Customer Testimonial: Andrew’s Journey with 3 Combi Clamp’s and an Offroad Trailer – From 400 to 2700 Ewes
Andrew first invested in the Combi Clamp back in 2006 when he was just 16 years old. This made him the proud owner of the first Combi Clamp in Pembrokeshire. At the time, his family farm had 400-500 ewes. Today, that number has grown to an impressive 2700 ewes. The decision to purchase the Combi Clamp was easy: Andrew quickly saw how the system could boost efficiency on the farm. Especially with their flock of Suffolk cross Mules.
“The Combi Clamp has become a necessity,” Andrew explains. With so many sheep, and needing to get multiple jobs completed for either lambing or market, efficiency is key. “Getting numerous jobs done at once is much less stressful for both the animals and us.”
Streamlining Farm Tasks with 2700 Ewes and the Combi Clamp
Andrew appreciates that the Combi Clamp allows him to handle multiple tasks at once. “We can weigh, tag, trim, inject, dag, and mark the sheep all while they’re held securely in place.” Although it may seem easy to mark a sheep without a clamp, Andrew emphasises how much more precise the process becomes with the Combi Clamp. “Having the sheep clamped means the mark is exact. The treadle system uses human weight to adjust to the shape and size of each animal, and the animals get used to it quickly.”
With the Combi Clamp, Andrew can handle a wide range of sheep sizes. Without needing to change settings. “Once they’re held, we can apply the brake and the sheep stay still, I’ve noticed how much easier it is to mark them exactly without wrestling with a spray can and a struggling sheep!”
Stress-Free Crutching of Pregnant Ewes
One of the major benefits Andrew has found is how well the Combi Clamp handles crutching ewes before lambing. “Clearing and trimming the tail area helps keep them clean. Plus, it’s better for the ewes because they stay calm. We can dose them at the same time, which means they’re handled a lot less overall.”
The design of the Combi Clamp offers a huge advantage for pregnant ewes. With one side made of fabric material, the system applies no additional pressure to the expanding bodies of the ewes. “It adjusts to the animal’s contour, which is especially important for pregnant ewes.”
Adding The Off-Road Trailer
Andrew has recently purchased his third Combi Clamp, this time with the new Off-Road (ATV) trailer from LADDs. At the touch of a button the hydraulics will raise and lower the whole system, the Combi Clamp can be used whilst still on the trailer so the entire process is more efficient.
“The trailer has been a game-changer for moving between our different farm locations. With the weigh bar and 3 way drafting gate, we can weigh, sort, and move lambs quickly and easily.”
The Latest Improvements
The latest Combi Clamp model comes with rubber matting, both in the clamp and along the run-up, which Andrew notes has made a significant difference. “The sheep don’t slip, and the whole process is quieter.” After nearly two decades, growing from 400 to 2700 Ewes and now using three Combi Clamps, Andrew remains impressed with how the system has transformed his farm’s efficiency. “It takes the struggle out of handling sheep and makes every task quicker and less stressful for us and the animals.”
