IA hosts college students and faculty at the Irrigation Show.

The Irrigation Association’s E3 program provides irrigation students and faculty members with exposure, experience and education that revolve around the irrigation industry. E3 winners are given an education and travel award to attend the annual Irrigation Show and Education Week to participate in IA University courses and experience the irrigation industry by walking the trade show floor and talking with irrigation companies and exhibitors. The Toro Company, Bloomington, Minnesota, was the lead sponsor of the 2021 E3 program.

During the recent 2021 Irrigation Show and Education Week in San Diego in December 2021, Irrigation Today caught up with a few of the E3 program participants and asked them about their favorite part of the show. Here’s what they said:

Jacob Rix

Mississippi State University

“All facets of the Irrigation Show and Education Week were extremely beneficial. My favorite part about the show was being in the classes to learn from some the irrigation experts. As a student from the Midwest and mid-South, I was exposed to the irrigation problems (e.g., salinity) that arid climates such as California face annually.”

Edgar Becerra

College of the Sequoias

“I spent a good amount of time in the exhibit hall talking to different companies not only learning about their products but also making connections for possible job opportunities. I enjoyed the exams, classes and the whole Irrigation Show in general. I like how it was all about irrigation. Not many other conventions are about just one topic.”

Diana Zegarra

College of the Sequoias

“My favorite part was learning more about surface irrigation and how it can be done well. Dr. Franklin Gaudi is a walking book of irrigation knowledge.”

Gloria Ramirez

College of the Sequoias

“I would definitely say the show floor was my favorite part. Being able to make new contacts that will benefit me in my career is a great opportunity. Not only that, but also learning about other products that I have never heard of.”

Behnaz Molaei

Washington State University

“My favorite part was the Sunday night dinner where I met other winners and then attending the symposium and Irrigation Show.”