It might sound simple, in order to make a profit you need to keep costs to a minimum and increase yields. The reality is more difficult. Results from the recent Teagasc E-Profit Monitor for tillage showed average break-even costs, at average yields, across a total of 342 farms which inputted data to the programme.

The break-even costs are reported in €/t and are calculated from average yields and average crop sales (excluding income from straw).

The break-even costs for all of the above crops are reported below. So, for example, in order to make a profit in 2017, winter wheat growers needed to earn more than €140/t.

The top one third of growers achieved higher yields and a higher price per tonne. A big reduction in costs among these growers was due to a reduction in the use of a contractor in many cases.

To view the full break-down of costs and returns click [button link="https://www.agriland.ie/?p=336967"]Text here[/button]