88 | A trusted name Family-owned company Karen Phelps Kelly Deeks RURAL SERVICES » Brooks Spreading / Hyslop Rural Transport Ltd With clients that have been with the company for over 20 years, Brooks Spreading has established itself as a trusted name in fertiliser application across the top of the South Island. “We’re providing farmers with a good service at a reasonable cost. It’s that simple,” says company owner Dean Brooks. “Three or four of our biggest customers have their own spreaders and they’re still our biggest customers. If I can’t do it cheaper than the farmer can do it, I wouldn’t be in business. If farmers take all their costs into account, plus a staff member on the fert spreader who could be doing something else, it’s more cost effective to use us. If I’m not better at it than they are after 20 years, I should probably give up,” he jokes. The company, which began as a modest operation with a single spreader truck in 2003, has grown to offer a modern fleet serving customers predominantly from Springs Junction down through Marlborough, across to Nelson to the top of Takaka Hill. The company also offers bulk cartage services, eliminating the need for farmers to engage additional contractors. Brooks Spreading’s fleet now boasts four Iveco spreader trucks and a Mack bulk cartage truck. Equipment maintenance is a priority. “Our machines are maintained well, which is a cost for farmers if they have their own equipment to do the job themselves. If you do a few hours on a machine then put it in a shed, it doesn’t do the machines any good and means extra maintenance,” says Dean. All of the fleet are equipped with Tabula GPS guidance systems, providing clients with detailed records of application and further increasing the cost effectiveness that Brooks Spreading can offer clients. The company’s participation in the Spreadmark quality assurance scheme ensures regular testing of equipment. “It gives clients better performance and it gives me Hyslop Rural Transport continues to prove there’s real value in staying small, local, and loyal, with the Otago-based, family-owned company weathering tough years in the rural sector with its commitment to personalised service, investment in quality gear, and strong customer relationships. Owners Derek and Nadine Hyslop and John Broekhoff have seen it all in recent years, from livestock and fertiliser fluctuations to staff shortages, increasingly strict compliance regulations and large repair expenses. But they remain focused on supporting their loyal farming clients and keeping the wheels turning in rural Otago. One of the company’s major milestones over the past year was the arrival of a new Scania R660 stock truck in June, an investment of over half a million, not including the crate, but it does come with versatility. As Hyslop Rural’s first Scania road truck in many years, it was chosen for its advanced technology and performance on hilly terrain. While they have long relied on Mercedes-Benz for comfort and reliability, Scania’s improved efficiency and load distribution have proven to be a game-changer for rural stock work. The new truck has also served to decrease the average age of the Hyslop Rural Transport fleet. “We’ve had to rebuild three engines in the past four years. On top of the $80K cost, each rebuild can take a truck off the road for three to six months—so investing in something new became non-negotiable.” Hyslop Rural services multiple freezing works, although changes in policy and access have limited opportunities at some facilities. “This is disappointing, as plant selection based on price when local carriers don’t have access - can unintentionally lead to limited local cartage services in future, as loads are lost. If another operator needs a hand, we’re always happy to help out if we can, but these days it’s getting more and more competitive with lower stock numbers.” Remaining proudly independent, Hyslop Rural Transport resists the trend of industry consolidation. More and more independent transport companies are merging or selling up because it’s becoming increasingly difficult to compete with the big companies. It’s tough out there, no doubt, but we’re pushing through. Being small means we stay connected to our local customers, and that relationship is what keeps us going.” That personal touch sets Hyslop Rural apart. Customers see the same drivers, get to know them, and build a rapport that’s rare in larger operations. Derek, John and Nadine are keeping their focus rural and remaining committed to producing topquality service while also cautiously exploring new opportunities within the rural sector to diversify income. “It is challenging, as demand can surge with just a few days’ notice. We want to stay focused on our core services and continue being there for our farmers when needed.” With fertiliser picking up and signs of stability returning this season, there’s cautious optimism at Hyslop Rural Transport, along with a deep commitment to the local farming community that has supported the Hyslop family for nearly eight decades and across four generations. “In late 2026 we’ll celebrate 80 years of providing reliable rural services to the broader Taieri and surrounding communities, and its an accomplishment we are proud of and deeply grateful for.” CAR, 4WD, TRUCK, TRACTOR & AGRICULTURAL TYRES EASY ACCESS WITH OFF STREET PARKING FOR ALL YOUR TRUCK & TRAILER REPAIR NEEDS 7 Kotua Place, Stoke | PO Box 3012 Richmond, Nelson | 0800 HESLOP (437 567) 24 HR Hotline 03 543 9400 | Email admin@heslops.co.nz | www.heslops.co.nz Specialising in the Repair of: Trucks, Trailers, Buses, Cars, 4 x 4 Vehicles, Marine Engines, Heavy Equipment & Motor Homes Proudly Supporting Brooks Spreading HESLOPS 0800 HESLOP 24HRS HYSLOP RURAL TRANSPORT LTD IS PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH Moore Markhams Otago is part of a global network of offices, providing accounting and advisory services, advising local, national and international clients in the public and private sectors. 03 477 0032 otago@markhams.co.nz markhams.co.nz Queenstown Dunedin Accountants and Advisors · Service the North and South Island in our fully equipped workshops · Manufacturers of Aluminium Stock Crates Proud to support Hyslop Rural Transport Ltd Ph 03 688 2274 • Blair (South Island) 027 690 0724 Ph 06 323 3629 • Liam (North Island) 021 0294 1293 S T O C K C R A T E S FEILDING TIMARU peace of mind that my gear is doing what it should be and is performing as best it can. Unless you test you don’t actually know,” explains Dean. “We’re always watching the jobs to make sure they come up nice and even.” Dean says a growing challenge is that farmers are sometimes recommended incompatible products, which can affect the cost of spreading: “We can advise farmers on this if we think it will negatively affect the spreading. These products can cause build up on the machine, which affects the spread pattern and requires additional cleaning. If cleaning of machinery needs to be done, that adds time and costs onto their job, which they might not be aware of,” explains Dean. Dean’s contributions to the industry are another real point of difference informing everything that Brooks Spreading does. He has served as President of the New Zealand Groundspread Fertiliser Association and was awarded life membership in July 2021 for his service to the sector. This involvement has helped keep Brooks Spreading at the forefront of industry best practices. The company is a family business with Dean’s wife Sarah handling administration and accounts. Long-term employee Toby Evans became a shareholder in September 2023, marking a new chapter in the company’s development. Despite economic challenges facing the agricultural sector, Brooks Spreading continues to focus on efficiency and value. “Farmers have had a tough time as have rural contractors over recent years. Commodity prices are rising but farmers are flat out in debt recovery. It’s challenging. Our aim is to make our services as cost effective as possible for our customers.”
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