Demo days for self-propelled diet feeders will show not just the improvements in ration-mixing and efficiencies, but also how a unique contract hire package makes them economically feasible for just 250 cows

OPICO is holding a series of three demonstration days for the Strautmann range of self-propelled diet feeders at which farmers can learn of the many advantages of using these machines, and also how they can be economically feasible for herds with as few as 250 milking cows thanks to the Company’s unique contract hire package.

The first event will be held at Cannington College near Bridgwater in Somerset on 22 February, and the second at Harper Adams University near Newport in Shropshire on 22 March. A third demonstration day is planned for Scotland in April, and details will be confirmed nearer the time.

Each event will kick off at 10am, and include presentations on the workings of Strautmann’s self-propelled diet feeders, and the advantages they give: improved ration accuracy, reduced clamp wastage, savings in time (and labour time), reduced fuel usage, lower wear on machinery (including tyres), plus improved operator comfort!

Independent nutritionist Hefin Richards will outline the importance of accuracy and consistency when mixing and feeding rations. He will also be demonstrating how silage quality varies across a clamp face and leads to variability in ration quality – an issue which is prevented by a self-propelled diet feeder’s mode of collection.

The purchase cost of a self-propelled diet feeder can be a major deterrent to this concept but OPICO provides a completely different option: a contract hire package, with service back-up. OPICO MD James Woolway will explain how this essentially fixes the cost of mixing feed for the duration of the hire term, after which OPICO takes back the used machine. Some real farm costings will be shown.

“Whilst some farm situations are more suited to a self-propelled feeder than others, the benefit is not necessarily just seen by the very largest farms,” says Mr Woolway. “Our financial model shows that herd sizes from 250 cows upwards can justify a self-propelled diet feeder.” 

After the presentations, farmers will have the opportunity to look around a Strautmann Verti-Mix SF 2002, a double-augered self-propelled diet feeder, and also see the machine in action.

Mr Woolway adds: "Cost per litre drives profitability on all dairy farms: self-propelled diet feeders can dramatically influence the daily labour and machinery requirement, and improve efficiency.”

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