Federal highway dollars and the global demand for irrigation systems have helped Valmont Industries weather this year's difficult economy.

Valmont Chief Executive Mogens Bay said demand for irrigation equipment worldwide has grown substantially.

The Omaha-based company earned more than $37 million in the second quarter of this year. That's 37 percent higher than the $27 million the company earned a year ago.

The company said strong demand for grain contributed to irrigation purchases. The equipment Valmont sells helps farmers increase grain production.

Bay said Valmont is selling more of the lighting structures, traffic signs and support structures that federal highway projects require.