El Cajon, California, United States: The Irrigation Association has named Toro’s Aqua-Traxx Sweet Spot drip tape the official winner of the 2020 New Product Contest in the Agriculture Specialty category.

Toro Sweet Spot drip tape is a 6/8” ID (interior diameter) drip tape that gives growers a one-of-a-kind product that splits the difference between standard 5/8” ID tape and 7/8” ID tape. With new Aqua-Traxx Sweet Spot drip tape, growers can achieve longer runs than 5/8” ID tape and lower costs than 7/8” ID tape.

“We are thrilled that Aqua-Traxx Sweet Spot was selected as one of this year’s IA New Product winners,” said Sky Anderson, Product Manager for Agricultural Business at Toro, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

He added: “Sweet Spot is the perfect drip tape for growers looking to maximise irrigation run lengths, while minimising costs. In many cases, growers find that 5/8” ID drip tape cannot accommodate long enough runs for their field layouts.

“Many are either forced to run water supply lines through the middle of their fields, or spend more money to upgrade to 7/8” ID drip tape. Sweet Spot effectively solves this problem. Now, growers can optimise their irrigation designs and choose the most efficient layout, while also reducing water, hose, fitting, and drip tape costs.”

Advantages of Toro Aqua-Traxx Sweet Spot include:

• Longer runs than 5/8” ID drip tape
• Less expensive than 7/8” ID drip tape
• Less pounds of plastic per acre – more environmentally friendly
• Less water and run-off – minimise disease and standing water issues
• Lower system costs resulting from less hose, layflat, connections and labour
• 6/8” fittings only available from Toro

“Toro has built its legacy by understanding the needs of growers and developing quality drip irrigation products that address their needs and help them succeed,” said Ralf San Jose, Director of Marketing for Toro Ag Americas.

“This commitment to innovation is reflected in many of our exceptional drip irrigation products, including our new highly clog-resistant drip tape, Aqua-Traxx Azul and now Aqua-Traxx Sweet Spot,” he added.

The contest is usually held during the annual Irrigation Show, but in 2020 the IA hosted the contest online in an effort to promote safety amid the Covid-19 pandemic. 

More than 30 new products and technologies were considered in the new product contest, and judged based on innovation, design quality, sustainability, ease of use and product life expectancy.  Contest judges were experienced professionals with technical knowledge and industry expertise.