The agriculture industry is facing a critical challenge: a growing shortage of skilled workers needed to support irrigation and water management. As farms and landscapes rely on increasingly advanced irrigation technologies to optimize water use and improve efficiency, the demand for knowledgeable professionals continues to outpace supply. Without a strong workforce, the industry risks falling behind in sustainability, innovation and productivity.
Workforce development and career pathway programs are essential to bridging this gap — ensuring that the next generation of professionals is equipped with the skills, training and certifications needed to sustain the future of irrigation. By investing in education, hands-on training and industry engagement, the Irrigation Association is playing a vital role in attracting and retaining talent in this critical field.
The IA is steadfast in its commitment to cultivating the future leaders of the irrigation industry through its innovative Irrigation E3 program — the three Es are exposure, experience and education. This initiative is designed to provide both students and educators with invaluable opportunities to immerse themselves in the latest advancements and best practices in irrigation.
The IA’s Irrigation E3 program offers a comprehensive platform for students (E3 learners) and faculty members (E3 leaders) to gain experience in the irrigation sector. Participants are selected through a competitive application process and are granted the opportunity to attend the annual Irrigation Show and Education Week. This event serves as a hub for networking, learning, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in irrigation.
During the Irrigation Show, E3 participants gain firsthand exposure to the full spectrum of opportunities within the irrigation industry. They enhance their knowledge by attending IA University courses and Industry Insights sessions, gaining valuable insights from industry experts. By exploring the exhibit floor
and engaging in networking events, participants also discover diverse career paths and build meaningful connections with peers and industry leaders, positioning themselves for future success.
“Being able to learn from the professionals and get a deeper understanding of things I’m learning in my university courses was very valuable.”
— Hannah Chamberlin | California State University, Fresno | 2024 E3 Learner
The 2024 cohort of E3 learners and E3 leaders comprised a diverse group of students from various institutions, each demonstrating exceptional promise in the field of irrigation.
While attending the 2024 Irrigation Show, this group of ambitious students took a deep dive into the industry, expanding their knowledge through education opportunities, exploring the latest innovations on the exhibit floor and building valuable connections through networking opportunities. Over the course of the event, they participated in 59 IA University courses — foundational training designed to equip irrigation professionals with essential skills.
By immersing themselves in this experience, these students were introduced to the wide range of career opportunities in irrigation, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders. These students have exhibited outstanding dedication and enthusiasm toward advancing irrigation practices. Their participation in the E3 program will further enhance their skills and broaden their professional horizons.
“I got to meet a lot of people from different backgrounds ... to see other perspectives and how other people do things was not only cool but also reinforcing of my own education.”
— Joe Lofland | Penn State University | 2024 E3 Learner
Beyond the E3 program, the IA is deeply invested in workforce development initiatives aimed at strengthening the irrigation industry’s talent pipeline. By fostering educational opportunities, providing scholarships and facilitating industry connections, the IA ensures that emerging professionals are well-equipped to meet the evolving challenges of water management and irrigation technology.
