IA awards scholarships to eight rising irrigation professionals

Beyond their academic achievements, these students are innovators, researchers and future leaders whose work is already making an impact on the irrigation industry.

The Irrigation Association is proud to announce the eight recipients of the 2026 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholarship Program, sponsored by Rain Bird. These students are not only pursuing careers in irrigation, they are helping shape the future of water stewardship, sustainability and irrigation innovation.

This year’s recipients represent a diverse group of students from colleges and universities across the United States enrolled in programs focused on irrigation, water management, agriculture, turfgrass science and related fields. Scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 were awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, stewardship and the wise use of water.

“Rain Bird is proud to support these outstanding students through the Anthony W. ‘Tony’ LaFetra Scholarship Program,” said Michael Roberts, vice president of technology and innovation at Rain Bird and 2026 president of the Irrigation Association. “We look forward to seeing the impact they will make as future leaders in irrigation and water stewardship.”

Meet this year’s recipients

Beyond their academic achievements, these students are innovators, researchers and future leaders whose work is already making an impact on the irrigation industry.

Andrew Fleet was recognized as one of this year’s Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholars, a distinction awarded to the program’s top recipients. A graduate student at Oklahoma State University, Fleet plans to pursue research focused on advanced filtration, treatment and water recycling technologies for irrigation and drinking water. He hopes his work will help address water challenges both on Earth and in future space exploration efforts. Fleet says receiving the scholarship relieves much of the initial financial burden of graduate school and affirms that he is on the right path toward achieving his education, experience and research goals.

Abraham Salomon, a doctoral student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, was also recognized as a 2026 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholar. Salomon’s work focuses on agricultural water and soil management research, with an emphasis on improving irrigation efficiency and supporting producers through practical, research-based solutions. He views the scholarship as recognition of the collaborative research efforts underway at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the Daugherty Water for Food Institute to advance water stewardship and agricultural productivity.

Read more about Fleet, Salomon and the other recipients at irrigation.org/scholarship-recipients and learn what inspires their passion for careers in irrigation and water resource management.

Congratulations to these recipients of the 2026 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholarship Program:

• Andrew Fleet: Oklahoma State University, Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholar
• Abraham Salomon: University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholar
• Tyler Judkins: Las Positas College
• Carter Peters: Kansas State University
• Salvador Cabrera: Arizona Western College
• Arlunya Sisomvang: University of California, Davis
• Harmony Hulet: College of Idaho
• Caleb VanBooven: Kansas State University

“These students represent the future of the irrigation industry and the next generation of leaders who will help address some of the most important water challenges facing our communities and agricultural systems,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin. “Their passion for innovation, research and stewardship demonstrates the talent and dedication needed to advance efficient water management and ensure a more sustainable future. We are proud to support their educational journeys and look forward to the contributions they will make throughout their careers.”

The 2027 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholarship Program will open in early spring 2027. Rain Bird is the exclusive sponsor of the scholarship program in honor of its late president and CEO, Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra. To learn more about program requirements and the application process, visit www.irrigation.org/scholarships or contact the IA at workforcedev@irrigation.org or 703.536.7080.

About the Irrigation Association

The Irrigation Association is the leading organization of irrigation professionals, serving as the recognized authority in efficient irrigation: promoting innovation, supporting industry growth and sustainability, engaging decision-makers and serving as the leading, credible and unifying voice and advocate for the industry. We seek to transform humanity’s stewardship and use of water, 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. For more information, visit irrigation.org.