The Association of Farm Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has written to Teagasc director Prof Gerry Boyle about the nature of Teagasc advice being given to farmers on the opportunities to lower farm contractor rates for work during 2015. This advice was on the basis that diesel fuel costs have reduced compared with 2014.

FCI feels this advice puts farm contractors in a disadvantaged position more than one month before the start of the grass silage harvest. FCI members report that agricultural diesel prices are increasing week-on-week. This may mean that by early June, the price will match that of last year.

Research carried out by FCI among its members has shown that typical fuel usage for grass silage harvesting in Ireland is in the region of 40 litres/acre. Given this, an agricultural diesel price per litre difference of €0.10 can only deliver a cost saving of €4 per acre.

Supporting farm safety fortnight

FCI is supporting farm safety fortnight by urging farm contractors to carry out a safety examination of their fleet that can become part of a weekly review. “We urge all contractors to take one hour at the start of next week, on Monday morning, to carry out a safety audit of their machines, checking and noting items that need extra safety attention,” said FCI chair John Sheehy.

FCI AGM on 30 April in Portlaoise

The FCI AGM will take place on Thursday 30 April at the Maldron Medway Hotel, Portlaoise, at 8pm. The AGM will include a review of activities for 2014 and the election of officers for 2015.

FCI chair John Sheehy has urged all members to attend. All regional chairs and secretaries will be present.

CEETTAR assembly meeting in Denmark

The general assembly meeting for CEETTAR, the European farm contractors’ association, will be held in Denmark on 22-23 June in association with the Danish contractors association, Danske Maskinstationer og Entreprenører (DM&E).

There are over 600 members in DM&E, which also provides insurance and accountancy services to its members, as well as education and training opportunities.

FCI will send a delegation for the general assembly.