The machinery industry is still quiet it seems, with farmers keeping their hands in their pockets while manufacturers survey the latest sales figures with longer faces than may be the norm for this time of year.
The downturn would appear to have settled in for the duration, confounding hopes that a new season and brighter weather may have brought dealers some customers showing a little enthusiasm.
Given this disappointing start to the year, some companies are starting to take action to try and get the ball rolling again, the latest being Kverneland Group Ireland, which has just announced a 0% finance offer.
This offer will run for two months from April 15 and it covers the full, VAT-inclusive price of the whole grass, arable, and cropcare machinery range.
It is available through Kverneland's network of authorised dealers across the whole Island of Ireland.
Kverneland notes that Teagasc is upbeat on the season so far, with at least 90% of spring cereals having been sown thanks to the favourable spring weather conditions.
The dry spell has also allowed farmers to catch up on essential crop management tasks, such as spraying and fertilising of winter cereals and the spreading of slurry without needing to travel on saturated soils.
The average farm income in 2025 is forecast to increase by 22% compared to 2024, with the tillage sector expected to see a 40% rise.
Kverneland views this optimistic financial outlook, combined with the favourable weather, as setting the stage for a productive year ahead.
Managing director of Kverneland Group Ireland, Philip English said: "With the current positive momentum in the agricultural sector, we aim to support our farmers by making our machinery more accessible.
"Our 0% finance offer is designed to provide financial flexibility, enabling farmers to invest in high-quality equipment during this crucial period."
The company takes the view that farming must be considered a business.
"The reality is, even in a good year, the onus is still fully on the farmer or contractor to make the investment, take the risk, and get the work done, " English added.
Kverneland is intent on helping with that investment by offering this deal on the full selling price and believes that it is going the extra mile to support customers and remove as many barriers as it can from machinery purchase.