Excessive fuel costs can be brought under control

Machinery accounts for about 40% of production costs on tillage farms, with fuel now a significant cost at about €85/ha, according to a presentation by Dermot Forristal at three Teagasc BETTER Farm Crops Open Days during June.

Mr Forristal advised that machinery cost control is essential, and that there is scope to reduce fuel costs.

Energy strategies which can reduce fuel costs may also reduce machinery depreciation, repairs, and even labour costs.