Awards Program

Nominations for 2023 awards are now open. The deadline to submit a nomination is April 7.

2023 awards program exclusively sponsored by

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 or the equivalent.