Meet the new IA board members

Three industry professionals officially joined the Irrigation Association’s board of directors at the conclusion of this year’s Irrigation Show and Education Week. Each of them brings their own experience and expertise to the board and shares a commitment to working together with other professionals. They’ve joined the 15-member board for a three-year term each, supporting and driving the IA’s strategic direction, policies and programs.

Tyler Fields is a seasoned agricultural engineer with extensive experience in irrigation design, water management and project leadership. As the senior global director of water solutions at Valmont Industries, he leads large-scale irrigation initiatives and cross-functional teams. He holds a B.S. in agriculture and biological engineering from the University of Florida and is an active advocate in the ag irrigation industry.

“The Irrigation Association should be the leading voice in irrigation, across both landscape and agriculture. As the current chair of the Advocacy – Agriculture Advisory Group, I’ve seen firsthand how competitors and sectors can unite to advocate for irrigation with real results — like influencing regulatory change on Capitol Hill. Consistent, visible advocacy is essential to maintaining the IA’s authority and impact.”

Jonathan Lauer, CIC, CLIA, is CEO of Pro Outdoor, a leading provider of irrigation and home service solutions in the Midwest. He founded the company in 2001 (originally Professional Irrigation Systems) and led its evolution into Pro Outdoor in 2023. A graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in business management, Lauer brings a passion for strategic growth, innovation and industry leadership.

“A trade association board should act as a strategic compass, fiduciary steward and ambassador for its mission. As a board member, I see three core responsibilities: setting strategic priorities grounded in industry insight and member feedback; upholding financial and operational discipline to ensure long-term sustainability; and advancing the IA’s brand and voice with regulators, partners and the industry.”

A.J. van de Ven is president and CEO of Calsense, a national provider of smart irrigation solutions for public agencies and institutions. With over 20 years in the industry, he brings expertise in engineering, operations and sustainability. Under van de Ven’s leadership, Calsense has advanced innovation in water conservation and earned multiple awards. He is also active in community and education-focused organizations and holds a B.S. in business administration from California State University San Marcos.

“A trade association board must balance long-term vision with the evolving needs of its members — setting strategy, ensuring strong governance and amplifying the industry’s voice. I see the Irrigation Association board as a platform to unify perspectives and elevate the role of water management in today’s environmental and economic landscape.”

IA webinars now available on demand

Looking to sharpen your irrigation knowledge and boost your business? Three recent IA webinars are now available to watch anytime on YouTube — perfect for growers and irrigators who want practical insights and actionable strategies.

Center Pivot Uniformity: How to Test and Fix for Yield Gains

Presented by Reinke Manufacturing’s Jake Beam, CID, CAIS, and Mike Mills, this hands-on session walks ag producers, service technicians and irrigation professionals through testing and correcting center pivot uniformity. Learn how small adjustments can unlock higher yields and improve irrigation efficiency.

Unlocking USDA Conservation Programs: How EQIP, RCPP and TSPs Can Grow Your Business

Federal conservation programs can open doors for farmers and irrigation professionals alike. In this webinar, Alyson Aquino of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and Frank Toves, CID, CAIS, CIC, of AvidWater break down how programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Regional Conservation Partnership Program and Technical Service Provider network can support efficient on-farm irrigation and create new business opportunities. Discover where to start and how to position your company for success.

Deep Dive – Pressure Regulation and the Future of Efficient Irrigation

As pressure regulation becomes a regulatory and performance priority across the industry, this session explores how pressure-regulated systems support water savings, optimal performance and long-term reliability. From component selection to system design and compliance, presenters Rick Hall, CIC, CID, CLIA, of K-Rain Manufacturing and Alex Schumacher, CID, of Valley Irrigation walk through what professionals need to know to stay ahead of emerging standards and deliver efficient, effective irrigation solutions.