Goldcrest Farms project named 2024 IA Vanguard Award recipient
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA (Aug. 5, 2024) — The Irrigation Association is excited to announce that Valley Irrigation’s Goldcrest Farms project has been named the recipient of the 2024 Vanguard Award. 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 innovation in efficient irrigation and supporting industry growth and sustainability.
The Goldcrest Farms project involved the redevelopment and transformation of 25,000 acres of neglected dryland farmland in Arkansas into a premier farming operation through state-of-the-art irrigation infrastructure and technologies, setting a benchmark for efficient large-scale farming. Through the development and installation of a sustainable, efficient irrigation plan utilizing best-in-class technology solutions, the project resulted in significant improvements, such as precision-leveled farmland, optimized water usage and reduced operational costs.
“Our industry continues to achieve remarkable results by employing innovative approaches when faced with challenges,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE. “The Goldcrest Farms project stands as a prime example of how sustainable irrigation solutions can be realized through creativity and effective collaboration. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering a strong partnership, the Goldcrest Farms project highlights the profound impact that smart irrigation can have on revitalizing farmland and advancing sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.”
This project was designed and completed through a partnership between Valley Irrigation, a Valmont Company, and Goldcrest Farm Trust Advisors. The project opens the door for Goldcrest’s tenant operators to produce a wide range of crops, including rice, cotton, corn, soy, wheat and small grains, all at scale. In turn, this enables Goldcrest Farms to become a model in large-scale sustainable food production and for the region to become a new hub for U.S. agriculture.
“Revitalizing 25,000 acres of underused farmland was an opportunity to use the power and potential of our technology for positive transformation. This project demonstrated how sustainable, efficient irrigation can revitalize even the most challenging land into productive farmland. Receiving the Vanguard Award is a testament to our industry leadership and the high level of innovation we brought to this project. We are grateful to the Irrigation Association for this prestigious honor,” said Tyler Fields, senior director of global water delivery, Valley Irrigation, a Valmont Company.
“The dedication and innovation of our team was key to achieving these outstanding results, proving that our advanced irrigation solutions can drive remarkable agricultural productivity while conserving resources. This is especially important in combatting food insecurity and as extreme weather becomes more frequent and increases the value of water,” said Fields.
The 2024 IA Awards are sponsored by Hunter | FX Luminaire | Senninger, and all 2024 recipients will be honored at the 2024 Irrigation Show and Education Week in Long Beach, California, Nov. 4-7. More information about this and other IA awards and past recipients can be found at irrigation.org/awards.