Bennett Water Systems and Gar Tootelian have officially separated after more than five years of partnership, effective July 31, 2023. The two companies, which merged in January 2020, aim to pursue distinct business strategies moving forward. This decision marks a significant shift for both firms, which have served the agricultural sector in California’s Central Valley.
The merger initially aimed to combine the strengths of Bennett Water Systems, a Selma-based irrigation and pump services provider, with Gar Tootelian, a crop care and nutritional advising firm based in Reedley. Together, they sought to offer a comprehensive suite of services, including cross-selling irrigation technologies alongside pesticides and fertilizers. Tyler Bennett, CEO of Bennett Water Systems, reflected positively on the separation, describing it as a “cordial” process.
“We had two families that just wanted to go back to their core businesses and saw the future a little bit differently,” Bennett stated. The split allows each company to focus on their unique offerings and better serve their customers.
Bennett Water Systems has a longstanding history, having been established nearly a century ago. The company employs around 25 individuals at its 15,000-square-foot facility in Selma and provides a variety of services, including irrigation systems, pump services, and fertilizer distribution across California and Hawaii. The aim, Bennett emphasized, remains to address critical issues faced by farmers in areas such as nutrition, water management, and energy efficiency.
Listening to farmers is central to their approach. “We sit down and we listen,” Bennett explained. The company actively engages with clients to understand their challenges, focusing on input costs and operational efficiencies to deliver tailored solutions.
The merger between the two entities was first announced on November 14, 2019. At that time, both firms celebrated the partnership, highlighting their shared values and commitment to innovation in the agricultural sector. The press release noted the potential for growth and enhanced services that the merger would facilitate.
Despite initial enthusiasm, the separation indicates that the companies did not reach the collaborative vision they had hoped for. As Bennett put it, “We did something. We tried it. We had a lot of fun and now let’s go our separate ways. There is no negativity or animosity.”
Bennett expressed ongoing commitment to integrating technology into traditional agricultural practices, stressing the importance of having “dirty boots on the ground.” This philosophy contrasts with some tech-focused companies that may overlook the practical realities of farming. He believes in leveraging the latest agricultural technologies while ensuring they are complemented by on-the-ground support.
Recruiting talent has emerged as a challenge for the company. Bennett noted that while the proximity to the Bay Area presents opportunities, finding qualified individuals who are at the forefront of agricultural technology remains difficult. The COVID-19 pandemic has expanded the talent pool globally, allowing for remote work, but Bennett indicated that the company may also explore partnerships with third-party firms for recruitment.
Every decision made by Bennett Water Systems is geared towards adding value for farmers. “If farmers aren’t making money, we aren’t going to make any money,” he stated, acknowledging the pressures of fluctuating commodity prices, particularly for products like almonds and wine grapes.
The separation from Gar Tootelian allows Bennett Water Systems to enhance its focus on both irrigation and energy services, ensuring it meets the continuous needs of farms. Bennett concluded by affirming the company’s dedication to remaining innovative and responsive to the evolving landscape of agriculture.
As both companies move forward independently, their commitment to serving the agricultural community remains steadfast, albeit through distinct pathways.
