IA Celebrates 2021 Industry Achievement Award Recipients

The Irrigation Association recently announced recipients of its 2021 Industry Achievement awards.

Recipients of the honor included Angelo Mazzei, CEO of Mazzei Injector Company LLC, Jackie Robbins, former president of Robbins Association/Irrigation-Mart Inc., and Reese Andrews, product manager at Lindsey Corporation.

The awards are the IA’s highest honor and recognize individuals whose careers demonstrate outstanding contributions to the advancement of the irrigation industry, as well as its products and programs. Award recipients will be featured guests on a webinar hosted by the IA this fall.

Mazzei, Robbins honored with 2021 Industry Achievement AwardJackie RobbinsIrrigation Association

During his over 40-year career, Mazzei has not only built a successful company but also created multiple innovative solutions to solve irrigation issues. He has received 20 patents, including the Mazzei Injector in 1978, an innovation he crafted in his garage workshop. This injector revolutionized the irrigation industry and is at the heart of a wide range of high-impact innovations in agriculture, human health, and the environment. It also led to the start of the Mazzei Injector Company.

In addition to Mazzei, the IA recognized Robbins with the award as well. He was a pioneer in the field of microirrigation technology. His research, publications, teaching and work with extension and producers played a significant role in seeing microirrigation technology adopted as a primary method used to irrigate a wide variety of crops in a region where surface and sprinkler irrigation, or no irrigation, had previously been used.

“These two award recipients have both been impacting the irrigation industry for numerous decades,” said IA CEO Deborah Hamlin. “Their work has not only advanced the industry by promoting efficient irrigation, but it has impacted the lives of growers, aspiring irrigation professionals and others working in our industry. Their fingerprint on the industry will be felt for many years to come.”

Andrews recognized with 2021 Innovator Award

Reece AndrewsThe Irrigation Association

The Irrigation Association recognized Andrews with the 2021 Innovator Award which honors individuals who have made significant, tangible contributions to the irrigation industry within the past five years.

Throughout his career, he has led the development of numerous industry-advancing technologies during his career, which have resulted in multiple products that significantly support growers in improving the health of their crops, while conserving natural resources. His work in developing remote pivot technologies has helped growers save water and reduce their fuel costs, labor, and wear and tear, while also reducing the carbon footprint.

“Reece Andrews is known for his passion for solving customer problems and developing products that not only help growers but also serve the environment,” Hamlin said. “He is a true innovator, and we look forward to more of his contributions in the years to come.”

More information about this and other IA awards and past recipients can be found at www.irrigation.org/awards.