The 2021 Irrigation Show and Education Week gathered irrigation professionals in San Diego, California, Dec. 6-10.
After a hiatus due to COVID-19 in 2020, the irrigation industry was back in action and in person for the annual Irrigation Show and Education Week that showcases the best in the industry. The 2021 show focused on elevating the popular show floor to bring those attending both the familiar events as well as new additions to grow their business. With over 190 exhibitors, the trade show welcomed thousands of attendees to explore, connect and learn.
New products compete for top spot
The annual new product contest features the newest irrigation products and technologies to hit the market. Forty new products were entered in five categories. Expert judges evaluated the entries in November, and the winners were announced on Dec. 9 live on the Irrigation Show floor.
The winner of the agriculture irrigation category was the Toro Automation System by Toro Ag. The Toro Automation System is a cloud-based system for management of agricultural irrigation based on base stations and devices to control valves and report sensor feedback. It allows for more flexible water input scheduling based on precision irrigation.
The agriculture specialty category winner was Jain Water Management Services by Jain Irrigation. Jain Water Management Services takes a highly integrated approach to generate intelligent irrigation schedules, observing plant responses using satellite imaging while monitoring soil moisture conditions, weather and field irrigation events and providing irrigation consulting for maximizing water-use efficiency and improved yields
The winner of the landscape irrigation category was the Flow-Indicating Basket Filter by Rain Bird Corporation. The Flow-Indicating Basket Filter is a complete solution to monitor drip system performance. It’s the only product that provides all-in-one flow measurement, filtration and pressure regulation as well as offering easy maintenance and installation.
Earning the top spot in the landscape specialty category was the WaterSwitch by Irrometer Company. The WaterSwitch works with existing valves or a controller to improve irrigation efficiency based on plant demand. The module will prevent irrigation cycles by signaling the controller’s sensor circuit or interrupting the solenoid power when the soil moisture status is wetter than the adjustable set point.
The landscape lighting category new product contest winner was the SRP Strip Light by FX Luminaire. The highly versatile SRP Strip Light is constructed with extruded silicone to provide superior protection against tough outdoor conditions, and its specially designed body delivers soft, even lighting without hot spots or diffusers.
Spotlight on startups
Innovation Row was a new addition to the 2021 Irrigation Show. It featured startup irrigation companies looking to promote their technologies to the irrigation industry. These companies took the stage in a Pitch Competition on the show floor, and winners were announced Dec. 9.
The winner of the agriculture category was Soiltech Wireless. Soiltech offers a complete farm management solution — a wireless soil moisture, temperature, humidity, GPS location and crop damage sensor that helps to optimize irrigation, reduce inputs and organize manpower.
The winner of the landscape category was Simple Flow. The Aqua Line Series by Simple Flow includes a programmable actuator that simply mounts to any existing standard ¼-turn ball valve and is securely controlled by a company-specific remote, which allows irrigation contractors control of main water shutoff without ever having to enter a home or business again.
Education opportunities
The IA partnered with the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers to present the 6th Decennial National Irrigation Symposium during the show. This event occurs every 10 years and provided three days of presentations covering the latest irrigation research and important topics affecting the industry. The IA also offered its Industry Insights for Landscape, which included a variety of presentations on numerous landscape topics.
IA University returned in person with the IA offering its respected courses teaching core curriculum for irrigation professionals. Many irrigation professionals also took the opportunity to get IA-certified by taking an exam during the show.
Get set for Las Vegas in 2022!
Plans are in full swing for the 2022 Irrigation Show and Education Week to be held Dec. 5-9 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2022 event will co-locate with the National Ground Water Association. Watch www.irrigationshow.org in the coming months for more information.