It was great to again hold the California Agricultural Irrigation Association Fall Meeting in person on Sept. 15-17 in Pismo Beach, California. Members and guests were updated on the issues affecting the irrigation market in our legislative branches and learned about the regulatory environment facing our members today. In addition, educational and technical sessions were provided with a keynote panel discussion on “Cybersecurity and How It Affects the Ag Industry.” Thank you to those who were able to participate and to those that worked hard to make the event such a success.
CAIA’s next meeting will take place in conjunction with the 2022 World Ag Expo in Tulare. The CAIA World Ag Expo meeting/dinner will be held on Feb. 8 at the Edison Energy Education Center. Additional information will be posted on www.calirrigation.com; continue to check the website for updates. CAIA members, irrigation industry representatives and other interested parties are invited to attend.
The Family Farm Alliance will be conducting its first in-person annual conference in two years in Reno, Nevada. The 2022 Annual Meeting and Conference will take place Feb. 24-25 at the Silver Legacy Resort.
A typical Alliance annual conference features diverse, high-profile speakers and panel discussions that focus on the innovative ways and new partnerships that Western farmers and ranchers are developing to protect rural communities.
The 2022 conference will feature panel discussions and speakers that will provide insight and analysis on administration priorities, infrastructure legislation, environmental markets, collaboration success stories, priorities in the 117th Congress, and other hot topics important to those in the Western water arena.
Attendees will be able to hear firsthand from high-level officials in the Biden administration about the priorities in the executive branch, particularly relative to drought and climate resiliency, infrastructure modernization and Colorado River Basin challenges.
For conference and hotel registration information, please visit www.familyfarmalliance.org.
The Irrigation Association has named Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE, as its new chief executive officer. Rankin takes over for Deborah Hamlin, CAE, FASAE, who retired at the end of 2021. She assumed her new role on Jan. 10.
Rankin brings more than 25 years of experience to the IA, including nine years in chief executive roles. Most recently, she served as the chief strategy officer/chief operating officer for the American Counseling Association, where she helped the organization achieve record levels of membership and revenue growth. In addition to executive roles, Rankin has extensive experience working with associations.
“I am honored to be joining the Irrigation Association. The opportunity to partner with the IA’s members and staff as stewards of our ecosystem, to advance policy and research, education and training, and workforce development for such a thriving and essential industry, is a thrill,” said Rankin. “This life-giving story of efficient irrigation and water management by businesses, farmers, communities — our society — is a responsibility and privilege we will continue to reimagine and work hard to tell.”
The Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholarship Program, sponsored by Rain Bird, is available to students pursuing irrigation-related careers at post-secondary institutions with a graduation date of December 2022 or later. Scholarships are awarded ranging from $1,000-$2,500. Visit www.irrigation.org/scholarships to apply.
The National Cotton Council continues to develop and promote the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. The NCC wants to see U.S. cotton producers realize increased profitability through participation in this dynamic sustainability initiative that is helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, soil loss, energy use and water use. Some 300 producers enrolled their 2020 crop in the Protocol with a goal of getting 750 producers to enroll their 2021 crop. The Trust Protocol also has gained more than 450 mill, manufacturer, brand and retailer members.
U.S. cotton producers are strongly encouraged to learn more and participate in the Trust Protocol. Information on this voluntary program, including how to enroll, is at www.trustuscotton.org. Questions can be directed to the Grower Helpdesk at growers@trustuscotton.org. Also, don’t forget to follow the Trust Protocol on Facebook at www.facebook.com/trustuscotton and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/trustuscotton for updates.
