Upgrading, outsourcing, or repairing — the combine dilemma for growers

There are few options to purchase modest-sized, good-quality machines, with the availability of second-hand combines from the UK much lower than in previous years

It's an ongoing dilemma for growers whether to upgrade to a new combine, outsource the harvesting, or keep their old model running. File picture

Fewer and fewer of the combine harvesters now in action around the country will be owned outright by farmers, as machinery trends change.

Some of these harvesters are 60 years old, so it's an ongoing dilemma for growers whether to upgrade to a new combine, outsource the harvesting, or keep their old model running.