Although poor grass growth rates are set to delay first-cut silage this year, contractors have indicated to the Irish Farmers Journal that quotes to farmers for silage work this season will remain largely unchanged on last year’s levels.
Quotes for mowing, raking and lifting silage vary depending on the size of the area to cut and the distance to the pit. However, standard prices from several contractors appear to be around £55 to £57 per acre.
In the past few weeks, red diesel prices have risen to around 38p/litre to 40p/litre after prices continued to fall last year and in early 2016 to a low of 32p/litre to 33p/litre from most suppliers.
One contractor said that the reduction in diesel prices from this time last year helps costs but overall other costs such as labour, maintenance and machinery repayments have remained steady or increased.
“At the peak, diesel costs would have amounted to around £5 per acre. Now it’s probably £3.50 per acre so it does not make a hugely significant difference overall,” he said.
The contractors we spoke to reported that most payments from farmers last year were timely, but some expressed concerns that cash availability could be an issue for more customers this season.
Regarding baled silage, contractors have also said that prices are likely to remain unchanged at around £7.50 for four wraps with mowing costs of £11-12 per acre. The prices could be affected by the cost of wrap, however, with some contractors stating that quotes from suppliers are not yet available and others reporting a rise of £1.50 a roll.
SHARING OPTIONS