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.
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.
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.
Blueprint for Success: In Motion—The Essence of Success
Success is often portrayed as a distant, almost unattainable goal, achieved only by a few. However, Hilton’s words remind us that the essence of success is not in a flawless journey, but in perpetual motion in the relentless pursuit of goals, despite the hurdles and setbacks.
Digging Into Soil
In the earth beneath our feet lies an intricate blend of minerals, organic matter, air and water–what we like to call, soil. This dynamic mixture serves as an often overlooked building block of civilization, from agriculture to construction. But what really is soil? It’s not merely the ground we walk on; it is a living, breathing entity that sustains life and shapes how the world around us functions.
Pioneers in Modern Drainage: A Brief History of Trenching Technology
In the ever-evolving story of construction technology, trenchers–including what has become industrial drainage plows–stand out for revolutionizing the way we manage land and water. These formidable machines, which cut through the earth to create trenches, have played an important role in agriculture, infrastructure development and urban planning.
Filtering Success
In the heart of our thriving Fratco community lies a commitment to excellence, one of many traits vividly shared with our valued partner, Carriff Engineered Fabrics. Carriff’s sales and marketing director, Shayne Stonehouse, met with us to help tell Carriff’s story and give us an inside look at what drives this partnership.