About

Our History

Fairbanks Irrigation, Inc., was established in 1943 by Lyle and Mary Fairbanks, of Wood River. The firm began in the Wood River area, drilling wells for local farmers. The first well was drilled on March 6, 1943, using a sand bucket drill rig.

Mr. Fairbanks retired in 1973 and his son, Bill Fairbanks, entered the business. Bill hired Marvin Kubert in 1979 to partner and manage the business. Many wells were drilled in the 1960s and 70s according to Marvin, but more and more emphasis is now placed on repair and maintenance.

In July of 2000, Rick Kirschner and Mike Smith purchased Fairbanks Irrigation. Marvin retired in 2008. Rick and Mike continued to operate the business in the same manner that Lyle, Bill and Marvin operated it, with the motto “Service is our specialty.” The firm’s philosophy can be summed up as, “If you provide excellent products that help our customers operate and service those products with knowledgeable employees, your customers will be satisfied!” Rick retired in December of 2019.

In January 2020, Seth Smith and Shad Smith purchased shares of the company. These two have over 30 years combined experience in the water well industry. They have been providing the same quality of work and service to our customers as we have provided over the last 80 years.

In 2023 Fairbanks Irrigation, Inc. celebrated 80 years in business. Those 80 years of business have all been in the greater Central Nebraska area. Fairbanks Irrigation has seen many changes throughout those years and plans on being around to help customers for many more years to come!