Silage making is in full swing and the rain forecast for the weekend has brought the first real pressure point of the season.
AgriLand has undertaken a quick, timely round-up of prices; all of these rates (below) are based on a ‘short draw’.
The ‘full job’
Prices obtained in the midlands ranged between €100/ac and €120/ac (excluding VAT) to mow, rake, pick up, draw in and push up (on the pit).
A figure of €105/ac (excluding VAT) was noted in north Cork.
In the east of the country, a price of €110/ac (excluding VAT) was quoted in Co. Wicklow. Further south, €115/ac (excluding VAT) was noted in Co. Waterford.
€10/ac appears to be a standard charge for raking – across the country.
‘Wagon’ silage
A figure of €90/ac (excluding VAT) was obtained in Co. Laois; this is for mowing, picking up with a wagon and pushing up (in the pit).
FCI prices
These rates are broadly similar to those published by the FCI (Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland) earlier this year.
In that list of ‘guide’ prices, precision-chop grass silage (for the complete job) was pegged at €110/ac (excluding VAT) – for a ‘short draw’. ‘Wagon’ silage – again for the complete job – was priced at €100/ac (excluding VAT).
Mowing and raking were priced at €20/ac and €10/ac respectively (excluding VAT).
Payment up front
Of course, the old, unspoken rules apply for farmer customers. A dinner and payment going out the gate may get you a better deal; they may also bump you up the queue for next year – provided you stick with the same contractor.
On the subject of farmer-contractor relations at silage time, take a couple of minutes to check out this video from Will Coyne; it’s well worth a look (brace yourself for some politically incorrect language).