Celebrating Smart Irrigation Month: Cory Broad tells his SIM story

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.