Six years ago, Husker Irrigation started with three employees in a few farm buildings that used to house farm equipment and a dairy operation. 

The business now employs 16 people, including owner Toby Clayton, and is finishing its second expansion project just in time for its sixth anniversary on Oct. 15.

"We've been very blessed," said Clayton reflecting on the growth of his business.

The good farm commodity prices and the drought have more farmers looking for ways to efficiently water their crops while producing higher yields.

That's where Husker Irrigation can help. They sell and service Zimmatic pivots and install sub-drip irrigation. Customers come mostly from within a 50-mile radius of Phelps County, but there are a few that are up to 100 miles away.

Toby got his start in the irrigation business 25 years ago when he began working for a local irrigation company. He then spent 12 years leading the irrigation department at a local farm implement dealer and then was given the opportunity to purchase the Zimmatic dealership.

He started the business in the outbuildings at his home. He added on a larger shop area/work space in 2009 and is currently completing a new office area and display room that will be done just in time for the busy season.

As the farmers are finishing up harvest, Toby and his crew begin their busy season of repairing and installing pivots and sub-drip irrigation in the empty fields. Much of the work must be done while there are no crops in the field.

"We're just gearing up to get real busy," Toby said.

Toby said the demand for sub-drip irrigation is growing. This involves trenching out paths in a field to install special irrigation "tape" that will water the crops from below the surface. It's a labor-intensive job that requires connecting pieces by hand every five feet. This could mean up to 264 connections in an 80-acre field.

Because of the labor and material involved in installing the this system, sub-drip irrigation is more expensive. But the benefits are less water usage, no run-off or water evaporation, fewer pest and weed problems and an increase in yields.

One farmer went from using 33 inches of water annually with gravity irrigation to using 8 inches of water with sub-drip irrigation, and he doubled the crop.

"He's getting the water when he needs it and where he needs it," Toby said.

Toby said about 10 percent of his customers have sub-drip irrigation, but the demand is growing.

Most farmers are using center-pivot irrigation, and Toby is excited about the technology that is always changing with pivots. He installs GPS systems for farmers that allow them to monitor their pivots and make changes to their irrigation from their cell phones or lap tops.

Technology is also evolving with the design of center pivots, allowing them to bend or go around obstacles. Those options were not available to farmers 10 years ago.

He said farmers have been calling him every day about a new center pivot wheel that was just introduced. It's an airless wheel that moves on a track, preventing flat tires and compaction problems in the field.

"We've just had a flood of calls about them," Toby said.

While Toby and his crew work through the winter installing irrigation systems, he looks forward to spring and what he most enjoys about the irrigation business.

"I still enjoy being out in the fields, especially in the spring when we are starting everything up," Toby said, "... to see all your hard work in use."

You can find out more about Husker Irrigation and its products at www.huskerirrigation.com or stop by and visit at 1515 S. Lincoln just south of Holdrege.