Awards Program

Nominations for 2022 awards are now closed.

Each year the Irrigation Association recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the irrigation industry:

• Peer nominations are reviewed by the IA Awards and Honors Committee.
• Finalists are submitted to the full Board of Directors for approval.
• Awards are chosen at the board’s discretion and are not necessarily distributed annually.

Click on the award name for a more detailed description and a list of past winners:

• Industry Achievement Award recognizes an individual from an industry firm who has made outstanding contributions to the development of the irrigation industry.
• Innovator Award honors individuals who have made significant, tangible contributions consistently to the industry within the past five years.
• Vanguard Award honors an innovative project in the irrigation industry executed by a team of individuals, companies, organizations or other group entities.
• Excellence in Education Award recognizes a person who is actively teaching or has formerly taught irrigation, water management and/or water conservation in affiliation with a two- or four-year institution or the equivalent.