Features Agronomy
Program gives turf professionals access to research and expertise

Professionals who look after golf courses, sports fields, parkland and
homeowners’ lawns will now have a focused point of access to the Guelph
Turfgrass Institute (GTI) and the renowned experts at the Ontario
Agricultural College (OAC) and the University of Guelph.

GTI has retained the Guelph-based Chimera Group to provide business development, marketing, communications and agronomic services directly to the GTI and steward the newly formed “GTI Solutions Group.”

“This will further expand the GTI’s role within the Canadian turfgrass industry and provide a clear point of access to the scientific and technical expertise of University of Guelph faculty and staff,” said OAC dean Robert Gordon.

Research at the institute includes the environmental aspects of pesticide use, evaluation of grass species, turf varieties and seeding methods, sports field construction, management practices, and the biological and cultural control of diseases and weeds.

“The GTI Solutions Group will be the logical evolution of our efforts to provide consulting and professional development services to the Canadian turfgrass industry and will also formalize an entity that will help us achieve our goal of making the GTI financially sustainable for the long term,” said GTI director Rob Witherspoon.

Aside from managing a rebirth of the GTI’s website and generating an improved awareness of GTI activities, the Chimera Group’s John R. Bladon will also serve as project coordinator and senior specialist on the GTI Solutions Group team. A University of Guelph graduate with recognized expertise in turf management and agronomy, he has an extensive industry background, ranging from time spent as a golf superintendent to research, communications and business development experience.

The first of its kind in Canada, GTI is recognized as a world-class centre for research, extension and professional development in turf production and management. The institute is supported by OAC and the university, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the turfgrass industry.

For more information, contact Witherspoon at robwith@uoguelph.ca or call (519) 824-4120, extension 56886; or Bladon at jbladon.chimeragroup@rogers.com  or call (519) 574-2013.