Why Now Is the Smart Time to Invest in Bale Unrollers – Even with Record-High Cattle Prices

November 17, 2025

The cattle trade is at an all-time high, and for many beef, suckler and dairy farmers, 2025/26 will be a defining year. Livestock prices continue to hold strong, yet the costs around feeding are rising: silage, diesel, labour, machinery maintenance and the pressure on time are all climbing.

At Blaney Agri, we’re speaking to farmers every day who recognise that while prices are strong, the current situation isn’t sustainable long-term. The decisions made now – particularly around machinery investment – will affect farm profitability for years to come.

Despite the challenges, this moment presents a genuine opportunity. There has never been a more sensible time to invest in equipment that cuts labour, improves efficiency and is fully tax-deductible.

A Smart Investment in an Uncertain Market

Many within the industry have said: “If you can’t make money out of cattle at these prices, you’ll never make it.”

But as our founder and chief engineer, Sean Blaney, explains, the real challenge is what to do with additional income:

“Farmers need to be smart with their money this year. What you buy now has to add value for years to come.”

Bale unrollers – particularly the Forager X10 and Bale Feeder X6 – are delivering exactly that. They take the strain out of daily feeding, save precious hours every week and reduce reliance on labour. With options for 3-point linkage, handlers/loaders and feeding into tight or awkward spaces, they’re a versatile solution for a wide range of farm set-ups.

The Cost Per Bale That Makes the Decision Easy

Based on typical farmer use, feeding with a Blaney unroller works out at approximately:

• X6: ~43p per bale
• Forager X10: ~51p per bale

For machines that last decades, these figures underline exceptional long-term value. Blaney unrollers aren’t a yearly cost—they’re an asset that holds strong resale and trade-in value, even after years of work.

At roughly 40–50p per bale, the cost is tiny compared to the time, labour and physical effort saved.

Transforming Daily Feeding Routines

Manual forking or using older equipment takes its toll. Sean has seen the impact countless times:

“The men who really feel the benefit are 50 and over. Feeding bales the old way kills your joints and drains your time. A good unroller gives you your body back and hours every week.”

Farmers agree. One Co. Kerry beef farmer, John Hereford, shared:

“I feed around 750 bales a year. It used to take me 2 to 2½ hours. With the Forager, it now takes 20–30 minutes. It’s transformed my winter.”

Built to Last – And Built for Hard Work

Durability has always set Blaney apart. Many of our unrollers are still in daily use after nearly two decades. Thousands have been sold across the UK, Ireland and further afield, and the second-hand market is practically non-existent – most farmers simply don’t part with their machines.

This long lifespan, combined with reliability and low running costs, is a major reason so many return to Blaney for their next investment.

Forager X10 – Power and Versatility

The Forager X10 is engineered to handle any bale you put in front of it—wet, tight, misshapen or heavy. Key benefits include:

• Anti-wrap engineering
• Ability to feed from either side
• Exceptional control from the tractor seat
• High torque and robust build for long-term dependability

It’s trusted by beef, suckler and dairy farmers who need consistent, reliable performance every day of the winter.

Bale Feeder X6 – Trusted, Proven, Accessible

The Bale Feeder X6 is a proven classic. It’s designed for farmers feeding consistent, well-shaped bales who want a strong, reliable machine at an accessible price point. Features include:

• Ability to feed from both sides
• High-spec chain and rollers
• Low maintenance
• Robust build quality trusted for nearly two decades

Why This Matters in 2025

Labour is harder to secure. Margins are tightening. The physical strain of daily feeding is increasing.

Investing in machinery that reduces time, cuts physical effort and improves efficiency isn’t just a practical choice—it’s strategic.

A bale unroller that lasts decades, reduces waste and saves hours every single week is one of the most cost-effective investments a farmer can make today.

At Blaney Agri, our unrollers are built for exactly this: long-term value, durability and smart efficiency for modern livestock farms.

If you’d like to discuss the Forager X10, the Bale Feeder X6 or which option best suits your set-up, our team is here to help. Contact us today.