By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater
Irrigation sales and farming have been in the Knutson blood for years. Ralph Knutson, father of Jerry Knutson, who sadly passed away in a snowmobile accident, December 2019, sold water reels and parts for years, all while he expanded the family farm.
“Jerry always held his father’s legacy close and wanted to follow in his practices,” says Kathy Jo Knutson, owner and president of Oasis Irrigation and Jerry’s widow.
Jerry’s brother sold irrigation in the South and was a guide in opening and running the irrigation business.
“Jerry shared his passion for quality products and helping farmers farm for the future with many people, including the kids,” Kathy Jo says. “The boys worked with Jerry on the farm, so when new products became available, they were one of the first to use them.”
Oasis Irrigation started out, in 2000, with Jerry and four employees. They were located at the farm office, which proved to be a great opportunity and location to start the business.
Jerry put an addition on the shop and started an inventory shed.
