It is an action-packed machinery section this week, with a focus on agricultural contracting and tyres. In the last two weeks, the news of tractor testing and the introduction of TAMS II for tillage farmers have had a negative and a positive response. Tractor testing is yielding a response of more cost and hassle on an already burdened sector. While initially TAMS was very well received, now concern is mounting about the specification of the machines approved for the scheme. We look at this in the machinery pages this week.

In contracting, we look at the prices for contracting services in 2017, and compare them with prices in the past, and look at the option of setting up as a young contractor in the business. We also speak to John Dan O’Hare, a Down-based contractor who has been in business for over 50 years. He tells it as it is for contractors at the moment. Michael Moroney, now at the helm of FCI, highlights how the association is set to deliver for all in the land-based service sector. With the challenges ahead, he believes there has never been more need for a strong lobbying group to represent the needs of the industry.

In our tyres special, the latest technological advancements are weighed up.