Awards Program

The 2020 award winners were announced on July 7, 2020.

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 presented each year at the Irrigation Show general session.
  • Awards are chosen at the board’s discretion and are not necessarily distributed annually.

Click on the award name for a more detailed description, a list of past winners and to submit an application for the award:

  • 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.