The recent announcement of the TAMS II for tillage measures must be welcomed by the sector.

The cost of equipment has become an increasing burden on those in the business, with many new machines now costing in excess of €100,000.

Cashflow challenges in the sector may limit the uptake of the broad-ranging investment opportunities provided, but there is already significant interest in certain categories of investment, such as cultivator drills.

Grain growers

While it is impossible to know if the full €26m fund will be taken up, it is important that those who are primarily tillage farmers will be given priority in the allocation of these grant aid measures. The 15ha threshold can be met by many, but it is mainly grain growers who need priority access.

While the grant aid scheme is designed to promote purchases and investment, growers need to remain sensible in the investments they choose to avail of.

Peter Varley and Andy Doyle do a full breakdown of the TAMS tillage scheme here.