A method and means is disclosed for remotely reading the status of and controlling irrigation components and ancillary equipment. A handheld remote user interface (RUI) is provided which includes at least a display. The RUI has the ability to communicate with and control the irrigation components using built-in wireless telemetry technology. The RUI allows the user to read the status of and control the irrigation components and ancillary equipment from any location, without requiring the user to be at the irrigation component controls or at a specific location in the field. Software operational of the RUI generates one or more user screens with graphic user interfaces for quickly and easily monitoring and controlling the irrigation components and ancillary equipment.