SDI-E project named 2022 IA Vanguard Award recipient
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA (July 29, 2022) — The Irrigation Association is excited to announce that Netafim’s Subsurface Drip Irrigation for Dairy Effluent Water Application project has been named the recipient of the 2022 Vanguard Award, sponsored by Hunter Industries. The IA’s Vanguard Award honors an innovative project in the irrigation industry executed by a team of individuals, companies, organizations or other group entities. Projects chosen for this award exemplify the IA’s mission of promoting efficient irrigation
The SDI-E project is an innovative subsurface drip irrigation system, which uses patented blending control technology to mix dairy effluent with freshwater to create a natural fertilizer blend for farmers. The SDI-E makes it economically possible for dairies to manage their manure in ways that boost water quality, conserve water supplies, keep their farms in line with regulatory mandates and protect their bottom line.
“Some of our industry’s best work comes through partnerships comprised of different companies, experts and perspectives,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE. “The SDI-E project is a great example as it uses new innovative technology to accomplish sustainability and water use efficiency goals, while also supporting essential economic and operational needs of the dairy industry.”
The companies involved with this project include Netafim USA, De Jager Farms, Sustainable Conservation, Western United Dairies and McRee Farms. This solution was tested at three different sites for three years, which resulted in Natural Resources Conservation Service and the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program funding being made available for this sustainable solution.
“We are honored to be recognized alongside our project partners by the Irrigation Association with the Vanguard Award for our commitment to improve the sustainability, efficiency and profitability of today’s dairy farmer,” said Mike Hemman, Netafim USA president and CEO. “The development of the SDI-E system is a testament to the power of what can happen when a group of industry partners come together. Through a collaborative partnership, we were able to help address the challenge of increasing productivity while also achieving the environmental sustainability needs of the dairy industry.”
“We’re thrilled to receive this year’s Vanguard Award and for the honored recognition by the Irrigation Association for our SDI-E solution,” said Domonic Rossini, Netafim USA team leader agronomy west. “With an ever-changing environment, utilizing natural resources like effluent water in a highly efficient subsurface drip irrigation system is the embodiment of SDI-E. This sustainable solution reduces greenhouse gases and water waste while maximizing production using on-farm natural resources.”
All of the 2022 IA award recipients will be honored at the 2022 Irrigation Show and Education Week in Las Vegas Dec. 5-9. More information about this and other IA awards and past recipients can be found at www.irrigation.org/awards.