The start of the silage season is realistically only a couple of weeks away as grass has finally started to bulk up. This will be evident at the FTMTA’s Grass & Muck event in Gurteen College on Thursday as the huge array of silage machines get into gear. If we are to succeed in the expansion of dairy and drystock farming, grassland management is key. The machines needed to harvest our biggest crop will have to be efficient to ensure sustainability. This year proves that quality forage reserves on farms are a must to guarantee year-round production.

The machinery industry is vital to the rural and agricultural sectors and contributes approximately €550m to the Irish economy. Irish manufacturers have a worldwide reputation for being innovative and producing solid, robust equipment. Many of these companies export up to 90% of their products, creating jobs for local communities.

The relationship between farmers and machines needs to be sensible, especially with pressure on commodity prices. Investment in machines can lead to an increase in output and decreased labour. Machines should be bought to work and make money. Good maintenance increases resale value. Cashflow is needed for this investment to develop farms, so support from the banking sector is critical. Bank loans should have keen interest rates that compare favourably across the EU.