ASSOCIATION NEWS
The Irrigation Association, Fairfax, Virginia, joined two industry partners as an educational presenter at the 2024 Commodity Classic that took place Feb. 27-March 2 in Houston.
The association, in partnership with Reinke and CropX, presented a comprehensive session on soil moisture management for growers. Speakers Mike Mills, director of sustainability solutions, Reinke Manufacturing, and Nick Emanual, farmer and head of product at CropX, delved into the fundamentals of subsurface water, its storage in soil and its accessibility for plant use. They explored advanced irrigation scheduling techniques to prevent water over-application and drew
on Emanual’s farming experience and use of technology for monitoring soil moisture. This session offered insights into selecting the optimal irrigation schedule and rate, leveraging technology for irrigation management and highlighted cost-share programs to support growers’ investment in this technology. The discussion underscored how a strategic approach to soil water management not only minimizes irrigation frequency and volume, leading to lower pumping costs but also boosts crop yields and income for growers.
Each July, the Irrigation Association celebrates the importance of efficient irrigation practices through Smart Irrigation Month. The event is a month-long initiative to raise public awareness through outreach and collaboration with professionals. Smart Irrigation Month promotes the social, economic and environmental benefits of efficient irrigation technologies, products and services in landscape, turf and agricultural irrigation, as well as the companies and professionals who champion them.
In 2024, the Smart Irrigation Month theme is “We are smart irrigation.”
While the irrigation industry is focused on providing solutions to critical challenges such as supporting global food security and protecting water used in communities, some of the greatest innovations and most impressive efforts come from industry professionals themselves. This year’s theme tells the story of the people who make up the irrigation industry and how they support efficient practices to have a positive impact on their communities.
There are a number of ways irrigation professionals can support and promote the objectives of Smart Irrigation Month. Find out more about how to get involved by visiting
smartirrigationmonth.org.
34 Irrigation TODAY | Spring 2024
The Irrigation Association hosted its annual fly-in event March 19-21 in Washington, D.C., marking a significant occasion for members from coast to coast. During the gathering, IA members engaged in meaningful discussions with lawmakers and industry stakeholders on key irrigation- related priorities. The agenda included critical topics, including the farm bill, the H-2B guest worker program, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S. 722 / H.R. 1477), and the Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act.
“This year’s fly-in was a testament to the passion and dedication of our members who are committed to advancing the value of irrigation,” says Nathan Bowen, IA advocacy and public affairs vice president. “Engaging directly with policymakers provided a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of the irrigation industry’s role in agriculture, the health of our communities and environmental stewardship. By joining together with colleagues from around the country, professionals from across the industry made a lasting impact on the future of our industry.”
Get involved
For the most recent updates on the farm bill’s progress as well as other legislative issues, visit irrigationtoday. org. To see the IA’s full priorities for the bill and find other ways to get involved, visit the Irrigation Association website at
irrigation.org.
irrigationtoday.org
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