With the fodder crisis, farmers may not yet have started to think about the new season. However, the contractors of Ireland have made up their minds on what new kit they need for the season ahead.

The main manufacturers and importers say it has been a good year for them despite the long winter. These figures cannot be verified officially until all of the machines are on the island and registered. Last year it was reported that 38 machines were sold in the Republic of Ireland, a 26% rise on the 2016 figure of 30. It is expected that the 2018 number will reach similar levels to 2017 or even over 40.

Claas has led the way in harvester sales for the last number of years and 2018 is looking like another good year for the German giant with 20 harvesters sold in the republic so far. Krone and John Deere are vying for second place having sold 10 and nine machines respectively. This shows a major jump forward for Krone from the six harvesters it sold last year and shows the work it has put in over the last number of years to gain market share.

It is believed two New Holland harvesters have been sold in the southern half of the country. So far there are no reported sales of the Fendt Katana but they hope to make a push for the 2018 season with a demonstrator making its way to the south for the first time. This brings the total to 41 so far, an increase of one harvester or 7.9% on 2017.

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