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2 weeks ago | 
irrigationandlighting.org | Luke Reynolds
The Irrigation Association submitted written testimony in support of Massachusetts House Bill 473, legislation that would establish a formal registration process for irrigation contractors in the state. In its testimony, the IA highlighted the importance of qualified professionals in advancing water efficiency, noting the bill’s recognition of the association’s Certified Irrigation Contractor credential as part of the proposed licensure pathway.
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2 weeks ago | 
irrigationandlighting.org | Luke Reynolds
In the early hours of May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a sweeping tax and domestic spending bill, branded by Republican leadership as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” by a razor-thin vote of 215-214. While the legislation faces an uncertain future in the Senate, its current text includes several key provisions long championed by the Irrigation Association and beneficial to the broader irrigation industry.
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1 month ago | 
irrigationtoday.org | Luke Reynolds
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, R-Nebraska, has reintroduced a sweeping legislative package aimed at expanding the adoption of precision agriculture across the country. The Precision Ag Package, comprised of three bills, offers targeted support for farmers and ranchers seeking to increase their use of technology to boost productivity, improve resource efficiency, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of American agriculture.
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1 month ago | 
irrigationtoday.org | Luke Reynolds
Federal policy decisions in Washington, D.C., continue to shape the outlook for farmers and irrigation professionals, with key programs caught in a cycle of uncertainty. From conservation funding delays to trade policy shifts and evolving farm income projections, these developments have a direct impact on planning and operations.
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1 month ago | 
irrigationtoday.org | Luke Reynolds
The Irrigation Association’s E3 program is shaping the next generation of industry leaders through hands-on experience, education and invaluable industry connections. The agriculture industry is facing a critical challenge: a growing shortage of skilled workers needed to support irrigation and water management.
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1 month ago | 
irrigationandlighting.org | Luke Reynolds
The Irrigation Association is preparing to release a new data snapshot analyzing U.S. irrigation equipment exports and the potential implications of evolving trade policy under the Trump administration. The forthcoming dispatch will highlight the critical role of North American trade partners—particularly Canada and Mexico—in sustaining demand for U.S.-made irrigation products.
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1 month ago | 
irrigationandlighting.org | Luke Reynolds
Professionals in the residential landscape irrigation industry can leverage two key forward-looking indicators to anticipate market trends: single-family building permits and the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA). These metrics offer valuable insights into upcoming demand for irrigation services and products. Single-family building permits, reported monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, reflect the early stage of development for new homes.
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1 month ago | 
irrigationandlighting.org | Luke Reynolds
New data released by the National Small Business Association during National Small Business Week highlights growing anxiety among U.S. small-business owners. The 2025 Small Business Economic Report shows that nearly two-thirds of respondents identified economic uncertainty as the top challenge facing their business — the highest level recorded in over a decade.
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1 month ago | 
irrigationtoday.org | Luke Reynolds
A coalition of regional leaders across public, private and agricultural sectors is calling on the Washington State Legislature to approve $45 million in funding for the EL 22.1 Surface Water Irrigation Project. The funding, included in Senate Capital Budget Bill SB 5195, would jumpstart construction on a fully designed surface water system serving parts of Grant, Adams and Lincoln counties.
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1 month ago | 
irrigationandlighting.org | Luke Reynolds
Rain Bird Corporation acquired Toronto-based OtO Inc., a smart lawn care company known for its solar-powered, app-controlled sprinkler system. Founded in 2019, OtO developed a weather-responsive device designed to simplify hose-end irrigation for smaller or irregularly shaped lawns. The product has received industry accolades, including a CES Innovation Award and recognition from TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2022.
