With the fodder crisis, farmers may not yet have started to think about the new season. However, the contractors of Ireland have made up their minds on what new kit they need for the season ahead. The main manufacturers and importers say it has been a good year for them despite the long winter. These figures cannot be verified officially until all of the machines are on the island and registered. Last year it was reported that 38 machines were sold in the Republic of Ireland, a 26% rise on the 2016 figure of 30. It is expected that the 2018 number will reach similar levels to 2017 or even over 40.