Understanding Subirrigation: A Game-Changer for Agriculture
When it comes to innovative farming techniques, few methods have sparked as much conversation as subirrigation. It’s been a game-changer, especially for farmers grappling with the challenges of poorly drained soils. We had the opportunity to sit down with Charlie Schafer, CEO of Agri Drain, to learn why this technique is making waves in the industry. Charlie’s insights go beyond the basics, offering a deeper understanding of how subirrigation works and why it is a great step forward to more sustainable agriculture.
Meet Robert Boyd
When Robert Boyd first walked into Fratco’s Francesville Plant, he was stepping into a world that was entirely new to him. Having spent years in the seed corn sector, Robert was no stranger to hard work, but the challenges of a busy yard supervisor role in the pipe industry were a different kind of test. He approached this new environment with an open mind and a strong determination to contribute meaningfully to his team. His willingness to take on this challenge and grow in a new industry has been a key factor in his success at Fratco.
Field Journal: Building Connections That Count
Staying mentally strong isn’t just for desk jockeys or puzzle lovers. When you’re out in the field, keeping your mind tough is just as important as staying physically fit. Here’s how you can keep your head in the game:
Field Journal: Staying Mentally Fit
Staying mentally strong isn’t just for desk jockeys or puzzle lovers. When you’re out in the field, keeping your mind tough is just as important as staying physically fit. Here’s how you can keep your head in the game:
Investing in Tomorrow
At Fratco, our legacy of innovation and quality spans over a century, and we’re far from finished. We’ve put together a short video series to showcase how we’re “Investing in Tomorrow.” This series invites you to witness our journey as we build upon our strong foundation and prepare for a future filled with new possibilities.
Twin Oaks Environmental
Jobie Watson, owner of Twin Oaks Environmental, is no stranger to business adversity; competing in the crowded market of environmental solutions, the odds were stacked against him. Dominated by industry giants, the company faced an uphill battle just to secure a foothold in the industry. But what may have been a struggle for survival, soon turned into a story of resilience and innovation. Founded by his father, Jay Watson, in 2003 and originally based out of Central Florida, the father and son duo partnered up and relocated Twin Oaks Environmental to Opelika, Alabama in 2009. Despite the challenges, the Watsons refused to back down, finding ways to not only stay in the game but to lead with quality and customer service.
Agri Drain: A Legacy of Innovation and Partnership
In 1976, a small family business in Adair, Iowa quietly began its journey. Few could have predicted that this modest venture, founded by Charlie Schafer and his brothers, would grow into a powerhouse in the drainage industry. Yet today, Agri Drain is a name every industry insider knows—a company that transformed itself from humble beginnings into an industry leader through relentless innovation and an unwavering commitment to understanding “what’s next.” But how did they achieve such a remarkable rise? The story of Agri Drain is one of bold decisions, cutting-edge technology and a vision that redefined what it means to manage water resources effectively.
Blueprint for Success: Begin Here and Now—The Power of Starting
In the pursuit of goals, we often wait for the perfect moment, the ideal resources or the absolute certainty of success. However, Ashe’s advice offers a different perspective: the art of starting with what you currently have and where you presently are.
KTS Custom Fabrication
The roots of KTS Custom Fabrication can be traced back to the earnest efforts of Dave and Jean Leichtman, whose upbringing in family farming instilled in them the values of hard work and community trust. Dave and Jean grew up knowing each other as their families lived 5 miles apart in the beautiful, fertile countryside of New Hampton, Iowa.
Decoding Plastics: Understanding the Plastic Number System
In our industry, we work with plastic every day, and recycling Fratco pipe is a simplified process since the pipe is only made from two types of plastics. Can we just recycle all the plastic we use at home the same way? Sadly, it’s not so simple when you introduce different types of plastic, making recycling at home a headache with all these numbers and types to keep track of.