Twenty-five instructors from the U.S. and Canada attended the Irrigation Association Education Foundation faculty academy to enhance training of future irrigation industry professionals.
The high school, college and university teachers learned about pumps, pump systems, precipitation rates, electrical troubleshooting, scheduling, alternative water supplies and design capacity. The group also toured a Netafim facility and the Center for Irrigation Technology in Fresno, Calif.
The faculty academy, in its fifth year, is a two-day intensive irrigation seminar providing instructors with in-class and hands-on field irrigation experience.
“This was one of the best faculty academies we have had so far due, in part, to the professionalism of the instructors and the attendees,” said IAEF Trustee Lynda Wightman. “Quality instruction is the key to bringing professionals into the irrigation industry who are well-trained and capable of meeting growing demands for the most efficient and effective irrigation.”
Participant David Gerken, an associate professor at Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City, said he comes away from the academy each year with information he can immediately put to work in the classroom. Last year’s hydraulics lessons have already been incorporated into course work, and information from the latest session will be added in the coming school year.
The impact of the academy continues as instructors get to know their counterparts from all over North America.
“Any time you are with people doing the same thing you are doing, you can always learn,” said Cathie Lavis, an assistant professor from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., who has been involved with the Faculty Academy since its inception. “It’s great finding out what other people are doing.”
The academy also generates enthusiasm and awareness of the wide variety of career opportunities in the irrigation industry.
“This has turned out to be my favorite conference of the year because I get to learn from the best in the country,” said Lou Anella, Associate Professor, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla.
Participating schools: Capilano College; Center for Irrigation Technology, California State University, Fresno; Clemson University; El Paso Community College; Front Range Community College; Hawaii Community College; Hinds Community College; Illinois State University; Joliet Junior College; Kansas State University; Kwantlen University College; Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Fairview; New Mexico State University; Oklahoma State University; Oregon State University; Ozarks Technical Community College; Reedley College; St. Clair College of Applied Arts & Technology; Texas State University, San Marcos; Thompson Rivers University; University of Florida; University of Arizona; University of California, Riverside Extension; University of New Hampshire; Utah State University, and Victor Valley College.
Netafim hosted a dinner for participants.