A new product by Nelson Irrigation took the top prize in the agriculture irrigation category during the Irrigation Association Show this week.

The TWIG-V Plus Wireless Solenoid integrates a 12 VDC latching solenoid with Twig-V Wireless 900 MHz radio network compatibility, providing a solar-powered, wireless solution with no need for wire connections between the solenoid and RTU.

The Irrigation Association (IA) celebrated this innovative product and technology and others that are shaping the future of water management. Nelson Irrigation’s product was just one innovation recognized during the IA’s 2024 New Product Contest. This annual competition showcases the newest premier products in the irrigation industry, underscoring the commitment of industry leaders to sustainable water use and improved irrigation efficiency. A total of 22 new products and technologies were entered in three categories: agriculture irrigation, landscape irrigation and landscape lighting.

“The irrigation industry is innovating every day to advance the wise use of water, and celebrating these 2024 New Product Contest winners demonstrates our dedication to recognizing and supporting companies that develop solutions that help make growers and farmers more productive and allow our communities to thrive,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin. “This year’s winners showcase the excellence within our industry and the important role we all play in shaping the future of sustainable water management.”

Products were evaluated based on innovation, design quality, increased water/resource-use efficiency, ease of use and product life expectancy. Official judging was conducted during the 2024 Irrigation Show and Education Week in Long Beach.

2024 Pitch Competition winners
The IA also announced the winners of the 2024 Pitch Competition, showcasing products by today’s agriculture and landscape irrigation technology startup companies. These companies are developing innovative products and solutions that are set to revolutionize the irrigation industry and lead to wise water use and improved irrigation efficiency.

The 2024 Agriculture Irrigation Pitch Competition winner is Krah USA LLC. Krah USA manufactures large diameter HDPE pipe with profile wall and solid wall options for pressure and gravity flow applications with up to a 196-inch inside diameter.

“The exceptional innovation and forward-thinking solutions showcased in this year’s Pitch Competition are truly inspiring,” said Rankin. “These entrepreneurs are not only advancing their own businesses, but also driving creativity and transformative ideas that help propel the entire irrigation industry toward greater sustainability, growth and long-term success.”

This year’s competition featured eight irrigation startup companies that gave presentations and were judged by a panel of experts evaluating the quality of their presentation, the product, market need and economic feasibility. Official judging was conducted live on the exhibit floor on Nov. 6 during the 2024 Irrigation Show and Education Week.

Visit irrigationshow.org for more details about the competitions and to view the winners.