Contractors
Gary Abbott on 09 Jun 2021
HSA and FCI issue clarity on silage pit heights
A statement released by the FCI and HSA recommended that as a general rule of thumb silage pit height should never be more than double the height of the retaining walls and slope at less than 45°.
Gary Abbott on 02 Jun 2021
Fendt 720: the perfect all-rounder
Gary Abbott caught up with Cork man Richard O’Connor to find out how his Gen 6 Fendt 720 Vario with the recently introduced FendtOne cab has performed since taking delivery earlier this year.
Gary Abbott on 02 Jun 2021
Calls for calm amid first-cut frenzy
The FCI reports that its members are experiencing severe pressure from clients due to the effects of poor weather.
Bill O'Keeffe on 02 Jun 2021
Farmer Writes: silage finally being made
It’s been very stop-start for Bill O'Keeffe, with every tractor, mower and harvester flat out on the fine days, trying to catch up on work that has been postponed due to high rainfall.
The Dealer on 02 Jun 2021
Silage pressures are a danger to be mindful of
With the silage season over a fortnight behind schedule, contractors are working every dry hour to catch up.
Noel Bardon on 02 Jun 2021
My Farming Week: Timothy and Philip Tierney, Terryglass, Co Tipperary
Meet the Co Tipperary father-and-son contracting team that are getting to grips with difficult weather this silage season.
Barry Cassidy on 01 Jun 2021
Calls for urgent increase to driver theory test capacity
A large number of people are being prevented from carrying out farm work and securing jobs with contractors due to backlogs for driver theory tests, according to the IFA.
Hannah Quinn-Mulligan on 29 May 2021
Less than 10% of first cut silage harvested – FCI
Analysis by the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI), has estimated that less than 10% of first-cut grass silage has been cut this year.
Hannah Quinn-Mulligan on 29 May 2021
Farmer silage frenzy causing contractor pressure
Contractors are reporting that farmers are making unrealistic demands as silage season kicks off.
Noel Bardon on 28 May 2021
Agri jobs: tractor driver wanted in Co Tipperary
Demand for full-time workers in the dairy sector remains stong into the summer months. A full-time tractor driver is also needed by a Tipperary contractor.
Aidan Brennan on 26 May 2021
Dairy Management: how to make good silage
Aidan Brennan says the weather is creating challenges when it comes to making good-quality silage.
Niall Hurson on 26 May 2021
Young tractor driver numbers hit 10 year low
There is no requirement for a young tractor driver to have a qualified accompanying driver.
Peter Thomas Keaveney on 19 May 2021
Claas acquires share in Dutch robot manufacturer
Claas has acquired a minority shareholding in Dutch start-up AgXeed B.V, with the aim of co-operating on the development and commercialisation of autonomous agricultural machines.
Peter Thomas Keaveney on 12 May 2021
Carbon tax and diesel price hike to cost silage contractors an extra €864/day
Agricultural diesel is currently 25c/l more expensive than the same period in 2020, while the increase in carbon tax (2c/l) announced in the 2021 budget has also came into effect.
Kieran Mailey on 12 May 2021
NI silage contractor prices unchanged
Early reports indicate that silage contractors have left prices unchanged, despite higher fuel costs
Amy Forde on 10 May 2021
IFA calls for driver theory tests to resume
IFA president Tim Cullinan has said that there are many essential workers who need to secure a category B and/or W driver licence in order to deliver essential services on farms during the summer.
Peter Thomas Keaveney on 05 May 2021
Fusions tick the boxes for Cork contractor
With almost four decades of round baling experience, contractor Michael John O’Sullivan gives us his opinion on the McHale Fusion 3 Plus. Peter Thomas Keaveney travelled to Co Cork to find out more.
Niall Hurson on 05 May 2021
‘Tachograph requirement could double the cost of silage’
The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) said it does not see any reason to introduce tachographs to agricultural tractors in Ireland.
Adam Woods on 28 Apr 2021
Tullamore webinar Q&A
Adam Woods takes a look at some of the questions and answers from Tuesday night’s webinar on Tullamore Farm.
Niall Hurson on 28 Apr 2021
Tachographs for tractors during silage season could prevent fatalities - HSA
The Health and Safety Authority has highlighted its concerns about young drivers operating machinery and the pressure around silage time.