Fertile Ground

Agriculture is big business in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Since 1983, the Tabuk Agricultural Development Company (TADCO) has grown a wide variety of crops, including wheat, alfalfa, dates, potatoes, stone fruits, grapes and olives. TADCO's more than 86,000 acres provide the farm with the distinction of being the largest supplier of potatoes for french fries in Saudi Arabia and the home of one of the world's purest olive oils.

Producing bountiful harvests in the middle of the Arabian Desert, however, requires overcoming numerous challenges, including irrigating crops properly. To do so, TADCO has been relying on Cat^® generators to power its irrigation systems for over 20 years. TADCO also uses Cat^® industrial engines to pump water from underwater reservoirs to reach reservoirs in the area.

In order to supply food year round, TADCO grows crops through a process known as center pivot, or circle, irrigation. This process hangs an irrigation system above the field, which takes on a circular shape due to the water placement. Although Tabuk has mild winters, temperatures can reach 140F degrees in the summer. During this time, crops must be watered continuously for up to 12 hours daily to prevent plants from drying out. TADCO's loyalty to Cat^® equipment reflects the superior durability and reliability of our engines that keep the irrigation system running well, even in a harsh climate. TADCO also appreciates the service and support provided by local Cat^® dealer Zahid.

Caterpillar supports TADCO as a successful farm as well as a community. TADCO's farmers and their families live on site. "Our engines are really powering their livelihood," explains Mitch Colgan of Caterpillar Power Systems. By providing solutions for TADCO, including supplying vehicles, power and engines, as well as maintenance, Caterpillar keeps a loyal customer in business, while also supporting the development of much-needed resources for the world.