News And Views From The Irrigation Association
June 30, 2011 Irrigation Show 2011: November 6-8
Attendee registration opens in August for the 2011 Irrigation Show, Nov. 6-8, and Innovations in Irrigation Education Conference, Nov. 3-8, at the San Diego Convention Center in California. The show and conference feature more educational offerings and increased CEU opportunities. Industry veteran Desi Williamson, now a noted motivational speaker, will emcee the general session. For more information, visit www.irrigationshow.org.
CID Sprinkler Exam Available Through Computer Testing
Candidates can now schedule the Certified Irrigiation Designer (CID) sprinkler exam at a time and location most convenient to them through one of the hundreds of computer-based testing centers across North America. The updated test format features 50 questions covering six domains including the four types of agricultural sprinkler systems (center pivot, side roll, solid set, and traveler). Candidates have four hours to complete the exam. For more information about the exam, visit the Irrigation Association (IA) website at www.irrigation.org/certification.
IA Partners With ASABE On Standards
The IA has officially partnered with the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) to work together on standards development. The two organizations have cooperated for many years on developing irrigation standards that have been adopted at the national and international levels. With IA’s new strategic focus on standards, this agreement formalizes the relationship, fostering an exchange of knowledge and expertise as standards, codes, and practices are developed for both agricultural and landscape irrigation.
Smart Irrigation Month And Contest
Help the Irrigation Association celebrate and increase awareness of July as Smart Irrigation Month! Smart Irrigation Month is a great platform to start or build on your company’s efforts to promote water efficiency, and many tools and suggestions are available through the Smart Irrigation Month website. Track your promotional efforts, then submit them to our Smart Marketing Contest. Contest entries are due Aug. 31. For resources and an entry form, visit www.smartirrigationmonth.org.
IA Certification Board Welcomes New Members
Michael Pippen of Irrigation-Mart, Inc. in Ruston, LA, is the Irrigation Association Certification Board’s newest agriculture expert. Michael earned his Certified Irrigation Designer designation with a specialty in drip/micro in 2007 and his Certified Agriculture Irrigation Specialist in 2009. He is also a professional engineer. Roger Sherwood, a retired association executive from Kansas City, MO, joins the board as its first public member, a position added to meet accreditation standards.
IA Will Direct Education Material Development
The IA is assuming responsibility to update and create all educational offerings, including those that were previously developed by the Irrigation Foundation. Education Director Bob von Bernuth, Ph.D, Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor, will oversee education development for IA. He will drive the development and execution of a new association educational plan. The objective is to deliver higher quality content and materials to IA members, nonmembers, college and university instructors, and students. Offerings include books, classroom modules, powerpoints, and student workbooks.