IrriCup Customer Success Story: How Thies Farms Overcame Irrigation Challenges in Large-Scale Farming with Galileo Wheel Pivot Tires

Introduction

Large-scale farming operations that rely on center pivot irrigation systems often face significant challenges when irrigation pivots get stuck due to creating deep ruts, mud or difficult terrain. This case study examines how Thies Farms, a substantial agricultural operation in Nebraska, addressed these challenges by changing the pivot tires on crucial towers with Galileo Wheel's IrriCups - airless irrigation tires. With an investment of just $200,000, the farm achieved an impressive $5.8 million in first-year savings - a return on investment realized in less than two weeks.

Farm Profile

Thies Farms is a large-scale corn and soybean operation located in Clarks, Nebraska. The operation includes:

• 70 center pivot irrigation systems

• $30 million in annual revenue

• A small team of just 2 operators managing the extensive irrigation infrastructure

  
  

The Challenge

During the drought year of 2023, Thies Farms experienced severe operational difficulties with their irrigation systems:

• Service calls were required every 2 days for stuck or failed tires

• Each incident required 4 man-hours of labor to resolve

• 24/7 maintenance availability was needed

• Multiple alternative solutions had failed, including:

  • BB Steel Wheels

  • Raaft track systems

  • Agri-Trac over-the-tire solutions

  • Shark Wheels on end and corner towers

    
    

These issues created significant problems for the farm's operations. Pivot towers would sink into mud up to their frames, requiring extensive recovery efforts. The farm resorted to filling ruts with bags of volcanic stones, which damaged long-term field conditions and complicated plowing operations.

The financial impact was substantial. According to farm management, suboptimal irrigation reduced yields by approximately 20%, resulting in estimated losses of $6 million annually at their scale of operation.

The Solution

After evaluating multiple options, Thies Farms decided to implemented Galileo Wheel's IrriCup technology:

• IrriCup wheels were installed on 20% of tire positions (most demanding) on 45 pivot systems

• Both 14.9-24 irrigation tire and 11.2-38 irrigation tire sizes were utilized

• The one-time investment cost was $200,000

  
  

  

  
  

Results

The implementation of Galileo irrigation wheels delivered clear and measurable benefits:

• Zero downtime due to tire problems

• Elimination of stuck equipment in muddy conditions

• Reduced wear on pivot structures, extending the life of irrigation systems

• Improved field conditions with less soil compaction

• No damage to the field as opposed to using volcanic stones to fill the ruts

• Better yield through more consistent irrigation

  
  

Return on Investment: The financial outcome was exceptional. With a $200,000 investment, Thies Farms realized estimated savings of $5.8 million in the first year alone. This represents an extraordinary ROI with a payback period of less than two weeks at their scale of operation. While results will vary based on farm size and conditions, the potential for significant cost savings through eliminated downtime and improved yields is clear.

Galileo Wheel IrriCup

Why Galileo Wheel Irrigation Tires Works

The effectiveness of the IrriCup solution stems from several key design advantages:

• 100% airless design eliminates all puncture risks

• Double V-shaped structure provides superior stability

• Extended footprint distributes weight similar to track systems

• Self-cleaning design prevents mud buildup

• Maintenance-free operation with ready-to-bolt-on installation

• Enhanced traction prevents slippage in difficult conditions

• Superior soil protection reduces compaction and rut formation

Conclusion

For large-scale agricultural operations that rely on center pivot irrigation systems, tire-related challenges can create significant operational and financial impacts. The experience of Thies Farms demonstrates that implementing the right technology solution can not only solve immediate operational problems but also deliver substantial financial benefits through improved efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced crop yields.

Galileo Wheel's IrriCup technology provided Thies Farms with a reliable, maintenance-free solution that effectively addressed their irrigation challenges while delivering exceptional return on investment. Download the complete Thies Farms case study PDF here to learn more details about this successful implementation.

For more information about Galileo Wheel IrriCup tires for irrigation systems, contact us at 1-888-280-0851