It seems we will be staying in lockdown for another month (at least).

Level 5 restrictions are to stay in place until April 5th, resulting in business premises remaining closed until then. Hopefully, those who are most vulnerable, will have received the vaccine by then, so that when businesses do finally open their doors again they won’t have to endure a fourth lockdown. I hope you are coping during all this uncertainty and that your business is still surviving.

Covid-19 and the environment seem to be on everyone’s mind right now. There is not a lot we can do about the pandemic except to keep up with the guidelines, i.e. keep our distance; wear our mask; wash our hands. However, our sector can play an important role in protecting the environment. Since the introduction of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) it is now possible to apply fertilisers and chemicals with precise accuracy, resulting in less wastage of these products. This can only be good for the environment, while, at the same time, saving money for the farmer or grower. I am particularly heartened to know that, when it comes to applying fertilisers, nitrogen in particular, reducing the amount being applied unnecessarily is good news, resulting in less leaching into water courses. Many believe that the benefits of precision agriculture only applies to large farms with huge capital investments. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are inexpensive and easy-to-use methods and techniques that can be developed for use by all farmers. We, as dealers and distributors can play our part, by giving support and back up with this new technology.

The development of more efficient engines has resulted in reduced fuel costs and less carbon emissions. Some companies have developed other forms of fuel, such as methane, to power their tractors. The progress of electric tractors, particularly in the higher horse power range is ongoing. There is still way more to go before we see these types of tractors on farms around Ireland. As we know, the sales of battery powered equipment, such as robotic mowers, strimmers and ride on mowers, is steadily on the increase, however, there are some concerns around the use of electric vehicles.

With electric vehicles becoming increasingly popular, the production of batteries to power these vehicles is steadily on the increase. Because of the many laws and regulations that are in place, batteries that are used in cars, for example, have to be replaced every 8 – 10 years, by which time the battery still has approximately 70% capacity. Many of these batteries are sent to landfill which contain many toxic elements such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese. Only around 5% of batteries are recycled. All of these metals contained in batteries are rare and expensive so finding a way to recycle them would be of great benefit to the environment. Mining these materials is often not environmentally friendly, sometimes causing river and soil pollution. It is ironic to think that, by reducing carbon emissions, electric powered vehicles and equipment are good for the environment, unlike fossil fuel powered vehicles, yet the carbon footprint used to mine the materials for producing batteries can be huge.

Recycling used lithium batteries is not as easy as it sounds. In fact it involves a complicated process with high energy consumption and costs that make it economically unviable. If we can efficiently recycle or upcycle used batteries in a more environmentally friendly way then we can truly say that battery powered equipment is the way to go for a greener and sustainable planet.