Special Awards

The IA's special awards are used to recognize individuals whose singular contributions are beyond the scope of existing awards. Special awards are given on a case-by-case basis to honor those who have substantially benefited or advanced the irrigation industry.

2019 Board of Directors Award

Carl Kah Jr.
K-Rain

Carl Kah Jr. founded K-Rain, an irrigation equipment manufacturer, in 1974. He began tinkering with irrigation technologies when he and his father installed a zoned irrigation system using their own machined equipment in the 1940s. Since then, Kah has been awarded over 100 patents for electronic irrigation controllers, sprinkler heads, nozzle assemblies, valves and tools used to install and maintain irrigation systems. He continues to serve as CEO of K-Rain, which today employs more than 400 people worldwide. Kah‘s lifelong commitment to developing new irrigation technologies helped advance the industry into the 21st century.