Here we will have a look at the variation in farming equipment across the country and provide insight into average costs incurred on the farm regarding the installation and maintenance of a paddock system for the 2017 grazing season.

The figures are based on an average of quotes given by suppliers.

We spoke to a range of merchants from across the country to bring you the best information on what you should be paying for water troughs as well as temporary and permanent fencing installations.

Water troughs

When purchasing concrete troughs, as shown in Table 1, the price averaged in the region of €200. The highest prices were quoted in the west, largely due to lack of demand in the region.

Larger trough sizes represent better value based on price per gallon. However, 140-gallon drinkers are not suitable for smaller animals.

Plastic troughs offer a good alternative for farmers who do not have a large volume requirement. In every region, the price of 90-gallon troughs was around €90 to €95 apart from the midlands, which was €80.

Prices for fittings were similar across the board.

For piping, prices were based on normal gauge pipes in rolls of 150m.

Price to install water troughs

The prices in Table 2 were compiled to give the average price of installing troughs 150m from the nearest water source using 3/4in piping.

Temporary fencing

Prices for the components of temporary fences varied throughout the country. Some suppliers quoted prices for individual products and others for buying in bulk. These prices shown in Table 3 are excluding VAT.

Pigtail posts ranged from €20 to €24.50 for a pack of 10 depending on the region, with suppliers often offering a 7% discount for buying in bulk.

Light white fencing tape ranged from €12.50 to €16 for 200m, with a stronger tape retailing at a higher price.

Price to install temporary fencing

The figures in Table 4 were compiled to give an average cost of 200m of temporary fencing in each region. The midwest had the highest prices at €86/200m and the northeast came in with the lowest price of €76.90/200m.

Permanent fencing

Permanent fencing equipment is in high demand in recent weeks. Assurance of quality products remains a priority with longevity of equipment of high importance. All average prices mentioned include VAT.

For 5ft intermediate tantalised stakes, as seen in table 5, farmers can expect to pay in the region of €2.70 - €3 with one particular supplier in the southeast offering €2.20, the creosote treated stake is also available at a higher price ranging from €4.90 – €5.70.

Six feet intermediate tantalised stakes are ranging from €2.50 - €3.70, with the option of creosote raising the price to between €6.20 and €8 across the country.

Heavy timber straining posts require strength and durability with creosote treated posts being the most readily available. For a 7ft heavy timber straining creosote treated post, farmers can expect to pay in the region of €17 to €20 as seen in table 6.

650m of high tensile wire ranges from between €40 and €46, with particular value noted in the west of the country, see table 7.