Simple design lasts the test of time

Back then, the little gumboots running around belonged to their two daughters.

The little gumboots now belong to their first grandchild, who at two and a half, loves to play 'sheepo for her Meema'.

Now, the Combi Clamp sheep handler enables Wayne and Lynley to handle their stock on their oversized lifestyle block without any stress on their body.

Mrs Coffey runs her black and coloured stud flock and also finishes white lambs when feed allows.

The handler itself has not evolved a great deal besides a few material changes.

It seems Mr Coffey's original design of a manual sheep handler fitted the bill for simplicity and effectiveness with the added surprise of good versatility.

"What is constantly evolving is the range of optional extras to go with the Combi Clamp," Mr coffey said.

"The result of customer feedback and evolving farm practices has seen extras added including a gadget holder for holding all the tricks of the trade, a lamb wall for easier drenching and vaccinating of smaller animals, and an open classing wall for taking side samples from the fleece as well as a good view of the feet.

"One of the most enjoyable aspects of the business for us is getting feedback from customers.

"That is really what keeps us going because we know we are helping so many farmers out there, whether they are nearing retirement and struggling physically, or needing to intensify their farming practices without breaking the bank."

Mrs Coffey said they have personally experienced both of these improvements thanks to the Combi Clamp.

"While Wayne spent much of his time travelling Australia marketing the Combi Clamp, I was using the handler to monitor weights of the lambs I finished.

"In a single pass through the handler, I would weigh everything, drench the lights and draft the heavies for the truck after a quick touch up with the handpiece."

The Coffeys are gearing up for another Australian field days season.