Flatwater Feature: Forge
Forging Ahead: A New Chapter for a Trusted Name in Agriculture
When opportunity meets a little bit of grit, good things tend to happen — especially in rural Nebraska. That’s exactly how Forge Industries came to be.
Formerly known as Farm Aid Equipment, the company has roots dating back to 1966 in Corsica, South Dakota. Today, under new ownership and a new name, Forge Industries continues that proud legacy from right here in Gothenburg, blending old-world craftsmanship with modern agricultural innovation.
Forge Industries specializes in manufacturing TMR feed wagons and truck mount mixers—essential tools for ranchers and cattle operations. The company also serves as an exclusive distributor for cattle processing mats and automated cattle handling equipment, bringing efficiency and safety to operations across the region.
For owner Eric MacPherson, the decision to purchase the business in 2024 came after selling a tire business and searching for the next challenge. “We found the manufacturing business for sale in South Dakota, and our two sons were excited to get into something that would work in a rural area,” he shared. “It also fit perfectly with our ongoing involvement in the cattle business.”
Since taking over, the team has been laser-focused on sales, marketing, and product innovation—areas that hadn’t been emphasized before. Along with a full rebrand (“When we Googled Farm Aid, all we got were Willie Nelson concerts or government subsidies,” he laughed), the company is also developing a new product specifically for supplementing stock cows on winter range, currently in the testing phase.
Beyond the machines and metalwork, Forge Industries is built on a deep belief in the strength of rural communities. “I’ve always believed successful businesses can be built in rural communities,” says Eric. “The quality of life in rural Nebraska is second to none—and you don’t have to sacrifice a decent living to have that.”
Running a small business comes with its share of lessons, too. One of the hardest—and most important—has been learning how to care for employees and understand what matters most to them. It’s a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the company’s “forging ahead together” mindset.
And when it comes to shopping local, Forge Industries believes it’s not just good business—it’s the foundation of community prosperity. “When dollars stay local, wages can increase. When wages increase, more money is spent locally—it’s a positive circle.”
As for what people should know about Forge Industries? “Since we’re new to Gothenburg—all of it!” Check out their website here: https://forge-ind.com/
From early mornings to long days in the shop, the team at Forge Industries is driven by one thing: creating quality equipment and opportunity—right here at home.
