In the heart of California’s Imperial Valley lies Jack Brothers Farm, a legacy more than a century old, rooted in a commitment to innovation and sustainable farming practices. At its helm is Alex Jack, a third-generation farmer whose journey has been intertwined with the evolution of drip irrigation since the late 1970s.
“Drip farming has been a game changer in an industry where it is very difficult to make money. I have pushed the boundaries and looked for new ways to farm the land while preserving such precious resources,” says Alex Jack, owner of Jack Bros.
Alex Jack, Owner, Jack Brothers
The journey began 40 years ago, when Jack Brothers Farm first experimented with drip irrigation, initially to tomatoes and peppers. Over time, this method evolved and led to significant advances in crop yield and quality.
In a revolutionary move, the property switched to drip irrigation on 80-inch (2-meter) beds with three lines of drip tape for six rows of lettuce. This, coupled with precise control of water application, not only conserves water but also witnesses remarkable improvements in yield, quality and disease mitigation.
In a virtually unprecedented move, Jack Bros. is germinating its lettuce and onions using drip irrigation. While most farmers use overhead irrigation to germinate their crops, Jack Brothers has spent years figuring out how to maximize its drip system. T-Tape, which has eliminated the need for sprinklers and reduced water requirements to establish a crop.
“With our lettuce and onions being drip germinated, we are putting our seed a little deeper than we have in the past. We have found benefits – uniformity and keeping the seed moist, it is helping us with bird control and even our weeds have decreased. For the first 72 hours, our germination rates are through the roof. The only way to get great numbers at the back end is to start with great numbers at the front end,” says Jack.
Water conservation became a cornerstone of Jack Brothers Farm’s philosophy, earning them recognition as a leader in the Imperial Valley. Using drip irrigation, they achieved the seemingly impossible: maximizing crop production while minimizing water consumption, a feat Alex proudly describes as “an example of water management and conservation.”
“The key to our success is the partnership forged with Rivulis T-Tape drip tape. By adopting T-Tape, we not only reduced water usage but also fertiliser costs, prevented soil compaction and curbed chemical leaching, whilst improving crop yield and quality,” Jack continues.
From the implementation of ultra-low flow drip systems to the optimization of irrigation pressure, every decision is geared toward maximizing efficiency and sustainability. Looking ahead, Alex’s vision is clear: a future where sustainable practices are the norm, where every acre of land is lovingly cared for, and where T-Tape drip tape continues to play a key role in his success story.
Yet hidden among technological advances and environmental protection lies a deeper truth: the importance of trust, dependability and integrity. These values, instilled by Alex’s grandfather and father, remain the foundation of Jack Brothers Farm and shape its approach to business and community.
