Northern Ireland

Farmer2000

Bulletin No.7

Working with farmers to assist the industry in tailoring
their products and services in line with farmers’ expectations

In 2007, the weather in many regions was rather extreme to say the least. With unusually warm, dry weather in April followed by the wettest early summer (May-July) on record, many farmers had to break from the normal routine. In fact, a recent poll with 467 farmers in Northern Ireland has revealed that over a third (59%) started their Spring activities, on average, just over 2 weeks earlier than normal.

Massey-Ferguson the most popular make of equipment

A survey conducted by the National Farm Research Unit (NFRU) with farmers from Northern Ireland has shown the largest tractor owned by arable farmers’ was most likely to have a horsepower between 100-149.

Unsurprisingly, the larger arable farms (over 130ha) tended to have the largest tractors.

Massey-Ferguson was most popular make of the largest tractor on the farm (owned by 65%) and the most popular make for other equipment on the farm (owned by 60%).

The majority (80%) of arable farmers interviewed with spray booms stated theirs was 12 metres wide.

Majority not planning to invest in the next 12 months

The majority (88%) of arable farmers in Northern Ireland interviewed were not planning on investing in any new equipment in the next year. As there were so few planning an investment, the results on what the farmers planned to invest in are not statistically robust and so cannot be quoted.