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Quality is key to success for Cambridge ag products manufacturer
by Gene O. Morris

Whether it's a cotton farmer in Georgia, a rancher in Montana or a corn farmer just down the road in Nebraska, the products of Besler Industries, Inc. of Cambridge are making a difference in American agriculture.

Since starting in a tiny building behind the Cambridge bowling alley in 1973, the business founded by Herb Besler has become known for flawless quality and cutting edge craftsmanship.

Now, after a move and three expansion projects, Besler Industries, Inc. occupies a 484-foot-long manufacturing plant on the west edge of Cambridge. The 28,000 square feet of space is needed for the multiple operations of the firm and its 20 employees. More than 340 dealers and six independent sales agents market the equipment of the Cambridge-based manufacturer through presentations at major regional farm shows nationwide.

A way with hay

The firm's success stems from the creative talent of the firm's president, Herb Besler. Inspired by his father, a farmer in South Dakota, Herb had a knack for product development and began producing corral panels in Cambridge in 1973.

But, the big break for the young manufacturing enterprise came several months later when Henry Koch, an area farmer, suggested that Herb start making wagons to carry and feed hay. There were other hay trailers on the market, but Herb's model gained popularity because of its design, quality and attention to detail.

Those first Portable Hay Feeders were the foundation for the growth of Besler Industries, and the company has stayed at the forefront of hay product development ever since, with products including a bale unroller, self-dumping hay trailers, square bale flakers, and a series of round bale loaders.

The rise of round bales

The first bale loaders could hoist two round bales into the back of pickups, but as use of round bale equipment expanded, Besler began manufacturing flat beds that would carry a bigger load.

Among hundreds of Besler's satisfied customers is Stan Farr, whose ranching and farming operation is located east of Stockville in Frontier County.

"I bought the very first bale hauler Besler made in 1975,” Farr said, “and my sons and I have been using the Besler bale beds ever since."

There are reasons for the Farrs' loyalty, Stan said. "The bale beds weigh 800 pounds more than the competition," Stan said. "They'll outlast three or four pickups."

Today, the 3000 Series Bale Loaders represent one of Besler's two leading lines of products, the other being the Rolling Stalk Chopper, designed and built to help farmers deal with crop residue in corn and cotton fields. Available in sizes ranging from 4 rows to 16 rows, the stalk choppers are favored by farmers because they work well but are low maintenance because they do not have gear boxes or u-joints.

A flexible manufacturing philosophy        

Keeping in touch with the changing needs of agriculture, Besler Industries also produces the 6000 Series Chop-N-Slicer, the 2800 Series Cotton Stalk Puller, the 2000 Series Root Slicer, and the 4000 Series Sub-Soiler, among other products.

Even during downturns in the ag economy, the Besler plant has remained in production. Using its manufacturing expertise, the Cambridge company stayed busy during one ag slump by making an 18-station exercise machine called the Taurus. Heralded as the most functional weight machine available in the intermediate class, the Taurus gained popularity among exercise facilities and hospital wellness centers.

Besler Industries, Inc. retains its family focus. As president, Herb oversees operations, while his son, Randy, serves as production manager, and a son-in-law, Cliff Kester, is the firm's sales manager. Herb's other children are Karen, Cliff's wife; Roland, who was the Besler company's production manager before starting a fencing business; and Brenda Webb, who began working in the Besler plant office in May.

A high standard of quality

Looking back over the past 37 years, Henry Koch says there's a reason for the success of Besler Industries. It's Herb Besler.

"He's one of the most particular men I have ever known," Henry says. "He insists on quality. That's why he has the Besler staff wear gloves when they load a finished piece of equipment. If the finish is smudged, he has the equipment taken off the truck and repainted."

A high standard, certainly. But it's paid off in a quality reputation, national distribution and hundreds of satisfied customers for the Besler plant during these past 37 years.

Who To Contact...

Besler Industries, Inc.
PO Box B
Cambridge, NE 69022
308.697.4698
beslerind@beslerindustries.com
www.beslerindustries.com

Pat Underwood is a resident of Alma, Nebraska, where she does grant writing, fundraising, and other development work for non-profit organizations and serves part time as Harlan County Tourism Director. She is also a regional reporter for the Kearney Hub. She is a former resident of California, Hawaii, Guam, and Florida and can be reached at 308-928-8992 or underwoodpat@ymail.com.

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