If it sounds too good...

Before we press ahead, I would like to revisit something disturbing that I have come across over the years that is raising its ugly head again – online scams. These scams are not just prevalent in relation to small-ticket items or requests for donations, they are now becoming more noticeable in big-ticket items, too, such as farm machinery. Some years ago, I spoke to the powers that be about this and discovered that the scam involves individuals sending a deposit based on a picture of a machine that looks genuine, in order to secure the kit. But once the money had been received, well, there was no machine! In this issue, we feature our annual Tractor Guide, so I feel it is appropriate to highlight this in the hope that it helps someone, especially as such scams are occurring again, according to media. Tractors posted on sites from across Europe and closer to home at prices below what the real value is worth should be a cause for concern. If it sounds ‘too good to be true’ well, that’s because it nearly always is!
My recommendation is to talk to your local dealer first, seek advice, double-check the validity of the site and advert placed if possible. Send no money until the legitimacy of the product or products are verified. Farmers who have been scammed are slow to come forward or talk about it as it is a source of embarrassment. It is back to what I have always stated over the years in this very column – buy local, stay local, and you will have a far better chance of avoiding the online pitfalls. There are, of course, genuine traders out there online, so be sure to just do a bit of homework first!
Now, down to business. Recently, Genfitt published its 2023 Knowledge Report. This is the eighth year of publication of this independently produced document. Some of the interesting findings are as follows: 33 per cent of Irish machinery manufacturers saw business increase in 2023; 17 per cent said it was the same as 2022; the remaining 50 per cent felt it was less than 2022 but, in some cases, marginally down. This probably isn’t a bad return against the year that was. Labour availability, energy costs, commodity prices, credit, cost of raw materials, inclement weather and lack of confidence in the agri sector were the main factors affecting the manufacturing industry.
From a farmer’s perspective, 3,648 were surveyed and the majority – 60 per cent – have spent or will spend under €10,000 on machinery; 30 per cent of respondents plan to or have spent between €10,000-€50,000; whereas 10 per cent plan to spend €50,000 or more. In the current climate, farmers are very cautious about spending. There is an old saying that I have often heard on my travels about the country: “Farmers will spend money in good times and bad times but when uncertainty is about the cheque book is tucked away.”
Agri-businesses such as machinery dealers, hardware stores and motor factors were also surveyed and 82 per cent said that the spend was the same if not higher than 2022. The remainder found trade mixed. Some factors affecting their businesses were labour and high input prices. The report found that the price of machinery went up in 2023 with demand going down. In 2021 and 2022 costs went up dramatically this will put pressure on going forward but confidence will return and a recovery will happen as markets start to return to acceptable levels, the report stated.
On the tractor front, there is good some good news as green diesel (at the time of going to press) is at a four-month low. It is reported that Zetor will soon launch its new range of tractors up to 170hp with plans in place to go to 250hp. They will come with Deutz engines and, we believe, ZF transmission, as well as a new in-cab display screen with new Carraro front axles. This new four-cylinder range of tractors is expected in early 2025. Tumosan tractors will launch the new 110hp tractor this year with the new Euro V Engine.
On a sad note, December saw the passing of Paddy Callan founder of PJ Callan Ltd of Ardee, Co. Louth. Paddy was a true gentleman, a past president of the FTMTA and lifelong member. When Paddy spoke, people listened. He was an inspiration to be with and gave sound advice. My sincere condolences to his wife Josie, son John, extended family, and his many friends both in the machinery trade and outside it.
And finally, congratulations to fellow Laoisman, drystock farmer, Francis Gorman who is the new president of the Irish Farmers' Association. We wish him and his family the very best!

Until next month, farm wisely, farm safely.