The Yarrick family of Rich Hill, MO has farmed for six generations. Learn how NutraDrip subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) reduced stress, boosted yields, and secured their family farm’s future.
Farming Legacy in Rich Hill, Missouri
The Yarrick family has been farming in Rich Hill, MO for more than six generations. Over the years, they’ve expanded their operation to more than 5,000 acres, with each generation adding land and knowledge.
Today’s farm includes AF Yarrick, his son David, grandson Cody, and nephew Cole Campbell. AF still runs trucks and machinery when needed, David drives innovation and expansion, Cody manages irrigation daily, and Cole helps with water sourcing and technology.
“It’s a good operation. Everybody gets along good. It’s a pleasure,” AF shares.
Why the Yarricks Chose Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI)
For decades, the Yarricks ran only dryland acres with no irrigation. But with water as their limiting factor, July and August were always stressful months.
“Before NutraDrip, we had zero irrigation,” David explains. “Now, with drip tape underground, we don’t worry as much. We know we’ve got water there.”
Key benefits they’ve seen with SDI:
- Less stress and peace of mind knowing water is available.
- Better yields by controlling water in the heat of summer.
- Efficient nutrient use, spoon-feeding fertilizer through the tape.
- Flexibility to irrigate any field size or terrain—not limited like pivots.
Building a Long-Term Water Source
To make irrigation possible, the Yarricks built a 25-acre lake. Designed for growth, the lake can eventually support 600 acres of SDI.
Cole explains: “Runoff fills the lakes, and that’s our water source. I had a big part in building those and making it come together.”
This investment ensures their future expansion while protecting their operation from drought.
Managing Irrigation with Technology
Cody runs the system day to day. “It’s been pretty simple,” he says. “I check moisture probes, drive by lines, and monitor everything on my phone.”
The Yarricks also use:
- Moisture probes to track soil water levels.
- IrriWatch thermal imagery to spot soil differences and stress zones.
Cole and Cody use these tools together: “The probes and imagery go hand in hand. We talk daily about what we learn and make adjustments.”
Even when the family is gone tractor pulling, they can log in remotely and manage irrigation from their phones.
Proven Yield Results
SDI has already delivered measurable yield increases:
- Corn: 180 bushels per acre average—30 bushels more than dryland.
- Best spots: 275–300 bushels per acre.
- Soybeans: 25–30 bushels better than nearby dryland fields.
As David puts it: “Irrigation is the number one thing we can do to increase yield in this climate.”
Faith, Family, and Farming
For the Yarricks, farming is more than yields. It’s about working together as family and passing on values.
Cole reflects: “It’s a blessing to work with family where the older generation is willing to try new things. We hope to carry those values forward for generations to come.”
That faith and unity drive the Yarricks to keep adapting—just as they did when they made the jump from dryland to drip.
