Customer Review: Abbey VF1850 Diet Feeder at Thrimby Farms, Cumbria

At Abbey Machinery, real-world performance matters just as much as specifications on paper. That’s why genuine customer feedback plays such an important role in how our machines are developed and refined over time.

After seeing Matthew share his experience online, we got in touch to learn more about how the Abbey VF1850 performs in daily use at Thrimby Farms.

Matthew Blair of Thrimby Farms, Penrith, Cumbria, has been running an Abbey VF1850 diet feeder for the past two years. Below, he shares his experience using the machine day in, day out as part of a busy feeding operation.

Day-to-day performance on farm

The Abbey VF1850 is used consistently throughout the year at Thrimby Farms, averaging around 10 tonnes per day, with 2–3 mixes daily. The feeding system includes a combination of baled silage, pit silage and straights, requiring a feeder that can handle varied ingredients while still delivering a uniform ration.

According to Matthew, the VF1850 provides both flexibility and consistency, allowing different feed components to be incorporated without compromising mix quality.

“It gives a consistently good mix and real flexibility with what we feed.”

Consistency is particularly important on a working farm where more than one person may be responsible for feeding.

Reliability over time

After two full years of use, reliability has been a key standout.

“Other than general maintenance, it’s genuinely had no issues.”

With over 4,000 tonnes processed through the machine in the past year alone, the Abbey VF1850 has proven itself as a dependable part of the daily feeding routine, even during busy periods.

“It’s our most relied-on machine on the farm.”

Technology that supports consistency

The VF1850 is fitted with Abbey’s Bluetooth box and integrates with the TapFeed app, allowing rations to be managed digitally and followed accurately.

This has been particularly beneficial at Thrimby Farms, helping ensure that rations remain consistent regardless of who is feeding on any given day.

“The Bluetooth box and TapFeed app help keep rations consistent, whoever is feeding.”

By reducing variation between mixes, the system supports better feed control and consistent animal performance.

Value for money

Like many farmers, Matthew carefully considered the options available before investing.

“We looked at other options, but this was the best value for money.”

The combination of build quality, mixing performance, reliability and integrated technology made the Abbey VF1850 the right fit for the farm’s needs.

A proven part of food production

As the feeder mixed its final load of the year, Matthew reflected on the scale of work the machine had completed – supporting efficient and consistent food production on the farm.

After thousands of tonnes, hundreds of mixes and two years of daily use, the Abbey VF1850 diet feeder has earned its place as a trusted and essential machine at Thrimby Farms.

Full Customer Review

“We have had the Abbey feeder for two years now, averaging around 10 tonnes per day with 2–3 mixes daily. We are feeding a combination of bales, pit silage and straights, and it gives us great flexibility along with a very consistent mix every time.

Other than general maintenance, it has genuinely had no issues. We also really like the Bluetooth box and the TapFeed app that works with it. It has helped us crunch our rations and keep them consistent, regardless of who is feeding on the day.

We looked at other options on the market and felt this was the best value for money. This feeder is mixing its last load of the year now, with over 4,000 tonnes gone through it, helping us play our small part in food production here in the UK. It’s our most relied-on machine on the farm.”

— Matthew Blair, Thrimby Farms, Cumbria
Abbey VF1850 Diet Feeder

Interested in Abbey Diet Feeders?

To learn more about the Abbey diet feeder range and find the right model for your feeding system, Click Here

If you’re currently running an Abbey machine and would like to share your experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch by emailing info@abbeymachinery.com or by sending us your feedback through our social media channels.