Previous conflict and COVID-19 weakening machinery sharing in the uplands

Facing challenges including low profitability, labour shortages, difficult terrain and limited access to machinery, the role of technology sharing – involving shared machinery and labour – was assessed as part of a Teagasc/UCD study to improve farm efficiency, reduce costs and support sustainable land management in upland areas.

Presented as part of the joint Teagasc/UCD Knowledge Transfer Conference on October 22, Éabha McNally, who completed her master’s under the supervision of Brian Leonard, UCD, and Peter Doolan, Teagasc, shared findings from the study which examined technology sharing agreements, and the relationships and behaviours affecting them in high nature value upland areas.

Focused on farms in the Meath/Louth/Dublin region, the study showed that participation in technology sharing agreements is influenced by economic considerations but also social relationships, trust and behavioural factors.

“Technology sharing already occurs in the upland regions and is predominantly informal, small-scale and based on family and neighbour relationships,” Éabha McNally explained.

From the study of 90 farmers, trust emerged as the central pre-condition for participation, while cost savings and improved labour efficiency were also key drivers. Of the barriers identified, concerns about machinery sharing or misuse, scheduling, responsibility and insurance were prominent. However, it was also noted that previous conflict and COVID-19 had weakened some former long-standing sharing practices.

For more information on the Teagasc/UCD Knowledge Transfer Conference, visit here.