At the Hunter Industries Contractor Training Event hosted in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Andy sat down with irrigation contractors and technology leaders to explore one big question:

What is the future of irrigation going to look like?

In this documentary-style episode, you'll hear from contractors with decades of field experience, including three generations of Grapids Irrigation, contractors adapting to smart controllers and cloud-based monitoring, and the people building the next generation of tools at Hunter.

Featuring conversations with: Aaron Katerberg of Grapids Irrigation, Brandon Dietrich of Garpio Group, Jason from Smith Lawnscapes, Hector Avalos of Pro-Mow Landscaping, Tony Tiscareno of Grapids Irrigation, and Scott Allison from Hunter Industries.

Topics include:

• Flat-rate pricing and running a more profitable service business
• Smart controllers, Wi-Fi, flow sensors, and remote monitoring
• Why water savings and technology matter more than ever
• New cloud-based design tools like Hunter's My Design Landscape
• The differences between irrigation in Michigan and Florida
• Why, after 20–30 years in the business, contractors still love what they do

The tools are changing. The technology is changing.

The people who make irrigation work are still the story.

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend in the irrigation industry.

Behind every irrigation controller, valve, and system component is a team of engineers and product managers working to improve the tools contractors rely on every day.

In the final episode of this three-part series from the Rain Bird Irrigation Pro Summit, Andy Humphrey talks with members of the Rain Bird team about how irrigation products are designed and how contractor feedback shapes the future of irrigation technology.

Steve, a Rain Bird product manager, shares insights into the development of modern controller platforms, two-wire systems, and connected irrigation management tools.

Maggie and Matt from Rain Bird discuss valve technology, integrated valve modules, and how product innovation happens within one of the irrigation industry's most recognized manufacturers.

This conversation highlights how collaboration between contractors and manufacturers continues to drive innovation in irrigation.

In This Episode

• How Rain Bird develops irrigation controllers
• Two-wire technology and system diagnostics
• Valve innovation and integrated valve modules (IVM)
• How contractor feedback influences product development
• The future of irrigation technology

Featured Guests

Steve Barendt— Rain Bird Product Manager, Controllers
Maggie Saulsby — Rain Bird Product Manager, Valves
Matt Cooper — Rain Bird Contractor Account Manager (CAM), Mid Atlantic

Today's irrigation contractor does far more than install sprinklers.

Modern irrigation companies are managing water, integrating technology, and running sophisticated service businesses that combine field expertise with connected systems and data.

In this second episode of the Rain Bird Irrigation Pro Summit series, Andy Humphrey speaks with several contractors working in the field today about how the role of the irrigation contractor is evolving.

Steve from Quench Irrigation discusses water management, smart controllers, and the growing role of sensors and connected technology.

Travis and Andy Childs share practical insights from decades of experience installing and troubleshooting irrigation systems.

And Alex from Morgans Irrigation talks about how modern irrigation businesses are using automation, CRM systems, and new service models to improve customer communication and operations.

Together, these conversations paint a picture of the modern irrigation contractor — a combination of technician, water manager, and technology operator.

In This Episode

• Smart controllers and cloud-connected irrigation systems
• Water monitoring and irrigation management
• Two-wire troubleshooting and electrical diagnostics
• Training technicians and improving system reliability
• Using CRM systems and automation in irrigation businesses

Featured Guests

Steve Pereira — Quench Irrigation
Travis Childs — Morgans Irrigation
Andy Childs — Landscape Maintenance Services

Danielle and Denise - Landscape Maintenance Services
Alex Morgans — Morgans Irrigation