January 17, 2019

Arable Capital Partners announced its acquisition of US Irrigation, a California-based irrigation design and rental service company. The company will go on to become a part of Arable’s newly-formed platform, Laurel Agriculture + Water Solutions (Laurel Ag).

The launch of Laurel Ag was only announced in December 2018. Having rapidly closed on the acquisition of three highly respected irrigation companies, Arable forged Laurel Ag in which to combine these strategically chosen holdings into a single platform that focuses on precision water solutions and agriculture products developed to revolutionize the industry, and to help farmers and managers reach their goals.

The three acquisitions that were combined to form the foundation for Laurel Ag, and which US Irrigation will join include:

~ Lodi Pump and Irrigation, a California-based company in business for 30 years that sets the standard for drip and sprinkler irrigation design and service, acquired in July 2018.

~Hydratech, a full-service irrigation company and leader in the advancement of micro irrigation tech located in Delano, California, acquired in April 2018.

~ Universal Irrigation &  Supply, a full service irrigation and supply company offering premium design and service in California’s Central Valley region, acquired in August 2018.

“We are excited to join the Arable and Laurel Ag team,” said Jon Tkac, founder of US Irrigation. “This new organization is filled with the top leaders of this industry, and we are honored to bring what we have at US Irrigation to the table to better serve our customers in new ways.”

And a Maiden Fund

The launch of Laurel Ag comes only months after Arable Capital closed on its maiden fund at $300 million in mid-2017.

Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, and Bakersfield, California, Arable was launched by a team of highly-experienced industry veterans who are aiming to fill the funding gap that exists in the food and agriculture sectors.

Aware that by its very nature, agriculture requires a long-term investment outlook, Arable is targeting investments in operations headquartered in the Western region of the U.S. – often with family management or operating teams, along the entire agricultural supply chain – that will have a span of 15 or more years.

Chris Brenes, vice president at Arable Capital Partners, told GAI News that the focus of the fund will be on operating businesses in agriculture, so investments could be anywhere in the spectrum of crop types as well as businesses that aren’t tied to a particular crop.

A Crown of Laurel

In illustrating its drive for a collaborative relationship with its customers, Laurel Ag, whose name is based on the interlocking leaves of the laurel crown, will act as the foundation from which to grow the common commitment among Hydratec, Lodi Pump & Irrigation, Universal Irrigation, and now US Irrigation, for unsurpassed customer service.

The inclusion of US Irrigation in the Laurel Ag platform will bring greater diversification through its irrigation pipe rental service, and will bring complimentary services through its irrigation design capabilities.

“It’s an exciting time at Laurel Ag as we welcome Jon Tkac and the rest of the US Irrigation team into the fold,” said Derek Yurosek, managing director, Arable Capital. “Not only do they bring their years of experience, they bring an exciting energy to what can be done as we grow together. Irrigation rental services were an element we knew we needed to have within Laurel Ag, and we are excited to provide that throughout Laurel Ag and for our customers.”

-Lynda Kiernan