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The Groundwater Association


Western Growers Annual Meeting honors water advo- cate Steve Patricio


Western Growers recently held its 93rd Annual Meeting, where nearly 500 agricultural leaders came together to collaborate on new and innovative ideas to help the fresh produce industry thrive.


The three-day meeting featured a series of educa- tional workshops covering topics such as genomics and agricultural technology. Additionally, the annual meeting recognized Stephen (Steve) Patricio with the 2018 Award of Honor for his significant contributions to agriculture.


Patricio has spent countless hours throughout his 45- year tenure in the industry advocating for a sustainable supply of water for farmers. He has taken every opportunity, as he did when he was asked to join former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the San Luis Reservoir, to call attention to the need for more surface water storage and stress the need for a comprehensive water solution. Patricio launched the industry’s first orientation program for agribusinesses that focused exclusively on water rights.


For more information, go to www.wga.com.


Groundwater Week a success


Groundwater professionals once again descended on Las Vegas, Nevada, to host Groundwater Week, Dec. 3-6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.


Designed to provide both educational and networking experiences to groundwater professionals, the exhibit hall featured the latest technologies, educational opportunities, interactive activity areas, and numerous panels and sessions from industry thought leaders.


The annual event was held in conjunction with NGWA’s Groundwater Summit — the NGWA’s technical conference for groundwater consultants, scientists, engineers and academics.


Highlighting the week was actor, author, motivational speaker and retired U.S. Army soldier J.R. Martinez delivering the keynote presentation during the opening ceremony and awards presentation at Groundwater Week.


For more information, go to www.GroundwaterWeek. com.


® Exhibits · Workshops · Summit


Feb. 15 scholarship deadline


Students pursuing irrigation- related degrees are encour- aged to apply for a 2019 Irriga- tion Foundation scholarship. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 are awarded to students studying at two- and four-year institutions. The deadline for the 2019 scholarship program is Feb. 15.


Visit www.irrigation.org/ scholarships to learn more about the scholarship program requirements and to apply.


Save the date Podcast returns


The Bringing Water to Life podcast is back! The new season features host John Farner, IA government and public affairs director, and two new co-hosts: Irrigation & Green Industry Editor-in-Chief Kristin Smith-Ely and Irrigation Today Editor-in-Chief Anne Blankenbiller.


Listen in as the podcast features special guests and a few familiar voices while it takes a new direction focusing on issues relating directly to agricultural, landscape and turf irrigation.


Educators are invited to the Irrigation Foundation’s annual agriculture Faculty Academy, June 27-28, 2019, at the Irrigation Training and Research Center at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California.


Faculty Academy is open to instructors teaching at high schools and two- and four-year institutions. It is free to attend, and grant assistance is available to aid with travel expenses. Watch www.irrigationfoundation. org/facultyacademy for additional information regarding the schedule, sessions and registration.


Access the biweekly podcast through delivery channels such as iTunes, Google Play, iHeartRadio and Spotify, among others.


Center pivot webinar scheduled for Jan. 30, 2-3 p.m. Eastern


Presenter Greg Stark, PE, will help you become aware of the potential electrical hazards you could be exposed to and understand the safe work practices and protective equipment necessary to ensure safety around center pivot systems. For more information and to register for this webinar titled Electrical Safety for Center Pivot Irrigation Systems, go to www.irrigation.org/ webinar_series.


40 Irrigation TODAY | January 2019


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