More farmers have been looking to spend money on machinery and equipment in recent weeks, reports from local suppliers indicate.

In the used pickup market, prices are typically up by £1,000 compared to earlier in the year.

According to Randalstown-based dealer James Alexander, the price rise is down to increased demand and fewer suitable pickups becoming available at auctions in Britain.

“Demand is running ahead of supply. Good quality stock that you want to get your hands on is harder to get, and that is why the market is staying so strong,” said Alexander.

Although enquiries from farmers have increased, Alexander points out that the rise in demand for pickups is also being driven by non-farming buyers.

Trailers

However, the market for farmer-specific items such as livestock trailers and handling facilities has also livened up recently.

“Trade is very buoyant at the minute,” said Armagh-based farm equipment supplier Marshall Jenkinson.

Demand is running ahead of supply. Good quality stock that you want to get your hands on is harder to get

“We are putting it down to improved livestock prices across the board this year,” he said.

Suppliers point out that many local farmers also availed of various coronavirus support schemes, such as the bounceback loan scheme, and have received money from the COVID-19 support fund.

Jenkinson said that unlike pickups, prices for trailers and livestock handling equipment remain similar to earlier in the year.

Tractors

In the tractor trade, reports suggest it is steady, with no sharp spike in prices seen this year.

This is mainly because used tractors were already expensive after steadily rising in value over the past few years.

We are putting it down to improved livestock prices across the board this year

The high cost of new tractors has inflated the used tractor market, and dealers indicate that demand is strongest for tractors in the £15,000 to £30,000 price range.

Reports from local dealers suggest that most farmers are reluctant to pay over the odds for tractors, especially if they are not trading in another machine to offset the cost.