Early indications on contractor charges for first-cut silage put prices at similar levels to last year. This will see most farmers being charged £55 to £65/acre for ensiled grass, with the higher rates normally being applied to swards that are tedded and raked before lifting.
Despite diesel costs being at a four-year low, and dropping below 40p/l, lower fuel costs are unlikely to see contractors reducing fees.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, several contractors said that while diesel is cheaper, the cost of machinery parts and maintenance, insurance and staff wages have increased, which will offset any drop in fuel price. Contractors also point to the fact that they have left prices unchanged for several years, despite periods of rising fuel prices.
Baling
Early price reports on baled silage are also on a par with previous years at £9 to £10/bale. Prices on plastic wrap are typically £50 to £55/roll, with discounts on bulk purchases.
Diesel quotes
Price quotes on red diesel are typically 39p/l on 1,000 litres this week, excluding VAT. Back in early April, diesel was closer to 50p/l, and for the same period last year, red diesel was hovering around the 63p/l mark.
Fuel costs should continue to fall as crude oil prices plummeted this week, with US oil moving into negative price territory. Some have suggested that local prices could end up in the low 30s.
Read more
Exclusive: EU to fund private storage for 330,000t of dairy and 61,000t of meat
‘Abysmal’ performance from European Commissioner for Agriculture – IFA
Early indications on contractor charges for first-cut silage put prices at similar levels to last year. This will see most farmers being charged £55 to £65/acre for ensiled grass, with the higher rates normally being applied to swards that are tedded and raked before lifting.
Despite diesel costs being at a four-year low, and dropping below 40p/l, lower fuel costs are unlikely to see contractors reducing fees.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, several contractors said that while diesel is cheaper, the cost of machinery parts and maintenance, insurance and staff wages have increased, which will offset any drop in fuel price. Contractors also point to the fact that they have left prices unchanged for several years, despite periods of rising fuel prices.
Baling
Early price reports on baled silage are also on a par with previous years at £9 to £10/bale. Prices on plastic wrap are typically £50 to £55/roll, with discounts on bulk purchases.
Diesel quotes
Price quotes on red diesel are typically 39p/l on 1,000 litres this week, excluding VAT. Back in early April, diesel was closer to 50p/l, and for the same period last year, red diesel was hovering around the 63p/l mark.
Fuel costs should continue to fall as crude oil prices plummeted this week, with US oil moving into negative price territory. Some have suggested that local prices could end up in the low 30s.
Read more
Exclusive: EU to fund private storage for 330,000t of dairy and 61,000t of meat
‘Abysmal’ performance from European Commissioner for Agriculture – IFA
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