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Greetings to everyone in the Saskatchewan Turf Industry. As I write this article in mid March spring is upon us in the Southwest and hopefully it will arrive soon in the rest of the province. After a few days in which the temperatures reached the mid teens last week most of our snow is gone and the creek has returned close to normal after a week of flooding. In my travels to other parts of the province and conversations with other members it is hard to visualize where all the water will end up as a lot of the province has had above average snow fall this past winter.
For those who do not know me, I am starting my 17th year as superintendent at the Chinook golf course in Swift Current, which was originally opened in 1989 and expanded to 18 holes in 2000. It is a municipal course that plays up to 6400 yards along the Swift Current Creek and Horseshoe Lake. Like many in the province I come from an agricultural background. I started with the city parks and rec. department in 1981 and took the certificate program at Olds in the early 90's and continue to take different courses to this day. I have been married to my wife Rhonda for 27 years and have two daughters.
I recently accepted a two year term as president of the STA, taking over from Kevin Bloski who has held the position for a number of years. Kevin did an excellent job promoting the organization and its objectives. As in any volunteer organization it is important for everyone to share their ideas and it is my turn to contribute.
Throughout the years one comes to appreciate the amount of effort involved in maintaining quality turf whether it be at a soccer pitch that gets beat up on a regular bases or a small town nine hole course that offers great playing conditions with a small maintenance budget.
The STA is an organization that benefits all aspects of the industry in Saskatchewan. Our members, through conferences, seminars, newsletters and interactions with other turf professionals have the opportunity to improve their knowledge and ability to provide better turf conditions at their courses, parks and sod farms. The importance of the commercial sector of our industry can not be over looked as they benefit from an organization such as ours and have many active members.
The success of the STA involves growing our membership base and getting more people involved in the organization. Increased attendance at activities such as the research tournament, fall windups and spring conferences helps the industry as a whole.
If anyone has any ideas or concerns please contact myself or another board member so we can address them. I hope everyone has a good season.
-Doug Leavins
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