Fairfax, Virginia, United States: The Irrigation Association (IA) has announced that Jack Buzzard has been named the recipient of the 2022 Industry Achievement Award.

This award, sponsored by Hunter Industries, is the IA’s highest honour and recognises an individual whose career demonstrates outstanding contributions to the advancement of the irrigation industry.

Californian Buzzard began working for Rain Bird in 1968 as an Assistant Controller. By 1975 he had taken on the role of Vice President and Director of Rain Bird’s International Strategic Business Unit.

During his career, Buzzard lived and worked in France, introducing Europe, and later parts of South America, to the concept of total, complete automatic irrigation systems as we know them today.

Buzzard’s visionary, global approach and his steadfast support of training set the standard for other businesses to follow. His future-forward focus introduced irrigation into areas of the world that truly needed a faster, more efficient way to keep crops and landscapes healthy with less water.

“The IA is honoured to recognise Jack Buzzard and the global impact he has made with his innovations and contributions to the irrigation industry,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin.

“Because of his years of dedication and work, homes, golf courses, farms and organisations around the world gained access to efficient irrigation products, ensuring untold water savings over numerous decades,” added Rankin.

Buzzard served as President of the Irrigation Association in 1995 and was presented the Crawford Reid Memorial Award in 2004. He retired from his VP role at Rain Bird International in 2006.

His indelible imprint on Rain Bird and the irrigation industry itself is still felt to this day.

Buzzard said: “I would like to thank the Irrigation Association for honouring me with their 2022 Industry Achievement Award.

“The Irrigation Association and its members have a wonderful story to tell. Our industry provides excellent manufactured products, professional distribution and education on how to use our most treasured resource – water – effectively and efficiently for food production and a more beautiful environment.

“My wife, Linda, whom I have known since kindergarten, has always been there supporting my work efforts. Without her and my children, Erik and Shannon, I’m sure that I would have had a much less interesting career and life.”

Buzzard and the other 2022 IA award recipients will be recognised during the Irrigation Show and Education Week in Las Vegas from December 5-9.

Rain Bird is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.