Wagner's Irrigation is homegrown
By Jean Issler
Wagner's Irrigation is a truly homegrown Holdrege business. Owners Jim and Janet Wagner started the company in 1958. While standing on the sales floor of the store, Jim said, "This is my country. I grew up a block and a half from here."
Jim has stayed close to his roots and built up a family business that is an essential part of the farm-based economy of this area. His sons Derek and Dan, are partners in the business. They lead a workforce of about 15 employees in the irrigation sales and service trade.
Wagner's sells T-L pivots, propane engines, Tailwater systems and pumps. They do full service sales and repairs. The irrigation business keeps them the most busy in the spring and summer, but repairs and set ups make it necessary to keep most of their workforce through the winter as well.
The storms this past summer damaged about 120 pivots belonging to the Wagner's customers. They are still working to complete repairs on all of them.
Most of their customers are local ag producers. However, in the late 1970s, the company branched out into selling pumps all over the United States. It was a way to boost sales during a troubled economy. They still have customers in far-flung corners of the country.
Jim started working in the repair business next to his father. They worked for the J. I. Case Company. In 1958, Jim left there to start Wagner's Repair. In 1980, the business name was changed to Wagner's Irrigation. Jim's dad, Merrill, joined the business in about 1962.
The original location for the business was near the grain elevators. Later it occupied two spaces near the current Spady auto dealership.
The current location at Grant Street and Third Avenue has been home to the business since 1979.
Jim's wife, Janet, also worked in the business as the bookkeeper until recently. She is currently taking a leave. Derek and Dan have worked at Wagener's since they were young and are now partners with Jim.
Wagner's philosophy of business is that Wagner's is one part of the partnership that helps make the economy healthy. "We are not the hub, we are a part of the team," said Jim.
The Wagners also have a history of helping the community. Jim has been a member of the Holdrege Fire Department since 1958, the same year he started the business. His father was the fire chief for twenty years until Jim became the chief in 1970.
Dan has been the assistant fire chief for 34 years. They say they are still having fun and good fellowship with the fire crew.
And so it goes with Wagner's. Jim, Dan and Derek said they like the work and like doing it well. They plan to keep the business healthy and growing.
Wagner's Irrigation Inc. is located at 611 3rd Avenue. The phone is 308-995-8001 and the web site is www.wagnerirrigationinc.com.
