Irrigation Association names 2024 award recipients

The Irrigation Association, Fairfax, Virginia, announced the recipients of its 2024 awards, celebrating contributions in education, innovation and industry achievement.

Industry Achievement Award: Carmelo Giuffrè

Carmelo Giuffrè of Irritec USA and Irritec SpA has been named the recipient of the 2024 Industry Achievement Award, the highest honor given by the Irrigation Association. Giuffrè founded Irritec SpA in Italy in 1974 and has grown it into a global leader in irrigation innovation and sustainability. Under his leadership, Irritec has expanded its intellectual property portfolio and promoted efficient irrigation techniques worldwide.

“A visionary in the field, Carmelo Giuffrè’s dedication to research and development has significantly improved irrigation efficiency and promoted water conservation worldwide,” says IA CEO Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE. “His work has driven essential advancements that benefit global agricultural practices and enhance food security.”

Excellence in Education Award: Dave Goorahoo

Dave Goorahoo, PhD, of California State University, Fresno, has been honored with the 2024 Excellence in Education Award. Goorahoo’s 24-year tenure at the university includes roles as a research soil scientist for the Center for Irrigation Technology and currently as a vegetable crops production professor in the department of plant science. He has developed numerous irrigation-related courses and training programs and has actively promoted irrigation careers to his students.

“Dave Goorahoo has shown an extraordinary commitment and dedication to the success of his students and the future workforce of the irrigation industry,” says Rankin. “His passion for irrigation and education is contagious, and his commitment to fostering excellence in the next generation of irrigation professionals is truly inspiring.”

Vanguard Award: Goldcrest Farms Project

The 2024 Vanguard Award has been awarded to Valley Irrigation’s Goldcrest Farms project. The project transformed 25,000 acres of neglected dryland farmland in Arkansas into a state-of-the-art farming operation through advanced irrigation infrastructure and technologies. The project features precision-leveled farmland, optimized water usage and reduced operational costs.

“The Goldcrest Farms project stands as a prime example of how sustainable irrigation solutions can be realized through creativity and effective collaboration,” says Rankin. “By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering a strong partnership, the project highlights the profound impact that smart irrigation can have on revitalizing farmland and advancing sustainable agriculture.”

The 2024 IA Awards are sponsored by Hunter Industries, and all recipients will be honored at the 2024 Irrigation Show and Education Week in Long Beach, California, Nov. 4-7.

IA staff embrace community volunteering for Smart Irrigation Month

In July, the Irrigation Association staff celebrated Smart Irrigation Month by participating in a community volunteer project. Staff members engaged in various activities, including volunteering at local food banks, organizing river clean-ups and supporting local food security initiatives through community gardening and fresh produce distribution.

Nathan Bowen, vice president of advocacy and public affairs at the Irrigation Association, praised the staff’s efforts.

“Smart Irrigation Month highlights the importance of water efficiency and conservation practices,” says Bowen. “I am honored that our staff extended their commitment into their communities, promoting environmental stewardship and strengthening local communities.”

The IA looks forward to celebrating these efforts and continuing to promote smart irrigation practices and community engagement in the future, says Bowen.

Celebrating Smart Irrigation Month: Cory Broad shares his Smart Irrigation Month story

Each July, the Irrigation Association spearheads Smart Irrigation Month which highlights the social, economic and environmental benefits of efficient irrigation products and services. This year, the industry celebrated not only the innovative systems and technologies doing the work, but the people who make it all possible.

What inspired you to pursue a career in irrigation?

While attending Fresno State University I became interested in agricultural production. Part of my senior project was volunteering at the Center for Irrigation Technology on campus and helping analyze the results of an almond deficit irrigation trial. Once I saw how big the irrigation industry was in California and the diversity of methods, crops and production systems I thought this would be a good fit for me. Irrigation system design and management is extremely technical and something that keeps me engaged 10 years later. I wanted to be involved in farming and the irrigation industry is a great way to engage our local, regional and even statewide producers.

Can you share a specific project or initiative that you are particularly proud of and how it has impacted the industry?

I am passionate about our field activity services related to irrigation scheduling and management. Through our water management services and irrigation as a service offerings we are influencing on-farm activities and driving efficient irrigation practices through consulting, recommendations and actual irrigation system operation. We are servicing nearly 5,000 acres by using technology and automation where we are increasing grower adoption and operating efficient irrigation systems as they were designed. This is a bridge between the gap in irrigation and agronomy that our industry must continue to close to increase the value of solutions we are delivering to the marketplaces we serve.

What does “smart irrigation” mean to you, and why do you believe it is essential for the future of our industry?

I believe that “people” make and define “smart irrigation.” It takes people that are educated, experienced and dedicated to implement technology into our irrigation systems. Technology is getting smaller, faster and less expensive but still requires human support, especially when using that technology/data to implement practice changes. To meet our goals of water-use efficiency our industry is going to need to attract and retain great people with passion to carry us into the next chapter of irrigation system management. The “Select Certified” campaign by the IA is a pillar of smart irrigation and what it can become over the next five, 10 or 20 years.