The Irrigation Association is excited to announce that Jake LaRue of Omaha, Nebraska, has been named the recipient of the 2019 Industry Achievement Award. This award is the IA’s highest honor and recognizes an individual whose career demonstrates outstanding contributions to the advancement of the irrigation industry, as well as its products and programs.
As head of the research and development department of Valley Irrigation, LaRue’s career has been devoted to the technological advancements of the irrigation industry. Through his leadership in the IA and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, LaRue is now a sought-after expert in center pivot and linear move irrigation and regularly advises national and international government and nongovernmental organizations regarding education, standards development and adoption of efficient irrigation technologies.
In addition to his leadership and involvement in international irrigation technology standards, LaRue also holds numerous patents and was integral in the development of several irrigation technologies, including variable rate irrigation, scheduling, telemetry and sensors.
“I am honored to be named the Industry Achievement Award recipient for 2019. I love this industry and I’m excited about the direction it’s heading,” LaRue said. “I thank Valmont Industries, the Irrigation Association, and all of my friends and colleagues with whom I have worked over the years. We’ve only reached the tip of the iceberg; I look forward to our industry continuing with even more technology advancements for years to come.”
