The cost of making silage was broadly similar across Scotland, with the lowest costs in the southwest and highest in more remote areas.

The lowest prices were found in Dumfries and Galloway, where most dairy cattle are found in Scotland.

High prices were found in Orkney, where farmers will pay around £120/hr for a forage wagon, compared with less than £100/hr in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire.

Field-to-pit silaging costs were found to be between £40/ac and £55/ac for most Scottish farms. Dairy farmers who were doing multiple cuts were able to negotiate a reduced amount if contractors were guaranteed the business.

Mowing costs were around £10/ac if diesel was provided and £12/ac if not. Forage wagons were typically £95/hour in intensive livestock areas and £120/ac on more remote farms. Rakes were typically £5-£7/ac, with tractors and buckrakes costing £35-55/hr, or £5-£7/ac.

Baling and wrapping (including six plastic layers) cost farmers between £6.70 and £7.50/bale. Baling alone is between £2.50 to £3/bale.

The cheapest prices were found in the south, with some farmers getting mowing and rakes for £1/ac cheaper than most of Scotland. Dumfries farmers could get a tractor and trailer-to-cart silage for £3/ac. They could also get a forage harvester for £17/ac, not including diesel.

Contractors were keen to point out that fuel has continued to creep up, with most paying closer to 60p/l than 50p/l. Furthermore, faster tractors on the roads have allowed contractors to go further for business, with many operating in a 50-60 mile radius.