Fuel consumption figures – relating to diesel usage when cutting silage – have been compiled by the Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI).
According to the FCI, this harvesting operation is “almost exclusively managed by agricultural contractors – on behalf of their farmer customers”.
Image source: Shane Casey
The association says that typical fuel consumption rates for a “high-output and efficient” silage harvesting outfit in Ireland in 2018 are as follows:
All fuel figures are quoted in litres (L). Source: FCI
This, says the FCI, is against a background in which there has been “a 36% increase in agricultural diesel fuel costs – to €0.75/L (including VAT) in 2018″.
In response, the FCI is seeking the removal of the ‘Carbon Tax’ from agricultural diesel used by contractors – to allow them to maintain silage harvesting charge-out rates at 2017 levels.
Also Read: Table: Contractor association releases full 2018 ‘guide rates’It has written to both the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed – pressing for action to be taken.
Image source: Shane Casey
The association says that it is “very concerned by the increases in the cost of agricultural diesel – up dramatically from €0.55/L (including VAT) this time last year”.