Cultivating Success
Wakarusa Ag Services is a Frontrunner in Agricultural Equipment
Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
One does not need to spend a great deal of time traversing Wakarusa to realize that there are many citizens who are immersed in some facet of agriculture. This small corner of Elkhart County is very much a farming community.
And while the towns very foundation was built on decidedly rural principles and practices, people also recognize that staying competitive is essential to its continued evolution. The formula for success comes from honoring traditions while also embracing modern technology and advances in the field, so to speak.
Within that crossroad is where Wakarusa Ag Services can be found, a frontrunner in agricultural equipment, ready to meet the customers right where they are, and all with a distinctive hometown philosophy.
The business, which eventually grew into the present day Wakarusa Ag, was actually born from a single purchase made by patriarch Franklin Martin back in 2001. As the owner and operator of the family dairy farm, he found himself in need of a sizable unit of machinery. So he bought a Penta vertical feed mixer and was soon convinced that this equipment would be something he could sell to his fellow farmers.
Over time, the four Martin sons, Dwayne, Dwight, Darrin and Delvin, joined their father in the pursuit of farm efficiency. As their knowledge and expertise for utilizing mixers became more reputable, they were able to parlay that skill toward the perfect complementary business Wakarusa Nutritional Services, which the Martins also own.
Realizing as well that they could do more to benefit their friends and neighbors with their unique business needs, the Martins purchased the current site of Wakarusa Ag in June of 2014. In the seven years since, the family has become one of the leaders in farming, landscaping and related equipment. So much so, in fact, that Wakarusa Ag is now one of the largest dealers of TMR feed mixers and manure handlers in the Tri-State area.
Wakarusa Ag now specializes in products both new and pre-owned, rentals, and parts, spanning a tremendous range from Echo power tools, Bad Boy and Scag mowers, and tractors from Deutz-Fahr and TYM, just to touch upon a few noteworthy names.
One of the services that Wakarusa Ag is proud to offer is equipment rental, including excavators, manure accessories, tractors and skid steers. They are willing to provide quotes that can be competitive, or perhaps lower than, nearby facilities with like inventory.
Maintaining an ecologically friendly business is also an important element to Wakarusa Ag and the machinery they sell. They are the first dealer in North America to provide electric skidloaders with zero emissions, resulting in lower operating costs and less maintenance overall. The Martins are continuing to add zero-emissions equipment from smaller-scale models to full-sized units. These cutting-edge additions to the inventory are touted as exceptionally fuel-efficient, featuring high transport speeds and driver comfort.
And in the event that a piece of equipment is in need of repair, Wakarusa Ag does have a full-service shop on the premises, which operates concurrently with the shop itself, except for the weekends. The hours are 7:00 a.m. until 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for the store.
Wakarusa Ag Services, LLC, is located at 711 E. Waterford Street, just east of downtown Wakarusa. The phone number is 574-862-1163, and the full line of products and services can be viewed at wakarusaag.com. Follow the Martin family enterprise on Facebook as well.
