Growing demand on limited water resources makes its imperative for the irrigation industry to define its role in preserving water resources, said Irrigation Association President John Roberts.
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“The world of water is changing rapidly,” Roberts said. “We must be proactive with a loud voice or we will find our industry being forced to change in ways that are not healthy for the industry or the environment.”
Roberts, president of Roberts Irrigation, called for growth in membership and growth in member involvement to strengthen Irrigation Association programs and alliances. He took over as IA president from Ken Mills, general manager of Rain Bird Corp., during the annual meeting and breakfast Nov. 6 at the 27th International Irrigation Show.
The International Irrigation Show was one of the biggest ever with about 5,500 attendees and more than 350 exhibits. Education set records, with most of 43 classes that were offered full or near capacity.
The show included a three-day expo, six days of irrigation classes and exams, industry meetings, technical sessions and the annual New Product Contest.
The Smart Water Application Technologies program announced during its annual meeting that rain sensor shutoff devices would be the next product category to come under the SWAT umbrella for testing and promotion. The first draft of test protocols for rain sensors is expected early in 2007. Weather-based controllers and soil-moisture sensors were the first two product categories adopted by SWAT.
The show also included a Smart Irrigation Month Summit with highlights of the first Smart Irrigation Month in July and plans for 2007 and a contractor reception with the theme Boots, Beer & BBQ.
The New Product Contest continued to grow with 41 products entered in three categories: agriculture, golf and landscape.