Diversification is the key to survival
Agriweld Inc. is a small niche market Ag equipment manufacturer located in the central Willamette Valley, near Monmouth Oregon. Established in 1988 as a small local repair and fabrication facility, owners Craig and Dina Pope sought out needs in local agricultural equipment that were not being met by any other means. An easy fit in the beginning was to fill the void for a wheel harrow that was produced for years by a gentleman named Jim Dickson, who had retired from that enterprise that same year. Agriweld made some slight changes to that product over the next several years, but still continues to manufacture the harrows in similar fashion to those that Dickson produced. As time went on, additional items were added to the line of Agriweld products. Items such as smooth rollers, for finish rolling fields for grass seed production, and sprockets rollers in several configurations for a wide range of needs throughout the northwest. Stainless steel fertilizer spreaders were added to the list in the early 90's, as was a variety of sprayers. Sprayers that ranged from commercial applicators with floatation tires to a retail line named "Little Giant", that was acquired from Wilco Farmers Coop.
The next major innovation for the company was the development of its' Power Roll Weed Wiper. This item took shape
following the practice by several grass seed growers of using a carpet covered drum applicator that applies a chemical
through a foam carrier to unwanted target weeds. The prototype of the first unit proved Agriweld to be successful, and drew a great deal of attention in the Willamette Valley in the following years. That unit has
evolved a great deal from the prototype to include 3 point options, sizes that range from 6 feet wide to 50 feet wide,
specialized units that are used in potatoes and sugar beets. Units are also used in weed control for native grass
plantations, sod production, and roadside or waterway weed control, thus preventing the potential for chemical drift
management issues that have plagued these operations. This product has been distributed throughout the US, and Canada,
and has a growing market as the ag industry finds less chemical options available to them, and more pressure from the
public to find alternate resources for weed control.
Today, Agriweld Inc. sells products through direct market, as well as a small group of dealers in 10 western states, including Hawaii, and western Canada. The list of products has grown to more than 30 proprietary items, with support parts and service as well. Selling to small farms, large commercial Ag entities, and government agencies involved in agricultural practices.
A struggling Ag economy has been one of the most serious challenges that this small company has had to face over the past 3 years, and has weathered the difficult times through conservation, planning, and an understanding of its customers position during such times. Craig and Dina are from farm background, and completely empathize with the farm community all across the continent.