News And Views From The Irrigation Association
February 7, 2011 IA Awards Highest Honors
At the 2010 Irrigation Show in Phoenix on Dec. 6, the Irrigation Association (IA) recognized the 2010 industry award recipients. In the ag sector, John Busch, recently retired from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Baker City, OR, was named the Person of the Year. Busch spent a lifetime improving irrigation management and water and energy efficiency. He began as a professor and researcher at the University of Idaho for 30 years and then worked with NRCS.
Also in agriculture, Wendell Dorsett, recently retired from Valmont Industries (Valley, NE), was honored with the Industry Achievement Award. Holding five patents, Dorsett spent 52 years as an irrigation industry innovator and educator. In 35 years at Valmont, he focused on irrigation efficiency, effectiveness, and uniformity. He also helped develop IA’s Center Pivot Design Manual and taught IA’s Center Pivot Design class.
On the turf/landscape side, Richard Hunter of Hunter Industries (San Marcos, CA) was also honored with an Industry Achievement Award. Under his leadership, the company has surpassed more than $200 million with sales and holds 250 patents and 40 trademarks. Hunter is a past president of IA.
Otay Water District (Spring Valley, CA) was presented with the National Water and Energy Conservation Award for its successfully implemented innovative audit, rebate, and education programs. Under the direction of Water Conservation Manager William Granger, the district serves more than 191,000 customers.
New Online Class
The online class Agriculture Sprinklers and Precipitation Rates is now available through IA’s online learning center. Offered at only $95, it provides a beginner-level overview of various types of sprinkler systems and their applications. Students will learn how to calculate precipitation rates for various types of agricultural irrigation systems to help create efficient irrigation schedules. Online learning allows you to learn when and where it is most convenient.
Once purchased, courses are available for 90 days, allowing users to progress at their own pace. Course completion earns four continuing education units for IA-certified professionals. Agriculture Irrigation Hydraulics is also available. To learn more or register, visit www.irrigation.org/Education/Online_Class_Descriptions.aspx.
New IA Leaders Focus On Strategic Plan
Under the direction of new IA President Mark Huntley of John Deere Water (San Diego, CA), the 2011 Board of Directors will continue to progress on the goals outlined in the 2010-2013 strategic plan. The three-year plan was developed in July 2010 with the input of IA committee, CIG, Foundation and board members. Certification and education were divided into separate strategic initiatives to better emphasize their importance.
Government affairs remain an initiative, and standards was added as a new initiative. For more details, visit www.irrigation.org/About/Strategic_Plan.aspx.
IA Sponsors 2011 World Ag Expo
The Irrigation Association again sponsored the world’s largest annual agriculture show, the World Ag Expo, which was held Feb. 8-10 in Tulare, CA. IA was an official sponsor of the Feb. 10 irrigation seminars that focused on efficient use of available water supplies. Speakers highlighted the latest technology from the irrigation industry to help growers produce more food and fiber in the face of reduced irrigation water supplies.
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