Awards Program

The 2020 award winners were announced on July 7, 2020. Applications for the 2021 awards will begin in October 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.