2023 Annual Report

The Irrigation Association is your business’s gateway to a thriving future. By driving innovation, fostering knowledge and uniting irrigation professionals in the pursuit of efficient water management, the IA cultivates a pathway to a prosperous future for the irrigation industry and seeks solutions to our members’ challenges.

As the authority on irrigation, the IA is the collective voice advocating on behalf of the industry and for the value of irrigation. Our work furthers industry excellence and innovation to empower growth through professional training, certification and workforce development. Because of your membership, we are in a strong position to represent you and your business as valuable partners to consumers, growers and policymakers. Together we create landscapes that flourish and support the global food supply while helping preserve our most precious natural resources.

2023 brought us the new opportunity to shift our focus to ensuring that our programs and initiatives align with our new strategic priorities, culminating in a year of significant achievements, strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts.

Finding solutions to critical challenges

As we strive to elevate the impact and value of our industry, we are working to provide a better understanding of the role that irrigation and professional irrigators have in addressing some of the most critical challenges we face. To this end, we are educating decision-makers and stakeholders on the value our industry brings and advocating for policies that support efficient water use and sustainable irrigation solutions. Supporting this work, our continued efforts focus on boosting the adoption of efficient irrigation products among end users, encouraging a preference for engaging with irrigation professionals, and equipping our industry professionals to champion the value of irrigation.

2023 key highlights

• IA Fly-In relaunch: IA members engaged in face-to-face meetings with decision-makers to influence water policy decisions.
• Farm bill priorities: With clear priorities for the farm bill, the IA is articulating the industry’s needs and priorities to members of Congress.
• Statewide regulation engagement: By actively engaging with decision-makers on various statewide regulation issues and WaterSense requirements impacting irrigation, we are aligning with industry coalitions to address critical issues.
• Expanded partnerships: Efforts to expand partnerships and collaboration resulted in IA participation in prominent events such as the United Nations Water Conference, American Soy Association’s Conservation Champions, EQUIP Expo, AWWA/WaterSmart Innovations, and World Ag Expo.

Propelling the industry forward

Our industry professionals are one of our greatest strengths — and equipping them with information and resources to more effectively champion the contributions of irrigation to farmland and landscapes is imperative. We are also committed to building a professional, expert workforce by increasing the number of irrigation professionals, positioning the IA as the preferred partner for enhancing awareness and pursuing career pathways in irrigation, and providing valuable education and training offerings. By enhancing cooperation among industry companies to create transparency and understanding of the irrigation marketplace, we are creating an environment where irrigation businesses can thrive and grow. We will work to measure industry growth and ensure that IA member companies maintain healthy workplace cultures to build and sustain competitiveness.

2023 key highlights

• Advocacy for workforce investment: We continue to advocate for financial resources to support postsecondary certifications through the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act.
• Guest worker program: Our engagement with decision-makers focuses on improving guest worker programs and immigration reform to meet industry workforce needs.
• Support for future professionals: Collegiate scholarships provide financial support, and the E3 program offers education and experiences at the Irrigation Show.
• Efforts to support irrigation businesses: Our advocacy efforts focused on legislation aimed at limiting irrigation, as well as the development and promotion of farm bill priorities to support irrigation businesses.
• Member engagement: Members can stay updated and engaged on issues pertinent to their interests and concerns through the member-only Point of Connection newsletter.

Affirming our commitment

The Irrigation Association reaffirms its commitment to advancing the industry and using our key strategic priorities to drive our focus. As we look ahead, we will continue to tell the story of the critical role irrigation plays in enabling the long-term sustainability of the planet’s water and natural resources and improving the quality of life through a reliable global food supply and vital green spaces.

You are invited to engage with us in these important endeavors. We want you to know what you and your membership has helped the IA accomplish. One simple way is to receive the monthly Member Point of Connection.* This digital newsletter gives you a glance of what’s going on behind the scenes at the IA and highlights how your membership, time and talent are not only put to good use but are making an impact for the industry and supporting your business.

We also want to hear your thoughts. Watch your email for our member survey coming in late spring. We take your input seriously and want to ensure that you are proud of our efforts on your behalf and that we are effectively supporting you and your company as your membership association.

Consolidated statement of financial position

The IA’s volunteer and staff leadership are committed to being good stewards of members’ investment in the organization. This commitment includes directing IA financial resources toward programs and initiatives that directly align with our strategic priorities. The IA’s fiscal year is July 1 through June 30, and it publishes its annual report each calendar year.

Download Consolidated Statement of Financial Position