Prices for silage-contracting work this season will be similar to last year, according to a number of contractors contacted by the Irish Farmers Journal this week.

Although agricultural diesel prices are up by around 10p/l compared with this time last year, most contractors indicated that the increase in fuel costs will not be passed onto farmers.

That comes after contractor charges held last year, despite falling diesel prices. Current diesel prices are similar to 2015, with quotes from suppliers 52p/l to 53.5p/l (including VAT) this week, although prices are dependent on the amount of diesel ordered as well as the delivery distance.

The contractors we contacted generally quoted £55/ac to £58/ac for mowing and lifting grass. Some did indicate that quotes may be pushed up slightly to offset increased running costs. However, prices also vary depending on the size of the area to be cut and the distance to the pit.

For baled silage, contractors quoted £7.50 to £7.75 per bale for six wraps, with baling with four wraps typically costing around £1 less per bale. Mowing prices are around £11 to £12 per acre. Those we spoke to also indicated that farmers have settled their bills for work completed in 2016, but pressure on finances meant some farmers paid in instalments or asked to wait until cash became available.