Leitrim farmers warn rising diesel prices could devastate hay and silage season

Young farmers in Leitrim are facing increasing financial pressure as fuel prices continue to rise in the wake of the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Macra has warned that higher diesel, petrol and home-heating oil prices are creating significant challenges for young people living and working in rural Ireland.

Carrigallen farmer Cian Mimnagh, chairman of Carrigallen Macra, said the rising cost of diesel is already beginning to impact young farmers and could make the upcoming silage season significantly more expensive.

“It’s definitely harder for younger farmers,” he said. “There are a few schemes out there for young farmers, but a lot of people don’t qualify for them, so they’re facing the extra costs themselves every week.”

Mr Mimnagh said the rising price of diesel could have a major impact on routine farm work.

“If the price keeps rising with the war and it goes up to €2.50 or €3 a litre, the cost of doing silage could jump massively,” said Mr Mimnagh. “Even if the price goes up by one euro per bale and you’re making 500 bales, you’re suddenly talking about serious money.”

“You could be talking close to a thousand euro just to fill machinery for the work that needs to be done.”

He said diesel remains essential for farming operations. “You can’t really farm without diesel,” he added. “Everything relies on it.”

Mr Mimnagh said most farmers rely on green diesel to operate tractors and other machinery, but even that has become significantly more expensive in recent months.

He warned that continued price increases could make it increasingly difficult for young people to make a living from farming.

“It’s going to be harder and harder as these prices go up to make a living out of farming,” he said.

The Macra chairman said young people across rural Ireland are already under financial pressure from rising living costs, and higher fuel prices are adding further strain.

Macra National President Josephine O’Neill has also called on the Government to intervene to help rural communities cope with the rising costs.

“Young people have already been feeling the pinch of inflation,” she said. “This unexpected and significant rise in fuel costs will further stretch already tight budgets.

“To support young people living and working in rural Ireland, we need the Government to ease fuel taxes for the duration of the ongoing conflict.” Macra said reducing fuel costs would help ease the pressure on young farmers and ensure rural communities remain viable places to live and work.