Lemons to lemonade

Can we be honest for a minute? 2020 hasn’t been what we expected it to be back when we rang in the New Year on Jan. 1. Literally everyone’s life has been affected or disrupted in numerous ways. That’s just the facts.

Although it can be comforting to complain and wallow in disappointment, that positive, persevering voice in our human nature should pull us out of the pit and propel us forward to adjust, innovate and find the silver lining. Lately it has been refreshing to watch many organizations and companies take the positive road and break into action, turning their lemons into lemonade.

Many of the annual trade shows, conferences and events that our industry has come to enjoy and look forward to have been forced to cancel. The organizations sponsoring these in-person opportunities have gotten creative and innovative to provide alternative options for their members and customers.

Numerous virtual informative and educational opportunities are available covering all sectors of the ag industry. The beauty is that you don’t have to hassle with travel time and expenses to reap the benefits. These opportunities come straight to you — at home in your very own comfortable chair. In many ways, this year will allow more people more opportunities to learn and stay informed about what is happening in their industry.

In many ways, this year will allow more people more opportunities to learn and stay informed about what is happening in their industry.

For those interested in ag irrigation, the Irrigation Association has created Education Week+ offering myriad opportunities to learn and hear about the latest in the industry. From its Industry Insights weekly webinar series that extends through March 2021 to IA University courses to its first-ever Agricultural Irrigation Summit, no irrigation topic has been left unturned. There is something of interest for everyone.

Go to www.irrigationshow.org and check out all of the opportunities. I encourage you to take advantage of this unique year where everything comes to you and is available at your fingertips. It truly is a rare opportunity to learn more than ever. Enjoy the lemonade!

Irrigation Today Editor-in-Chief

If you have comments, suggestions or an idea for what you would like to see covered in a future issue, please feel free to contact me at anneblankenbiller@irrigation.org.