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Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Silage 2023: How much will pit silage cost?

As reported by That’s Farming, the Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has published its charges guide for 2023.

The body is “satisfied” that this averaged price guide continues to provide “fair and reasonable” guidance for farm and forestry contractors and their clients.

However, it stressed that one must remember this is only a guide as these are average guideline charges surveyed from FCI members.

The association acknowledged that many contractors make individual arrangements with their client farmers regarding diesel, and, therefore, the guide charges do not reflect the market trend.

Because of local differences, the FCI outlined, the actual guide charge may vary between:

  • Regions;
  • Across soil types;
  • Distance travelled;
  • Size of contract undertaken;
  • Size and type of equipment;
  • Scale of work.

This 2023 charges guide reflects what the association has described as “some modest” increases in some charges up to 5%, while others are “virtually unchanged”.

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This year sees the 2023 FCI Contracting Charges Guide include excluding and including VAT columns as an increasing number of farmers are moving towards VAT registration, especially those that have moved to limited company status.

In this news article on That’s Farming, read what the FCI has identified as drivers of ag contracting prices in 2023.

Silage and willow harvesting costs in 2023

It has provided the following guide charge rates for silage and willow harvesting:

  • Mowing – conditioner – €25-€26.50/acre (excluding VAT) and €28-€30/ac (including VAT);
  • Raking/tedding/rowing – €14.50-€16.00/acre (excluding VAT) or €16-€18/ac (including VAT);
  • Precision chop grass silage – complete job (in pit) – €155-€165/ac (extra for long draw) (excluding VAT) or €175-€187/acre (extra for long straw) (price including VAT);
  • Maize silage – complete job (in pit) – €176-€181/ac (extra for long draw) (price excluding VAT); or €200-€205/ac (including VAT) (extra for long draw);
  • Wagon silage – complete job ( into the pit) – €145-€155/ac (excluding VAT) (extra for long draw) or €165-€175/ac (including VAT) (extra for long draw);
  • Whole crop silage – complete job (into the pit) – €170-€175/ac (excluding VAT) (extra for long draw) and €192-€198/ac (including VAT) (extra for long draw);
  • Samco silage bagging – €25/linear metre (excluding VAT) or €28/linear metre;
  • Zero-grazing – €80-€90/load (excluding VAT) (will vary with capacity and distance) and €90-€102/load (including VAT) (will vary with capacity and distance);
  • Willow harvesting complete job – €215/ac (excluding VAT) (extra for long draw) or €244/ac (including VAT) (extra for long draw).
2022 rates:
  • Mowing – conditioner – €28-30/ac
  • Raking/tedding/rowing – €16-17/ac;
  • Precision chop grass silage – complete job (in pit) – €170/ac (extra for long draw);
  • Maize silage – complete job (in pit) – €210/ac (extra for long draw);
  • Wagon silage – complete job (into the pit) – €150/ac (extra for long draw);
  • Whole crop silage – complete job (into the pit) – €170/ac (extra for long draw);
  • Zero-grazing – €90-95/load (will vary with capacity & distance);
  • Willow harvesting complete job – €250/ac (extra for long draw).

Other farming news on That’s Farming:

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