Plains Irrigators, your first choice.
Our philosophy is to provide a cost-effective solution that is right for your business and a customer focus that is second to none.
Plains Irrigators is an agent for Lindsay Zimmatic irrigation and ancillary systems and is a leading specialised pivot and lateral installation company in the South Island. Our core business focuses on the design, installation, modification, and after sales servicing of centre pivot and lateral irrigators of all brands, as well as modification and retro-fitting of new technology to existing systems. The company reputation for exceptional design and backup, results in continuous repeat work with a large and well maintained database of valued clients.
Our History
In 1995, Graeme Cooper started up a Company called Plains Irrigators in South Canterbury, and sold one Zimmatic Lateral Move Irrigator. An article published in the Timaru Herald at this time quoted Graeme as predicting an inevitable drift towards Centre Pivot Irrigation over the coming years. Graeme has moved onto selling these systems South Island wide to all types of farming practices.
Liz Stephens joined Graeme in 1998 in a business administration role, with a background in farming and real estate. Liz has since achieved a BAppMgt. (Strategic Management) (Sales and Marketing).
Plains Irrigators now has 28 years experience in Centre Pivot and Lateral irrigation having completed many projects throughout the South Island and supported others in the North Island. We have the expertise to provide the right solution and ongoing service for all irrigation systems.
Our Senior Management team.
Dan Stephens
Business Manager
Dan Stephens is one of the Business Managers at Plains Irrigators Ltd, bringing over 24 years of experience in the irrigation industry.
Having worked his way up from the ground level, he has built a strong, practical understanding of the industry and the day-to-day realities faced by farming operations.
Dan works across the business at a strategic level, focusing on improving systems and processes, integrating new technologies, and supporting the overall performance of the team. He has a strong interest in using technology to drive efficiencies for both clients and the business, always looking for practical solutions that deliver real results.
Over the years, Dan has worked across a wide range of roles within the industry, giving him a well-rounded perspective and the ability to tackle challenges from multiple angles.
He holds a Diploma in Primary Industries Business Management, along with a range of additional qualifications and certifications that support informed, practical business decision-making. These complement his hands-on experience and contribute to his structured, solutions-focused approach.
Outside of work, Dan keeps busy with his wife, who runs a website design studio and supports the business behind the scenes, their four kids, a dog, a cat, a small flock of chickens, and more lawn than he’d like to mow.
He enjoys following ice hockey, particularly the Colorado Avalanche, as well as NXL paintball and PB Fit out of Texas. He also enjoys a bit of hunting when he gets the chance, although not nearly as much as his brother Brodie.
Brodie Stephens
Business Manager
Brodie brings over 12 years in irrigation to Plains Irrigators Ltd, shaped by a lifetime in agriculture and Six years running his own fencing business.
He’s practical, steady under pressure, and focused on getting the right result the first time.
Brodie has worked across every part of the business such as installation, service & maintenance, sales, and design, which means he understands systems end to end, how to build them right, how to keep them reliable, and how to sort issues fast when timing matters.
Above all, Brodie values straight talk, dependable workmanship, and longterm solutions that stand up to real farm conditions. He listens first, cuts out the fluff, and delivers what he says he will.
Now, Brodie alongside Dan is taking over the family business at Plains Irrigators Ltd, continuing a simple promise to local farmers, honest advice, reliable systems, and support you can count on season after season.
Frikkie Greybe
General Manager
Frikkie joined PIL in August 2025 and is all about building strong teams and helping businesses grow in a sustainable way.
With over 20 years of management experience, he’s worked across a range of industries, picking up solid expertise in management, operations, sales, customer engagement, and team development. He keeps things straightforward and believes the results you get come down to the effort you put in.
As General Manager at Plains Irrigators Ltd, Frikkie leads a great team delivering practical, reliable irrigation solutions to farming operations across the South Island.
He enjoys staying close to the day-to-day operations while focusing on people, solving problems, and getting results.
Before this, he held leadership roles with VeeHof Dairy Services, Fellows Beswick, and Air Chefs, where he built strong teams, developed client relationships, and improved overall business performance. Seeing both the business and the people in it succeed is what drives him every day.
He holds an MBA from Nelson Mandela University Business School, along with qualifications in Sport Marketing and Information Technology, which support his practical, hands-on approach to leadership.
Outside of work, Frikkie enjoys any type of sport and spending time outdoors with his wife and two children.
Our Management team.
Dave
Operations Manager
Ben Hobson
Sales Manager
Paul Hooper
Service Manager
Greg Bowler
Installation supervisor
Keri Ralston
Inventory Procurement Manager
Marie
Financial Admin
Graeme
Founder & Director
Liz
Co – Director
We are proud supporters of our community organisations and businesses.
