August 2020 - Orthman

Orthman recently held a Formal training course for its distributor reps, it was well attended they came from all parts of the country; they even got in a little Nebraska football. The focus of the session was product training but also to plug the manufacture reps into high level business discussions on the Orthman model, goals, planning, etc. Our professional rep organizations are an integral part of our business; they are well connected through a series of channels of our organization. Look for a customer training session coming soon.

This will allow us to cut lead times in half while delivering tighter than industry standard tolerances which means a better product for our customers. Orthman Conveying Systems is in a significant growth pattern today due to the separation of its AG division. “Today we have a 110K square foot manufacturing facility that we need to feed”. We have gone through many changes recently from adding outside sales professionals to adding an inside sales team in Lexington at the plant, Hiring new independent reps, hiring a new Engineering Manager, adding designers just to name a few. The changes are starting to pay off. Orthman Conveying Systems has doubled in sales YOY from 2017 to 2018 with lofty growth goals for 2019 and beyond.

October 19, 2016
10:08 AM
Lexington, NE

Continually looking for ways to increase productivity on the farm, Orthman is partnering with Salford/Valmar –one of the industry’s leading nutrient application equipment providers – to further enhance the fertilizer application capabilities of the industry-leading 1tRIPr strip tillage machine, as well as other Orthman row crop equipment. There are two new product additions to the Orthman lineup, including the joint Salford/Orthman designed Tracker Nutrient Trailer, and the Valmar ST-10 Fertilizer System.

The Tracker Nutrient Trailer is based off the popular Salford Pathfinder Cart, a fertilizer-carrying cart with the ability to follow the implement path, reducing crop damage and compaction. Orthman and Salford jointly designed the trailer to fit the needs of all Orthman row crop equipment specifically. This joint design will be manufactured by both Salford and Orthman, and will be delivered to the end user as a fully supported Orthman product. The high-capacity trailer is adaptable from 20″ to 40″ row spacing to fit nearly any operation, and offers over 30″ of axle clearance for post-emerge, high-capacity fertility passes. It also offers dual-product capability, with either twin liquid tanks, or the Valmar ST-10 Dry Fertilizer system.

“Our partnership with Salford/Valmar allows producers to combine the precision placement strengths of the Orthman 1tRIPr with Valmar’s precision metering systems to have the highest capacity, precision metering and precision placement tillage machines on the market today,” said Ryan Hulme, Product Marketing Manager for Orthman. “Orthman dealers will now offer a turn-key, precision fertilizer placement and metering system that was engineered and built to work together, from a single supplier.”

Brad Baker, Product Manager for Salford Group, agreed. “We’re honored to partner with a market leader in strip-till technology, with whom we share the common value of offering reliable, heavy duty products that get results. The Valmar ST-Series has a reputation for simplicity, versatility and ease of use, while maintaining top-notch accuracy. Combined with the 1tRIPr system, Orthman has a very formidable product,” said Baker.

Orthman will also offer the Valmar ST-10 Dry Fertilizer system on the 1tRIPr XD pull-type strip tillage machine. Orthman has offered single-product dry solutions on the 1tRIPr XD for over 3 years, but now will be able to offer a dual-product solution for both pull type and mounted machines.

These options are now available world-wide. For more information, view the Tracker Nutrient Trailer brochure or contact your local Orthman dealer.

February 22, 2016
12:42 PM
Lexington, NE

Orthman announced today a precision strip-tillage prize package worth $45,000 will be given away at the Commodity Classic Convention and Tradeshow in New Orleans. The winner will receive an 8-row 1tRIPr strip-till machine, and a custom, on-site agronomic analysis.

“Commodity Classic is a premier event, attracting the attendance of leading producers,” said Orthman VP of Sales and Marketing Rod Haarberg. “These producers understand the agronomic impact of the 1tRIPr and the value that precision tillage can bring to the farm- and we are pleased to offer these benefits and an agronomic consulation to one lucky winner,” he said.

Commodity Classic attendees can register to win the machine inside the Orthman booth #1023 at the trade show in New Orleans. Entries will be collected until 9am on Friday, March 4, and the winner will be drawn at random the same day. The winner must be present in the booth at 12pm to claim their prize.

In addition to the machine, Orthman will send their lead production agronomist to the winner’s farm for an agronomic analysis and to share tips and tricks to capture all of the benefits that the 1tRIPr offers. “Precision tillage brings all the benefits of tillage including ideal seedbed preparation and optimal root zone conditioning – with the added benefit of precision nutrient placement via the 1tRIPr. The 1tRIPr was a product of the tough market conditions of the 90s, and will be key for high production environments in today’s challenging market conditions,” said Haarberg. “We are excited to offer this innovative technology and share the benefits that the 1tRIPr offers.” Orthman’s world-leading 1tRIPr will be the focal point of the Orthman display, offering reduced input costs, optimal growing conditions, and maximum yields to growers around the world.

The 8-row, 30” machine will be delivered to the winner’s nearest Orthman dealer. If this specific configuration isn’t ideal for the winner’s cropping system, Orthman will allow flexibility in choosing a suitable machine and deduct the value of the prize. The winner will be responsible for shipping costs and applicable taxes. Only 1 entry allowed per person, the sweepstakes is open to producers only, attending the Commodity Classic show, aged 18 or over. More rules apply, see official rules within the booth. No purchase is required.

June 9, 2015
7:31 AM
Lexington, NE

Orthman Manufacturing, maker of agricultural and other industrial machinery, announced last Saturday that they’ll join other area businesses and individuals in the support of a new YMCA facility for the Lexington, Nebraska area.

The YMCA is a non-profit organization and is one of the largest community service organizations in the United States. The Lexington association has been active since 2008, and its success had led to a need for improved and expanded facilities. In April, the Lexington YMCA Board announced a Capital Campaign for the funding of a new YMCA Facility. Included in the project will be a Wellness Center offering cardiovascular health and strength training, Multi-Purpose Fitness Center with yoga, aerobics, and kickboxing, Childwatch for kids while parents work out, Locker Rooms with showers, a game room for older children, administrative and social areas for reception and office space, plus furnishings and equipment. An indoor pool could also be added, depending on the success of the Campaign.

Support of this campaign was an easy decision for Orthman owner, John McCoy. “Nancy and I are thrilled to support such an important project for our employees and the Lexington community.” he said. “We firmly believe in the Lexington YMCA Mission- To put Christian principles into practice, through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”

“It is a rare occasion when you get an opportunity to have such an impact on a community.” said McCoy. “This community and region is the life blood of our businesses, and the health and well-being of the region is critical to our success.” he said. “In support of Orthman’s health and well-being initiative, we currently provide all of our employees with family membership into Fitness Centers, whether at the YMCA or their local community centers.”

“Orthman has a 47 year history in Lexington. Giving back to a community which has done so much for us is simply the right thing to do. We are very blessed to be a part of this community, and certainly blessed in our businesses at the moment. We are just doing our part.” he said.

June 9, 2015
7: 29 AM
Lexington, NE

A ground breaking ceremony was held Wednesday on the site of a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Orthman Manufacturing Inc. on 28 acres in southeast Lexington, Neb. The expansion will produce 100 new jobs in the community. Construction is scheduled to be complete by August 2013. The ground-breaking included John McCoy and Bill Orthman from Orthman Manufacturing, BD Construction president Mark Benjamin, Lieutenant Governor Rick Sheehy and Senate candidate Deb Fischer, as well as other dignitaries and area development leaders.

Orthman President John McCoy said that the agricultural economy and Orthman’s continued growth domestically provided the basic platform to invest in the new facility. “The added capacity will allow us to competitively supply our agronomy-based technology into the industry that is feeding the world, keeping them efficient,” McCoy said. BD Construction President and CEO Mark Benjamin said that BD Construction is proud to be a part of the continuing economic development of the Lexington community. “This new manufacturing facility will propel Orthman’s success as it continues to be a leader in the manufacture of agricultural equipment,” Benjamin said. The new, 115,000-square-foot facility will operate in tandem with Orthman’s existing northeast Lexington facility. Once the new plant is complete, the company will move part of its operations to the new facility. Orthman will continue to use its second facility northeast of Lexington, but has agreed to give the city its building east of Lexington to be used as a speculative industrial building.

June 9, 2015
7:29 AM
Grand Island, NE

Orthman Manufacturing, Inc. of Lexington is the recipient of the 2012 Innovation in Manufacturing Award for mid-size Nebraska companies. Orthman was was honored at the Oct. 3 meeting of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Manufacturers Council held in Grand Island.

The Innovation in Manufacturing Award is sponsored by the State Chamber and McGladrey, a leading provider of assurance, tax and consulting services to the manufacturing and wholesale distribution industries, with more than 6,500 professionals and associates in 75 offices nationwide.

The award is presented annually to Nebraska manufacturers who successfully implement new ways of conducting business through the use of products, processes, technologies and strategies. Chief Industries was the award-winner for large-size companies.

“It’s an honor to recognize Chief Industries and Orthman Manufacturing with this award,” said Barry Kennedy, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “The spirit of innovation implemented by both of these companies gives us another reason to be proud of our manufacturing base in Nebraska, and it illustrates why manufacturers are helping pave the path to economic recovery.

Governor Dave Heineman has proclaimed the week of Sept. 30 – Oct. 6 as Manufacturing Week in Nebraska. The state’s manufacturing sector plays a vital role in Nebraska’s local economies by employing nearly 125,000 Nebraskans and producing more than $10 billion in annual output, according to data collected by the Nebraska Chamber and its affiliate, the National Association of Manufacturers.

June 9, 2015
7:28 AM
Kempton Park, South Africa

To better meet agricultural needs in South Africa and the sub-Saharan region, Orthman has opened a product assembly facility and warehouse in Kempton Park, South Africa.

“Orthman’s objective to provide quality tools for the producer to be more efficient and productive applies not only in the U.S., but around the world,” said John McCoy, president of Orthman. “The facility in South Africa allows us to provide the right machinery and agronomic solutions for the land, ultimately helping the people of this region see greater success.”

As a subsidiary of Orthman, the Kempton Park facility provides products and support services to the Orthman and John Deere dealer network in that region. Products manufactured and assembled in the facility include the world-leading Orthman 1tRIPr strip-tillage machine, as well as the newly released 1tRIPr XDR Combo Planter featuring John Deere MaxEmerge™ planter row units.

The 1tRIPr XDR Combo Planter is specifically configured to meet the requirements of South African and sub-Saharan practices and conditions. Combining the Orthman 1tRIPr precision tillage system with the performance of the John Deere MaxEmerge planter units will provide the efficiency and precision to take production to the next level.

“As an allied partner of John Deere, Orthman has a unique opportunity to provide advanced equipment and expertise to support the growth of agriculture on a global scale,” said Rod Haarberg, senior vice president of marketing for Orthman.

June 9, 2015
7:27 AM
Lexington, NE

Orthman Manufacturing is pleased to be a title sponsor for the first-ever National Strip-Tillage Conference to be held July 30 and 31 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A first-of-its-kind event for growers practicing or considering strip-tillage, the event will feature nearly 20 presentations over the course of 2 education-packed days. Behind the theme of “Learning Strip-Till Together,” the inaugural National Strip-Tillage Conference will offer strip-tillers hundreds of tips and techniques from consultants, university experts and veteran strip-tillers.

The conference program, now available at www.StripTillFarmer.com, contains 7 general-session speakers, 12 classrooms and 30 roundtables over an information-packed 32 hours of in-depth strip-till sessions. In addition, registered attendees can sign up for an additional special 3-hour, soil-health workshop prior to the start of the event with world-renowned soil biologist Jill Clapperton.

Following is a sample of topics and speakers that will provide growers with an in-depth strip-till education at the Cedar Rapids Marriott:

Jill Clapperton, principal scientist with Rhizoterra Inc., will conduct a special workshop the morning of Wednesday, July 30 prior to the official start of the event that will allow farmers to perform tests and discover the health of their own soils. Her afternoon general session talk will focus on why soil health is important and will be followed that evening by a classroom digging deeper into the ingredients and habitat needed for improved soil biology
Purdue University cropping systems and tillage specialist Tony Vyn will not only share why he thinks strip-till is close to being a perfect tillage system during a general session, but he will offer the do’s and don’ts of banding fertilizer in a strip-till system during a classroom.
The afternoon general session on July 31 features two precision experts. Kenton, Ohio, strip-tiller Brian Watkins will show how he accounts for every dollar spent on his farm through precision tools. Steve Cubbage, owner of and precision specialist with Record Harvest in Nevada, Mo., will examine the emerging precision technologies strip-tillers ought to consider implementing.
Robert Miller, technical director of the Agricultural Laboratory Proficiency Program, will reveal the impact strip-tillage has on soil fertility levels and how it might affect soil-test readings.
Kelly Cooper, project manager for the Conservation Cropping Systems Project in Forman, N.D., will look at various cover-cropping methods with strip-till, including bio-strip-till.
Iowa State ag engineer Mark Hanna will reveal the equipment setup options for seedbed preparation and residue management that strip-tillers need to consider.
University of Minnesota Extension educator Jodi DeJong-Hughes will provide a Strip-Till 101 session for farmers new to strip-till that will outline a system’s approach for success.
Veteran strip-tillers providing tips from years of hands-on experience include David Legvold of Northfield, Minn.; Jeff Reints of Shell Rock, Iowa; Charlie Hammer of Beaver Dam, Wis.; Frank Moore of Cresco, Iowa; and Keith Schlapkohl of Stockton, Iowa.

Darrell Bruggink, executive editor and publisher of No-Till Farmer’s Conservation Tillage Guide and one of the organizers of the National Strip-Tillage Conference, says both experienced strip-tillers and farmers considering the adoption of strip-tillage practices will get dozens of practical tips, techniques and strategies to use in their operations during the 2-day event.

“Not only will farmers learn from these knowledgeable speakers, but the 30 Roundtable discussion sessions and the peer-to-peer hallway conversations offer plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get answers to strip-till challenges,” Bruggink says. “Our goal is to help strip-tillers identify actionable tips to use on their farm and find solutions to issues that challenge them so they are more productive and profitable.”

The final 8-page program can be viewed and downloaded at www.StripTillFarmer.com. Registration is just $199 per person, with a special $179 rate for additional farm or family members.