THE latest Central Statistics Office data shows there was a market for over 4,661 new and imported tractors, licensed for the first time in the Republic, during the January to September period this year.

THE EU farm machinery industry fears price rises of up to 50% for steel, and will petition member state governments to discourage the export of vast quantities of scrap metal from Europe, which are said to have a major impact on the cost of manufacturing raw steel.

IRISH labour costs for farm machinery dealers are among the highest in Europe, according to a new survey.

FARM machinery dealers have been badly hit by increases in insurance costs, it was revealed yesterday.