Ontario Agricultural College 2009 Graduation Award Winners with OAC Dean Rob Gordon.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs Advisory Report
OMAFRA Turfgrass Management Report
OMAFRA Nursery & Landscape Report
Environment Canada Calling For Cool Temperatures & Normal Rainfall
Consistent with the Environment Canada seasonal forecast, July in Ontario is starting out quite similar to spring with cooler than average temperatures in the short range forecast. The forecast calls for below normal temperatures for most of Ontario throughout the summer. Precipitation is forecast to be normal in southern regions of the province with below normal precipitation in the north. At the other end of the scale, British Columbia is facing above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation that in current terms is creating a high forest fire risk for the province.
GTI Soccer Fields in the News
The GTI soccer field received some press coverage this past week. The two mini-fields are being used to study overseeding and irrigation practices on a pesticide-free sports field under the direction of OMAFRA Turfgrass Specialist Pam Charbonneau and GTI Research Superintendent Peter Purvis. The fields have been very well received by both local and visiting teams and are considered the best quality fields on the intercity soccer league loop.
ADTM Update
Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management students are currently working on their internships at placements across Canada, the United States and England. One of our students is currently working at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club and has been involved in turf court maintenance during the Wimbledon Championship that concludes this week. Other interns are working hard at Glen Abbey Golf Club in preparation for the 100th Canadian Open golf championship later this month.
New student enrolments are up from last year but there are still a few spaces left for entry to the program this September. If you know anyone that is interested in the program, please have him or her contact me by phone (519-824-4120 ext. 56886) or email (robwith@uoguelph.ca) for application details. Industry professionals refer most of our applicants to us and we appreciate the support you provide to the program.
Do you have an interesting project taking place this fall or would you be willing to share your expertise with turf diploma students? I am always on the lookout for new experiences to share with the students through the first year field trip course I coordinate in the Fall semester. Please let me know if you would be interested in hosting a student visit this coming fall. Field trips take place on Thursday mornings and the only requirement is that your facility be within reasonable travel distance of Guelph as we have five hours to get to and from the site as well as conduct the tour.
ADTM Graduation
The Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management Class of 2009 graduated at University of Guelph convocation ceremonies held on June 10th. Graduation award recipients included:
Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) Dean’s Honour List (80% or higher average for all four semesters of the program):
John Ingham
Cameron Kusiek
Kyle McDade
Steven Spiers
Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs Leadership Award:
Cameron Kusiek
Student Federation of OAC Gold Medal (All Round Student):
Tyler Webb
Western Ontario Golf Superintendents Association Graduation Scholarship:
John Ingham
OAC Dean Rob Gordon presents John Ingham with OAC Dean’s Honour List award.
OAC Dean Rob Gordon presents Kyle McDade with OAC Dean’s Honour List award.
OAC Dean Rob Gordon presents John Ingham with cheque for the Western Ontario Golf Superintendents Association graduation scholarship.
Industry Calendar
Coming Events:
July 21 – GBGSA July Meeting – The Rock GC
July 22 - WOGSA July Meeting – Sparrow Lakes GC
July 23 – GLAGS July Meeting – Mount Elgin GC
July 26 to August 1 – International Turfgrass Research Conference, Santiago, Chile
Check out the calendar link above for more details on these events.