Getting every last dollar out of irrigation vital in today's environment

Canterbury irrigation company, Plains Irrigators, is committed to helping farmers and growers get every last dollar of value out of their irrigation system - and is also helping take a load off by giving them the chance to win a luxury weekend at the exclusive River Run Lodge in Wanaka.

Plains Irrigators is based in Ashburton, and designs, supplies and services irrigation systems across the South Island.

Plains Irrigators General Manager Brent Walton says even a small adjustment in an irrigation system to ensure it is working at its upmost capacity could add instant value to the bottom line.

"Our role is to not just install and service irrigation systems, but to actually work with farmers and growers to maximise the value of their systems. If we can make their system work that little bit better for them, it could instantly make a difference in dollars and cents."

Mr Walton says this philosophy goes beyond simply getting a broken system up and running again.

"Obviously our farmers cannot afford to have a machine out of operation, and we have a 24 hour service crew on hand to get a system operating again as quickly as possible.

"But just as importantly, it's about getting a fully operational system working to the maximum of its ability. This may simply be a case of making a slight adjustment in its timing or water flow. It might be a small example, but it can make a big difference to production and energy cost savings.

"We're more than happy to help them get it right."

The Plains Irrigators' team work with any irrigation system, as well as the Zimmatic brand that the company specialises in.

"It doesn't matter if we didn't install the system - if it's not working, we can fix it. Our priority is the same as the farmer - to get the system operating again as quickly as possible," he says.

"There is no doubt in my mind that people are feeling the heat, and certainly we are not immune, but we're taking responsibility for getting out there amongst our clients and helping them make the very most of the systems they have in place."

Mr Walton says the company's prize draw is just something a bit extra to brighten up winter.

"We have quite simply decided to take a positive approach to the current economic environment - and we want to share some of that positivity with farmers and growers around the South Island.

"Let's face it, everyone's talking about doom and gloom and we think it's time to start putting a positive spin on things - and rural companies like ours will play an important role in accentuating the positive."

The second prize is also significant, with a free irrigator service worth $2000 up for grabs.

To enter the draw, check out www.plainsirrigators.co.nz