Carrying on business

• Published date: 13 July 2022

They are also manufacturing and supplying the popular 'gate handles' designed by the late Brent Foster

Nicky had previously worked for Mr Foster and his R B Foster contracting operation and was fully versed in all aspects of the business.

"Brent got sick and before he died he said he wanted his business to keep running," Nicky said.

"I bought the fertiliser side of the operation from the family and put in an offer for the whole package which included the gate handles as well. Brent designed the gate handles and brought it up to what it is today."

Nicky says she came out from the United Kingdom 21 years ago with her parents, and has lived in the Ikamatua area ever since.

"Mum and dad worked on Don and Andrew Mirfin's farm back then and of course today both Andrew and his brother Blair have large dairy farms in the area," said Nicky.

"I've worked on various farms in the district share milking."

Sam Gardiner is a diesel mechanic by trade and says he grew up in North Canterbury prior to moving to the West Coast.

"I grew up in Waipara and work for AB Equipment service," he said.

"I am the sole agent on the West Coast and service the farming community along with forestry and gold mines, diggers and excavators. It works good for both of us, working as a team and being organised with our time."

The partnership is carrying on the tradition and work ethics of Brent (Foster), spreading lime and fertiliser in the Grey Valley and manufacturing his trademark gate handles.

The fertiliser side of their business runs under Grey Valley Lime and Fertiliser while the gate handle manufacturing and supply operation is called R B Agri Handles.

"We bought the near new Case 195 tractor and the Robertson Transpreader 770 and also a smaller tractor the New Holland T6020, which has a bucket which we use for loading the fertilizer as well as...