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WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 17 of people behind irrigation, highlight members of your team and the work they do on your social media channels. Go to www.smartirrigationmonth.org to find Smart Irrigation Month resources you can use to post. Consider changing your social media cover photos to smart irrigation-themed images during the month. Share video clips and photos of irrigation in the field. • Engaging in traditional media. We may not think of ourselves as experts, but consider how much knowledge our industry has related to water management, agriculture and technology and where these sectors are headed. Ours is an important voice in global discussions on these topics, and we must embrace that. Draft an op-ed or submit a letter to the editor for a local publication. Highlight an innovative project or product through a local news segment. Highlight how the irrigation industry can help address challenges like water scarcity while supporting the vital benefits of agriculture. • Integrating business initiatives with Smart Irrigation Month. Announce a new product, service or technology in July. Offer a discount on efficient irrigation products for the month. Market efficient irrigation products along with the Smart Irrigation Month logo. Include a flyer highlighting irrigation best practices and tips with every sale in July. • Becoming an advocate. When it becomes possible again, engage with your local government by inviting them on a site visit of your facility or operation. Visit government officials in their local offices to discuss policies that support efficient irrigation. Thank you for joining us in promoting the importance of efficient irrigation practices and celebrating the people behind smart irrigation. While Smart Irrigation Month offers an opportunity for us to spread our message, we must aim to engage the public, advocate for our industry and celebrate what we do throughout the year. For more ways to celebrate Smart Irrigation Month, visit www.smartirrigationmonth.org. Jon Topham currently serves as president of the Irrigation Association. He is a certified agricultural irrigation specialist, certified irrigation designer, and chief operating officer of Irrigation Design & Construction, LLC.