The 2026 Atlantic Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show will take place February 10-12, 2026 at the Westin in Halifax.
For information on the conference or to register and book accommodations, please click here.
The Atlantic Golf Superintendents Association is dedicated to enhancing the enjoyment, growth, and vitality of the game of golf in Atlantic Canada by fostering a community of like-minded professionals who support each other through shared knowledge, education, best practices, and fraternity.
The AGSA produces and distributions newsletters to its members with relevant information to current issues.
To access past newsletters click below.
Turf News is produced by the AGSA. It is developed and published on a quarterly basis. The magazine recognizes our maritime turf professionals, publishes relevant articles from our region and around the world. It also highlights our corporate partners and their valued professional turf industry products, services and teams.
To access past issues and articles from Turf News or to advertise in the Magazine, click below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
NB:
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.
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.
Topic:
Seed Supply Issues: Causes and where do we go?
Description:
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.
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.
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.
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:
Topic:
Organic matter monitoring in golf greens
Description:
Topic:
Developing a holistic insect management plan for turf pests of the Maritimes
Description:
Atlantic Canada’s turf insect pest landscape has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. During this period, turfgrass managers have seen the arrival of annual bluegrass weevils and European chafers, as well as the resurgence of pests like leatherjackets (European crane flies), ants, and chinch bugs. Within the same period, the insecticide landscape has changed greatly as key active ingredients have been deregistered and the new ones discovered and developed. In this presentation, Dr Ben McGraw of Pennsylvania State University will provide a comprehensive overview of the most devastating turfgrass insect pests affecting golf courses in Atlantic Canada and their management. This presentation will emphasize the importance of understanding pest biology and ecology to identify weaknesses in pest lifecycles and develop strategies that will increase the turfgrass manager’s probability of successful control. An update on Penn State’s biological, biological, and chemical efficacy trials will be provided for each pest species or complex. Finally, we will examine what a year-long pest management strategy would look like from a budgetary standpoint, then look to see where multiple pests may be controlled simultaneously or where inputs may be reduced.
Objectives:
Topic:
New (and new-ish) chemical and biological insecticides for turf insect pests of the Maritimes
Description:
In this presentation, Ben McGraw, Ph.D., of Penn State University, will present an overview of some of the more recent chemical, biological, and biorational insecticide products that have become available in Canada. Several new reduced risk insecticides have been registered in the last few years, but still confusion remains surrounding their optimal use and target pests. The talk will focus on the use of these products for control of Atlantic Canada’s major pest complexes. The impact of these products on control programs as well as the latest research that is being conducted at Penn State University and other universities on these products will be discussed.
Specific objectives:
Topic:
Using Data to Guide Maintenance Decisions
Description:
New tools from the USGA leverage data and superintendent’s knowledge to help guide the decision-making process to help ensure timely applications for improved efficacy efficiency.
Topic:
New Trends in Cultivation
Description:
Cultivation is an often scrutinized process on golf courses. New tools and trends in this realm have given superintendents more options to maximize the effects of the process with less impact on the playing experience.
Topic:
Optimized fertilization for golf turf
Description:
This talk will talk about the latest research on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization for golf turf. You'll walk away with a better understanding of how to use soil tests and clipping volume to make fertilizer decisions that maximize your functional goals while protecting the environment. We will also discuss the economics and performance of the many different fertilizer options available today.
Topic:
Soil organic matter measurement and management
Description:
This seminar will cover the fundamentals of measuring soil organic matter in putting green root zones, including some of the newer techniques like #OM246 and the methods that the USGA are working on. The seminar will also cover the latest research on sand topdressing and cultivation techniques that are used to manage soil organic matter in turfgrass root zones.
Topic:
Sports Field Seminar
Description:
Sports field managers provide a place to play. Safe and useful sports fields are crucial for children and building community. In conjunction with Sports Turf Canada, this half day seminar will provide methods for planning best management practices for maintaining natural sports fields including mowing, fertility and pest control. The seminar will also provide information about understanding the current inventory of sports fields and better understanding the management needs and use patterns of the current sports field inventory including a brief synopsis of the use of synthetic sports fields and their required management. The seminar is designed to be useful to managers, lead hands and sports field technicians giving them insight into how they can be more efficient at providing a safe place to play.
Topic:
Building Links - A look into equality, diversity & inclusion
Description:
Community agreements, level setting and context, opportunities to embed ED&I.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
Topic:
What is new at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute
Description:
In 2022 Guelph Turfgrass Institute held the grand opening of the new Frost Research Centre although research has been active at the site since 2020. The new facility and activities of the Guelph Turfgrass Institute will be highlighted. In addition, the research at the site will also be highlighted including information on new plant regulators for the Canadian market, the effects of wetting agents on new root zones, and new products and uses for existing products for weed control. The research will be delivered for best adoption of these new technologies to best management practices and integrated pest management programs.
Topic:
Biological Thatch Management: Can it really be done?
Description:
Why is thatch so challenging to break down, and is there scientific backing for methods that promote non-disruptive thatch degradation? This presentation delves into the complexities of thatch composition and explores research-driven strategies for a comprehensive and gentle approach to breaking down thatch, while maintaining playability and improving the soil ecosystem.
Topic:
Split Talk
Description:
“Importance of the quality of water that is being used in spray applications”
Water makes up over 95% of the solution that is being applied but is often overlooked. Why this is important, nutrient antagonisms that can arise and reduced efficacy of expensive inputs. As well as common issues found with pond or well water and how to improve it.
“All things carbon”: What is carbon, why its important to have it as part of your spray programs and what types of carbon to use and when. (soil applied vs foliar applications, time of year, nutritional applications vs pesticide applications)
Topic:
The Affect Heuristic / Pest Management Strategies / Maximizing your Control Intervals
Description:
The Affect Heuristic - The facts behind your Pesticide ban.
Objectives:
- Realize legislative purpose
- Identify the true risks of exposure
- Consider public perception
- Articulate poisoning data
- Approach forward
Pest Management Strategies
Purpose:
- Avoid incorrect pesticide application (misdiagnosis, ensure control)
- Avoid environmental risk
- Avoid turf loss
- Save money
Maximizing your Control Intervals
Topics:
- Equipment selection variables
- Type of application
- Formulations
- Rate risks and output
- Nozzles
- Technology advances
- Research update
Topic:
Golf Club Management - Trends, Metrics and Profits / ATRF New Turfgrass Research Update
Description:
Golf Club Management - Trends, Metrics and Profits
Objectives:
- Add value in the boardroom
- Contribute beyond maintenance department
- Understanding club profit centres
- Become active participants in the success of your club
ATRF New Turfgrass Research Update
Topic:
Developing fungicide programs that perform, manage fungicide resistance, and are environmentally sound!
Description:
This talk will center on how one thinks thru, plans, and then executes on a fungicide program to deliver high quality turfgrass surfaces while also being mindful to address fungicide resistance concerns and environmental safety concerns. This is no small task, and thinking about the season before you're in the thick of it can help you understand what you're trying to do when the going gets tough. Attendees will take away an appreciation for where the industry has gone with regards to fungicide development, how to problem solve and create high performing fungicide programs all while keeping mind fungicide resistance concerns and environmentally sound practices as part of a comprehensive agronomic management plan.
Topic:
Using modern golf data to inform how to employ agronomic practices for turfgrass performance.
Description:
This presentation will focus on data-driven developments that have occurred at the professional and amateur levels of playing this sport, and how these insights can be used to have conversations with your clientele regarding agronomic practices that need to be employed. Attendees will take away from this presentation how to consider data from the playing of the sport informs such practices as tree management, cultivation practices, and bunker management to name a few. We will also discuss how data on how we deliver these agronomic practices can be collected to further refine these processes.
Topic:
“Back from despair”, Hurricane Fiona cleanup and the changes at Abercrombie Golf club.
Description:
Some of the Tree removal work started at Abercrombie and the effect it had on the property as Hurricane Fiona hit the province in fall 2022. We will share some of the details of how the club responded to the occurrence and the impact of our tree removal program.
NB:
NS/NL:
T2419 _AGSA: Developing fungicide programs that perform, manage fungicide resistance, and are environmentally sound (Horvath):
3.0 points in Pest Management
T2420 _AGSA: The Affect Heuristic-The facts behind Pesticide Bans/Pest Management Strategies/ Maximizing your Control Intervals:
0.5 points in Environmental
0.5 points in Pest Management
1.0 points in Application Technology
Topic:
Winterkill: Lessons Learned for Mitigating Damage, Reestablishing Greens, and Current WinterTurf Research Efforts.
Description:
This presentation will focus on factors that cause winterkill, cultural practices such as fertilizer applications, sand topdressing, mowing height, core aeration, and the use of covers to minimize or prevent winterkill, and reestablishment techniques following winterkill. Preparing turf for winter extremes is a critical component to the golf course IPM program as a healthy turfgrass stand is more resistant to pest pressures the following year than a turf that has been weakened by winterkill injury. An update on the WinterTurf research project will provide attendees with the current state of knowledge on winterkill on cool-season turfgrass and describe novel approaches that are being used to identify new solutions to reduce winter stress injury.
Topic:
Comparing Soil Testing Philosophies: SLAN vs. MLSN
Description:
There are several different soil testing philosophies that are used to make nutrient recommendations for turfgrass. Sufficiency Level of Available Nutrients (SLAN) is the oldest and most established method for determining fertilizer recommendations but due to its foundation in agriculture is often criticized as being out of touch with modern turfgrass performance objectives. The Minimum Levels for Sustainable Nutrition (MLSN) method is a newer philosophy that aims to match fertilizer recommendations with turfgrass growth and performance. Research comparing the effects of nutrient recommendations from both methods on annual bluegrass and putting greens over 3 years will be presented.
Topic:
Soil, air, water and BMP
Description:
The past 30 years turfgrass management has changed considerably due in relatively equally parts to increased technology, research results, and pressure from environmental activists. Over that time period we have transitioned from IPM, to sustainability, to BMP. This class will equally cover the growth and decay of pesticides, fertilizers, golf course mechanical and cultural practices with equal focus on the past, present, and future.
Topic:
The Top 10 Reasons to Lightweight Roll?
Description:
Topic:
The Art of Application
Description:
Attendees will gain valuable information on how the topics of sprayer setup, nozzle choice, weather conditions, chemistry choice/formulation, and mixing practices can impact the effectiveness of their overall preventative pest management programs. Value adding tools such as the WALES mixing sequence, SpotOn calibrators, the use of water sensitive paper, and others will be explored/demonstrated. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the proper steps, decision making, and hardware setups, ensuring they experience the greatest level of success with applied products in the field.”
Topic:
Nematode induced damage and the “Trio”
Description:
This seminar offers an in-depth exploration of nematode induced damage and diseases in Canadian golf courses. Inspired by research from Dr. Jim Kerns and Dr. Billy Crow, nematode induced diseases are more common in cool-season grasses than previously known. Leveraging the latest research and advancements in plant microbiology, participants will gain insights into the critical role of plant health in combating patch and pythium diseases that can co-occur after nematode damage. Attendees will see microscopic visuals of nematodes in plant crowns and roots, the diseases they induce, and finally how to break the yearly cycle of damage. The course will also address compounding factors that contribute to disease, guiding attendees toward effective solutions for improving plant health and reducing disease breakthrough. Emphasis will be placed on the vital connection between nematodes and disease and how to recognize it.
Topic:
Long term golf course improvement plan
Description:
This talk will take attendees on the journey of a long term golf course improvement plan. Beginning with the seed of an idea, to finding the right golf course architect, detailing the long communication plan, all the way through the execution of the actual work, Paul will show how the Fox Meadow Golf Course team created the conditions that brought the plan to completion. We will discuss our processes, successes and failures, and what we learned from it all.
Topic:
Rethinking a Landmark: The Transformation of the Signature Hole at Northumberland Links
Description:
Join John Mills, Golf Course Superintendent at Northumberland Links, and Christine Fraser, Golf Course Architect, as they share the story behind the redesign and rebuild of the signature par 3 13th hole. In the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, which uprooted over 50 acres of trees, the course was left severely impacted. This devastation created an opportunity to rethink the hole’s layout and features. Together, Mills and Fraser will discuss how they turned the storm's destruction into a chance to enhance playability, integrate sustainable practices, and revitalize the classic links characteristics of the course. This session will cover the challenges, innovations, and collaborative efforts that shaped the redesigned hole into a more resilient and memorable golfing experience.
NB:
NS/NL:
Gary Taylor
Topic:
Planning an Irrigation System
Description:
With the hot dry weather last year, any deficiencies in an irrigation system were highlighted. Areas with lack of coverage or deficient coverage were easy to identify. Shortcomings with your pumping system or water supply may have presented themselves.
This session will discuss the process of planning an irrigation system upgrade or replacement. The numerous steps required will be discussed from start to finish. Even if you’re not in the position to complete an upgrade or replacement currently, this information will provide guidance once the opportunity presents itself.
Paul Giordano
Topic:
Agronomic Perspectives from the R&D Side
Description:
This segment will discuss commonly available plant biostimulant technologies in the turf industry. A focus will be given to the research proof points and real-world benefits that these products can offer as additions to a sound agronomic program.
Paul Giordano
Topic:
Perception vs Reality: How Can Science Help to Dispel Common Agricultural Misconceptions?
Description:
From GMO’s, to organic farms, to the growing fear of chronic environmental exposure, public opinion about conventional agricultural practices and the use of pesticides continues to be shaped by viral, pop-culture messaging. Often, the information is not based on science, but rather scare-tactics and emotional reasoning which threatens the future of pest control, the advancement of biotechnology, and agricultural productivity in the future. This Seminar will dig into some of the common misconceptions about pesticides, agricultural biotechnology, and the turfgrass industry, using peer-reviewed science and empirical data to better understand the true ramifications of our pest control activities both today and in the future.
Derek Settle
Topic:
Twenty Years of Research - Alternatives to Control Silvery Thread Moss
Background
Silvery thread moss is a cosmopolitan weed of sand-based creeping bentgrass putting greens. Once introduced, moss is problematic given a majority of putting green cultural practices are conducted not to benefit plant health, but to ensure fast ball roll speeds. Moss is worst in surface design features (ridges and knolls) and outer perimeter clean-up laps because scalping by mowers can exist due to low mowing heights. Once moss is established, creeping bentgrass is unable to compete given reduced nitrogen fertility and plant growth regulator use are necessary cultural practices for putting greens. Alternative ways to suppress moss are needed given repeat applications of a single postemergent herbicide (carfentrazone) is currently used for the suppression of slivery thread moss.
Presentation Focus
This presentation will focus on research efforts in both Kansas and Illinois which, across two decades of investigations, evaluated moss suppression using cultural practices and alternative products versus the herbicide QuickSilver (carfentrazone).
Derek Settle
Topic:
Monitoring Annual Bluegrass Weevil in Chicago Golf Courses Using Phenology and Growing Degree Day Models
Background
A new insect pest known as annual bluegrass weevil or ABW continues to spread in Chicago, but only in the northern most suburbs. ABW was first diagnosed by the CDGA at two golf courses Waukegan negatively impacting green collars in 2023, then 12 courses in 2024. In 2025 the number of courses affected by ABW doubled to about 25 in total. Also, for the first time, we began seeing damage to larger acreage areas (fairways). The CDGA Turfgrass Program was involved in research at two north suburb golf courses which monitored spring temperatures and phenological indicators such as boarder forsythia bloom. This information was detailed each month (Mar-Jul) in a national blog called WeevilTrak.
Presentation Focus
This presentation will focus on the first report of annual bluegrass weevil (ABW) damaging golf course areas (putting green collars, tees and fairways) in metropolitan Chicago (2023) and then its subsequent spread the following two years. In 2025 Chicago research determined new spring application timings which are necessary to control this overwintering insect. Golf course maintenance budgets are estimated to require an additional $10,000-$20,000 to address ABW with newer insecticides.
Derek Settle
Topic:
Diagnosis and Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Turfgrass
Background
About a dozen different genera of plant-parasitic nematodes are either prevalent in golf courses or represent a significant risk to turf quality. The greatest risk is posed in areas with sandy soils thus sand-based greens are especially vulnerable. Hoplolaimus (lance nematode) is the most important plant-parasitic nematode that occurs in both cool- and warm-season turfgrasses based on its documented association with reduced turf quality. The genus Meloidogyne (root-knot nematodes) is also an important in turfgrass based on its overrepresentation in diagnostic samples. The genus Heterodera (cyst nematode) has been reported in both Canada and Chicago and is thought to be similar to root-knot in its damage potential because both are endoparasites.
Dan Dinelli
Topic:
Integrated Pest Management Under Pesticide-Restricted Conditions: Building Resilient Turf Systems with Compost & Biochar
Description
As pesticide regulations continue to tighten across Canada, golf course superintendents are being asked to maintain elite playing conditions with fewer curative tools and greater public scrutiny. This presentation reframes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a systems-based decision framework, rather than a list of alternative products.
Drawing on peer-reviewed research and real-world field experience at North Shore Country Club, Dan Dinelli demonstrates
how compost and biochar can function as long-term IPM infrastructure in turf. Using onsite research conducted by Dr Derek Settle, (CDGA)combined with real world implementation, the talk focuses on prevention, system balance, and practical strategies superintendents can implement.
Carla Bailey
Topic:
Leave Well, Lead Better
Description
How an employee exits shapes what your team believes about leadership. This session focuses on practical offboarding strategies that strengthen culture, reduce disruption, and ensure operational continuity. Attendees will learn how to manage exits with clarity and respect, coordinate handoffs, control internal messaging, and turn offboarding into a process that supports retention—not a trigger for turnover. I will keep it very “real-world,” trade-friendly, and operational — not corporate/fluffy.
Andy MaGee
Topic:
A Hard Lesson Learned. 1 Year Later.
Description
Discussion about the maintenance building fire at Hampton Golf Club on March 7, 2025.
The process of:
Jill MacDonald/Rick Goodman
Topic:
Golf should be for everyone.
Description
Golf Carts, Adaptive Carts and Putting Greens.
● Greens: What are the real issues?
● The reality for golfers with disabilities as we approach the green.
● Access vs. damage
● The fear of setting a precedent when accommodating golfers with disabilities
● Adaptive cart policy and Superintendent discretion
● Benefits of allowing access for golfers with disabilities
● Accessibility is not reckless, it is access that is managed
● Protecting the Turf, but also protecting dignity
Accessibility Does Not Mean Redesigning the Whole Course.
● Most barriers are small fixes
● Golfers are changing and courses haven’t caught up yet
● Accessibility is operational excellence, not pity or special treatment
● Superintendents are already masters of adaptation
● Accessibility is not about changing golf. It is about who gets to play.
1. Golf for everyone makes good business sense
2. It’s going to be the law. ● Brief review of implications from the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act and Regulations .
3. Concepts on how progressive Superintendents can help ideas in design.
4. Red flag policy is often the key.
5. Adaptive carts are not a problem: Study 2024,Kansas State Univ.
The colour and contrast of tee markers and flagsticks.
● There is no rule for a single colour, so consider two colour flags and flagsticks (e.g. red and white).
Blind and Visually Impaired golfers don’t drive.
● They will often have a non-playing guide accompanying them