Diesel and wrap prices are combining to lift silage costs as the season starts. Recent price increases in crude oil are now hitting agri-diesel as demand rises for the peak silage season. A silage-wrap price hike is expected in June.

Many contractors are still owed money from last year. The Irish Farmers Journal understands that some are asking farmers to supply diesel and silage wrap to minimise exposure.

“The idea is to get the job done and get paid in a timely fashion – we’re not bankers,” said Richie White, chair of the association of Farm Contractors Ireland (FCI).