Tremendous Support for Turf Research

The WCTA would like to thank and recognize those individuals, groups, companies and institutions who have contributed generously to turf research project funding so far this year.  Money raised in 2015 will be put toward 2016 projects aimed at industry betterment (see below for current priorities).  Contributors and amounts to date are as follows:

• Kwantlen University Turf Club   $4,000
• Dave Duncan, Turf Health Products  $1,300
• BC Golf Superintendents Association  $1,250
• Irrigation Association    $150
• Kwantlen University    $150
• NGCOA      $150
• Olds College     $150
• Jeff Hoyem, Fairview, AB   $100
• Greg de Jong, Ardmore Golf Course  $50

There were also a number of people who simply handed Research Committee Chair Peter Sorokovsky, a few bucks at our 2015 conference.  That was a very nice touch!  In addition, our Silent Auction also contributed to the fund raising $4,797 during this year’s conference.  Congratulations to all the bid winners!  Don’t forget to support the following suppilesr who generously supported the auction by donating items:  

•BCGSA Interior Chapter   •BrettYoung   •Corix Water Products   •Interior Turf Equipment Ltd.   •Island Tractor / Kubota Canada Ltd   •Keso Turf Supplies   •Maxstim   •Mumby's   •Natures Gold   •Neudorff North America   •Northern Chapter BCGSA   •Oakcreek Golf & Turf   •Premier Pacific Seeds Ltd   •Robert Kains Golf Course Design   •Taylor's Turf Care Products   •Vermeer BC   •Wallah Signs

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who serve tirelessly on our Research Committee:  

Peter Sorokovsky - City of Burnaby (Chair)
David Davidson - Kwantlen Polytechnic University
David Duncan - THP Co. (WCTA Past President)
David Woodske - BC Ministry of Agriculture
Dr. Brian Holl - Lamorna Enterprises
Stephen Kerbrat - Smithers Golf Club (BCGSA Representative)
Mike Turner - The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club (NTA Representative)
Ladd Legeyt - Agrium Advanced Technologies (Industry Representative) 
Elizabeth Hudgins - (Special Consultant)

Current Turfgrass Research Priorities:

• Nutrient and fertility management, best management practices
• Soil and root-zone management, best management practices
• Evaluation of alternatives to pesticides
• Irrigation and water use issues (water quality and reducing water usage)
• Investigations into the biology, ecology and management of current and emerging pests
• Alternative cultivar and species for new turf construction, integration and conversion into existing turf areas
• Species/cultivar evaluation and improved management practices for areas of heavy traffic and wear tolerance

We would also like to remind everyone that simply being a WCTA member has an impact because 10% of your annual WCTA dues are directed toward turf research along with 30% of any net operational profit left at the end of the fiscal year.  We’re well on our way to our goal of raising $20,000 for 2016 projects thanks to you!

If you wish to contribute to turf research through the WCTA, please contact Committee Chair Peter Sorokovsky at peter.sorokovsky@burnaby.ca