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With the main silage harvest well under way throughout the country, silage-harvesting costs are remaining broadly similar to last year, with prices reported of approximately €110/acre to €120/acre for pit silage, including VAT.
Higher prices have been reported if a long draw is required.
These prices also include raking for the majority of contractors.
Many farmers we contacted this week said that they have yet to even ask their contractors about the price and are more concerned with getting them in the gate while it’s dry.
Plastic sheets
Similar to contracting charges, plastic sheet prices have also remained steady since last year.
Prices obtained show pit silage covers are averaging €150 for a 60ftx120ft cover. However, there is variation in the market, with highs of €170 quoted. Smaller 36ftx75ft covers are priced at €50 in most parts.
Silage wrap prices are averaging between €82/roll and €88/roll, in line with last year’s prices, with €85/roll the average price quoted. Larger orders are allowing contractors to secure the lower prices from merchants.
Slurry costs
Contractors have been active in the fields over the past week spreading slurry on bare silage ground as the attention turns to preparing fields for a second round of silage.
Prices for slurry spreading are showing variation, but the majority of contractors are charging between €42/hour and €55/hour including VAT for spreading with a splash plate.
This can vary depending on payment terms, the size of the tanker and the length of the draw that is involved.
Prices between €58/hour and €75/hour have been reported when spread with a tanker and a trailing shoe and, again, the size of the tanker has an effect on price.
The spreading of slurry with an umbilical system costs between €100/hour and €120/hour including VAT with most contractors, depending on the volumes available.
Fertiliser prices back €10/t
Fertiliser prices are back again this week, as demand increases from farmers who have made first-cut silage. The majority of merchants nationwide are reporting a €10/t drop on prices paid last week for most fertilisers. Stocks available to farmers have also decreased dramatically over the past week.
CAN (27% N) is the most popular fertiliser purchased for silage ground, with prices between €250/t and €260/t common.
Compounds
A large quantity of 18:6:12 has moved in the last week, with supplies almost depleted right across the country. Remaining supplies are selling for €360/t. Farmers are now targeting 18:2.5:14 as the next best alternative to 18:6:12, with prices steady at €355/t.
10:10:20 is also back on last week, with prices around €395/t, but with highs of €407/t reported in some parts. However, deals with some merchants have been reported for cash payment, with up to €15/t off.
Prices quoted for 24:2.5:10 range between €360/t and €370/t, again a reduction on prices paid last week. Fertiliser suppliers are pricing 27:2.5:5 at €350/t to €355/t, although demand for these has levelled off.
A lot of stock has gone from merchants’ yards in the last couple of weeks, with farmers purchasing larger quantities and paying promptly negotiating better rates. With rain in the forecast for the weekend, many farmers will be attempting to secure supplies and spread before the rain arrives.
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