Challenges hamper machinery sharing in upland farms
A recent study highlights how conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted machinery sharing among upland farmers. Research from Teagasc and UCD reveals economic, social, and trust factors shaping cooperative farming practices in Meath, Louth, and Dublin regions.
Farming in upland areas faces numerous obstacles, including low profitability, labour shortages, challenging terrain, and restricted access to machinery. To address these issues, a collaborative study by Teagasc and University College Dublin explored how shared use of technology and labour could enhance farm efficiency, lower costs, and promote sustainable land management.
Presented at the joint Teagasc/UCD Knowledge Transfer Conference on 22 October, researcher Éabha McNally, supervised by Brian Leonard of UCD and Peter Doolan of Teagasc, shared insights from a survey involving 90 farmers in Meath, Louth, and Dublin. The study examined the nature of technology sharing agreements and found that participation hinges not only on financial benefits but also heavily on social relationships and trust.
The research revealed that machinery sharing in upland regions mainly occurs informally among family members and neighbours. Trust was identified as a crucial element for collaboration, alongside motivations such as cost savings and improved labour efficiency. However, concerns over machinery misuse, scheduling conflicts, responsibility, and insurance posed significant barriers. Notably, previous disputes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have weakened some traditional sharing arrangements.