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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As drainage experts, we're not just laying pipe; we're key players in guiding water through these natural pathways. Whether it's a small creek in a rural area or a large urban canal, our work is part of a larger cycle that ensures water flows where it should, reducing flooding and erosion.

At the heart of Fratco’s advanced corrugated drainage pipe lies the intricate chemistry and sophisticated makeup of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and high-density polypropylene (HDPP). These materials are not just plastics; they are marvels of modern chemical engineering, tailored to meet the rigorous demands of many products including drainage infrastructure.

Outrageous success, as grand as it sounds, isn’t a far-fetched dream. It’s the cumulative result of small, consistent steps forward. It’s in learning from each project, celebrating the wins and learning from the setbacks. In an industry that’s the backbone of infrastructure and development, every bit of progress counts.

Rainfall, a vital component of nature’s cycle, is eagerly anticipated by growers worldwide. It’s the heartbeat of agriculture, quenching thirsty crops and nurturing soil. However, this natural gift can quickly turn into a challenge when it becomes excessive.

We are always looking to move forward, dreaming of the future we’re heading to. But true success, the kind that leaves a lasting mark, is not a fleeting mirage but a destination reachable through patience, persistence and perspiration.

After successfully launching the Batch & Build program, a story featured in the fall issue of Tried & True, a similar program is also taking off in Iowa, Minnesota and Ohio. This program named, “Turn-Key,” is the same practice being implemented, “saturated buffers,” but with a more streamlined channel for project management and funding. The aforementioned states have incredible funding opportunities that could lead to up to 100% of cost share coverage.

Thanks to loyal customers like you, Fratco has experienced remarkable growth. We’re extremely thankful for your trust. However, new growth always brings new challenges. Rest assured, we’re tackling these head-on.

In the world of manufacturing, construction and innovation, the importance of standards cannot be overstated. Especially here at Fratco, where we hold ourselves and our products to high standards of reliability and endurance. Standards are the invisible threads that bind industries together, ensuring that products are safe, reliable and consistent. Just like many household products you use everyday, Fratco products are no stranger in needing to meet standards. At the forefront of this standardization effort stands ASTM International–an organization dedicated to creating a global language of quality, safety and performance. Many of us have heard or referred to ASTM but we wanted to take the time for a deep dive into what ASTM is and how it functions.