Headed West: Fratco’s Frontier in Western Irrigation

As seen in the Tried & True Winter 2025 issue

Out West, where every drop of water counts, irrigation isn’t just about getting crops what they need–it’s about survival. In a region facing increasing challenges from drought and climate change, Fratco’s newly launched All-in-One Water Transportation Systems aim to provide a lasting solution for Western Irrigation. Spearheaded by Jerry Weiland, this product line focuses on delivering reliable, water-saving transportation systems to states that need efficient water transportation more than ever before.

Meeting the West’s Unique Water Needs

“Water is scarce in the Western states,” Jerry told us, “Out West, there’s a saying: whiskey’s for drinking, water’s for fighting.” It’s a reality that drives the region’s intense focus on water management. In his role developing the Western Irrigation initiative, Jerry works directly with local distributors and irrigation districts–governing bodies that manage water systems for their customers–whether they operate through independent groups or under federal oversight. His job? To equip them with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their water transportation systems and improve efficiency.

By working hand-in-hand with these local experts, Jerry is helping to ensure that Fratco’s solutions–customized to meet the unique needs of each irrigation district–are being implemented in a way that saves and conserves water for everyone. “They know where the water’s coming from.” Jerry explains how local knowledge helps work hand-in-hand with applying Fratco’s solution, “In Nebraska, they had a tunnel collapse,” meaning Fratco pipe could replace the concrete tunnel. “Out in Utah, they don’t even have tunnels for water,” so Fratco’s All-in-One Water Transportation Systems could be applied to optimize the irrigation districts’ water transportation capabilities. “So it’s about having the distributor’s depth of local water management knowledge. The distributors are our boots on the ground out there.” And that’s where Fratco’s products come into play.

A Custom Solution for Every Need

These systems don’t come in a one-size-fits-all package. “It’s kind of like going out and buying a car,” Jerry says. “You want a car, but what kind? I can bring you 20 different cars, but we need to figure out what you really need.” For example, if an irrigation district is using an old earthen ditch, Fratco can provide a solution that minimizes water loss due to seepage and evaporation–problems that plague traditional irrigation methods. Or, if the district is working with property lines that have been changed and adjusted over time, Fratco can easily reroute old water transportation systems with these all-in-one systems. 

Here’s an overview of what Fratco’s All-in-One Water Transportation Systems offer:

1 – Minimizing Water Loss

Currently, there are systems where only 30% of the water released from the dam or other basin actually makes it to the end user. With Fratco’s closed systems, water is kept securely inside the pipe, dramatically reducing loss from seepage and evaporation, ensuring around 99% of that water makes its journey all the way from the snow-covered mountain tops into the basin and out to the fields

2 – Safety

Open ditches and exposed water pose significant safety risks–especially for livestock and children. There are kids who drown because they fall into a ditch–it may seem far-fetched, but it’s more of a risk than people realize. With Fratco’s closed systems, these hazards are eliminated, making these closed systems safer for everyone.

3 – Minimal Maintenance and Longevity

Fratco’s plastic pipe is built to last, outliving traditional methods like cement or open ditches, which crack and erode over time. These systems require far less maintenance and provide a reliable, long-term solution for irrigation districts, farmers and communities.

4 – Increased Usable Farm Land

With the elimination of wide, open ditches, Fratco’s underground systems create more room for usable farmland. Farm fields can gain valuable farming acreage by removing ditches and utilizing underground pipe systems for irrigation.

Core Components of the All-In-One Water transportation Systems

We’ve developed four key components to create efficient, adaptable, All-in-One Water Transportation Systems. Each piece plays a vital role in meeting regional water transportation needs, allowing for tailored, dependable solutions.

1 – Transportation Pipe

Fratco’s SmoothCorr pipe (HDPE) serves as the core of this system, engineered to prevent water loss and deter pests. Unlike traditional open canals, Fratco pipe is installed underground, enhancing safety and maximizing land use. Water will be transported through the pipe and controlled by the other components that make up each system.

2 – Control Structures

These are adaptable stainless steel structures that function as points of control to manage the flow of water for irrigation needs. They provide the systems with adaptability that can adjust for different water levels and disperse the water in different directions to different areas and terrains.

3 – Control Gates

Stainless steel gates are used as the arms of these systems. They manually regulate water flow within the systems, allowing full customization of flow and water control levels. These can be part of a control structure or stand-alone. 

4 – Dispersion Bowls

These large, stainless steel bowls are utilized to prevent soil erosion and damage while also preventing water loss from soil absorption as the water is transported. 

Building Western Connections, One Partnership at a Time

Jerry worked closely with Buffalo Ridge Metalworks to provide materials and engineering capabilities to get these component designs off the page and into the dirt. He also secured partnerships with MarMac and Press-Seal, utilizing their products to complete his vision of the All-in-One Water Transportation Systems. 

“People out here often don’t even know about Fratco Pipe,” he says. But that’s changing quickly, thanks to Jerry’s tireless networking and efforts to educate potential partners on Fratco’s high-quality, resilient products. Along with his ability to build relationships and spread awareness of Fratco’s solutions in a region that has largely been unfamiliar with the company’s products, expansion to the West is sure to be a success. 

A New Frontier for Fratco

The Western Irrigation initiative isn’t just about solving water issues–it’s also about diversifying Fratco’s market and working to strengthen the company’s long-term stability. “When it’s dry all across the U.S., it increases the demand in the West for irrigation but decreases the demand in the Midwest for traditional drainage,” Jerry explains. If Fratco continues expanding westward, we could balance these fluctuations more effectively, becoming a more resilient company in the process.

At its core, the All-in-One Water Transportation Systems reflect Fratco’s commitment to continuous innovation in the world of water management. “Fratco has always been looking to provide quality solutions for the needs of farmers and communities,” Jerry says. “I think that just falls in with what we’re doing out West.”

With its eyes on the future and Jerry leading the charge, Fratco is poised to make a lasting impact in the Western states–one that will benefit farmers, ecosystems and economies alike. The West is ready for better water management, and Fratco is ready to deliver.