In early May this year, Oliver Close manager of Llanthro, a highly progressive sheep, beef and cropping enterprise in Apsley, north-western Victoria, was looking for a machine to feed out large numbers daily of square bales of hay.
His uncle Brian Close suggested a Sinch bale feeder.
By early June, he had a 10 bale unit operational.
"The customer usually sources the trailer for the number of bales they want to feed out per trip," a company spokesman said.
"Oliver sourced the 45 feet trailer with checker plate floor and dolly.
"Up until this model, there was concern the bales would not slide on checker plate.
"Upon testing, it passed with flying colours.
"Any flat top trailer with a steel floor (checker plate or flat) is suitable for installation for four bale, six bale, eight bale and 10 bale.
"The main reason Oliver went for this size was the dual purpose carting in aspect.
"This unit has capability of bringing in 40-50 bales per trip from the paddock."
Llanthro is set up well with wide laneways and double gate ways.
"We wanted an efficient way to feed cattle through the autumn/winter period which is our weakest link in terms of the available ME in the paddocks," Mr Close said.
"This is also is the time of year when purchasing opportunities are at their best.
"The Sinch bale feeder allowed us to purchase replacement weaner steers in the confidence we can feed them quickly through late autumn and early winter before they go onto grass.
"As an added bonus we can use the trailer for other farm jobs such as hay carting.
"This machine is a game changer in terms of safety, and labour efficiency, and I have no doubt it will lead to consistent profitability in our beef enterprise.
"At the moment we have about 500 angus steers that were purchased through the autumn at relatively cheap prices.
"They are being fed wheaten hay at a maintenance ration in what is basically a feed lot situation.
"They remain on this ration until pastures hit about 1500-2000kg per hectare.
"With the Sinch bale feeder, I can feed all 500 head in about half an hour and the feeder puts out enough hay that we only have to feed twice weekly.
"The most impressive part is that it's a one man job that only requires leaving the tractor cabin to cut the strings.
"The team at Sinch bale feeders including Gerard and his son Tony provided all the expertise in terms of making sure we sourced a suitable trailer for the job and the whole process was a breeze from start to finish."
