Agri-Business
Norman Egar has been elected as the new national chair of the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI).
The FCI said that plans to introduce a tractor driving test is "not a suitable response to safety issues".
The FCI has called for a 'mini-job' or short-term worker taxation system to be included in Budget 2026 for contractors.
The value of the Irish agricultural contracting sector has now exceeded the €1 billion mark, for the first time ever, the FCI said.
Access for tractors to Ireland’s motorway network is essential to agriculture and road safety, according to the FCI.
Rural Life
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is urging farmers and their contractors to ensure safety is paramount in the silage harvesting season.
The median gross hourly wage rate for agricultural machinery operators working in Ireland in 2025, is between €15-20/hour, the FCI said.
The Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG) has outlined changes to its collections this year to help combat the illegal farm plastics trade.
Forestry
The FCI is calling for an outright ban on the introduction of foreign owned forestry machines, while Irish machines are idle.
The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has called for a change in the payment system for forestry contractors.
The FCI has published its contractor charge guide for 2025 with some charges up by a maximum of 5%, while others are "virtually unchanged".
Environment
The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) is seeking an extension to the hedge cutting deadline due to Storm Éowyn.
The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has warned contractors and farmers on the dangers associated with slurry.
The FCI has said that the recent cold snap has demonstrated the need to develop a national register for contractors.
The FTMTA is calling for an extension on the implementation of higher salary thresholds for general work permits in Budget 2025.
The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has called for a scheme to support contractors in purchasing machinery.
71% of agricultural contractors believe that there will be shortage of fodder on many Irish farms this winter, according to a new survey.
The lack of hedgerow management is leading to "a significant number of road traffic accidents on rural roads", according to the FCI.
Machinery manufacturer Claas has said that there will be "minimal" impact on customers in Ireland as a result of a new financing model.
Agricultural contractors are losing up to 20% of their working time dealing with the damage caused by stones and wires in fields, FCI said.
There has to be "better communication" between farmers and contractors going forward about how silage is being cut, Richard White said.
The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has called for any fall in wholesale diesel price to be immediately passed onto the end user.
The FCI has stated that safety must remain the "top priority", as pressure is now on contractors to get work completed
