Awards Program

Nominations are now closed for the 2021 awards. The 2022 award nomination process will begin in early 2022. 

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.