding different formulation chemistries and when to apply, including correct doses based on time of year.  The seminar will focus on fall nutrient application strategies that offer increased turf vigor the following spring with less winter damage.  In addition, pest interactions with these nutrients will be covered. 

Alan Dolick

Topic:

Managing for soil biology in golf: Lessons learned over the years.

Description:

The biological approach to managing fine turf has been gaining momentum over the last few years. Taking theoretical concepts and applying them practically can sometimes be a challenge, with success not always being always a straight line. Alan will share the successes and setbacks he has seen out in the field, why he believes these things are happening, and what you can expect to see if you begin to implement some of these practices at your facility.

Leah Brilman

Topic:

Seed Supply Issues: Causes and where do we go?

Description:

Cam Stephens, PhD

Topic:

Back to the Basics: How to Optimize Your Fungicide Program

Description:

This talk will cover the primary aspects of developing a successful fungicide program by getting back to the basics. Fungicide programs can quickly become very complex with numerous products on the market and various disease management strategies to consider. Getting back to the basics of disease management with foundational principles like fungal biology and how fungicides work can simplify this process and help you optimize your fungicide applications and management strategies. This talk will also include other important components of building fungicide programs such as fungicide selection, target pathogen(s), application timing, pre- and post-application strategies, integrated pest management, and more.

Dr. Clint Mattox

Topic:

Alternative Approaches of Suppressing Microdochium patch

Description:

This presentation will cover the research performed by the Oregon State University team over the past decade to suppress Microdochium patch in the absence of traditional fungicides.

Wayne Roper

Topic:

Wetting agent chemistry for turfgrass management

Description:

Wetting agents (soil surfactants) have been a component of turfgrass management for several decades. After it was discovered that wetting agents improve water distribution though soil, wetting agent chemistries have been used to reduce hydrophobicity on golf greens, reduce water use in irrigation, distribute nutrients and pesticides, and reduce dew formation. During this presentation we discuss the chemistry behind wetting agents and how you should be using them for turfgrass management.

Matt Giese

Topic:

Turfgrass Insects- Preparing for this year and beyond.

Description:

“The 2021 season revealed that insect management in turfgrass is changing rapidly.  This presentation will briefly discuss factors driving this change and keys to identifying insect damage in turfgrass, specifically around white grubs, European cranefly, and annual bluegrass weevil, and their respective life cycles.  Additional emphasis will focus on preventing damage through scouting and properly timed insecticide applications.”

Presentation Outline:

1. Introduction
2. Common insect species lifecycles and identification
   1. White grubs
   2. European cranefly

• Annual bluegrass weevil

• Insect damage to turfgrass

1. Targeted management
   1. Scouting
   2. Application timing
2. Summary

Corrie Almack

Topic:

Organic matter monitoring in golf greens

Description: