Nebraska Farm Custom Rates Report

Sprayer at dusk.

About the report

A survey of agricultural custom operators is conducted in Nebraska every two years. A total of 193 survey responses were received in 2022 with information reflecting the current rates charged by custom operators for machine hire services and other work they provide for neighboring farms and ranches or as part of a business enterprise that covers a broader area. Survey participants identified by Nebraska Extension personnel, or in some cases, self- identified custom operators, received a paper survey or a web link to complete the custom rates survey online.

Actual rates paid for custom services may vary from those listed in these survey results due to differences in the operators responding and those providing services across the State. This report provides a summary of State averages for specific custom operations in Table 1. More detailed information covering results of the custom rates survey by Nebraska Agricultural Statistical Districts is provided in two parts. Part I of the survey focused on spring and summer farm and ranch operations such as planting, tillage, and baling hay. Part II of the custom rates survey included questions about fall operations such as harvesting, hauling grain and livestock, as well as miscellaneous custom work activities on the farm.

Download 2022 Nebraska Custom Rates Report View Webinar about Report

The Next Custom Rates Survey is in the Works — Sign up to Participate!

One of most popular Nebraska Extension publications for those involved in providing or hiring custom machine hire on farms and ranches is the biennial custom rates survey. The 2024 custom rates survey is now in development. Anyone involved in providing custom work for hire in Nebraska may participate in the survey. The larger the survey sample size of those completing the survey, the more useful the survey results will be. Go to this web link to enter your contact information so a survey can be sent your way: cap.unl.edu/nebraska-custom-rates-survey-sign

Contact information and questions regarding the 2024 survey may be sent to Glennis McClure, Extension Educator – Farm and Ranch Management Analyst, University of Nebraska, via email: gmcclure3@unl.edu or by phone: (402) 472-0661.

The 2024 custom rates survey will be available to be completed online or a print copy can be sent to participants. The online version is designed to go direct to the specific survey sections that pertain to the operation, so it saves time.

The Nebraska custom rates survey includes spring and summer operations such as tillage, planting, and haying in part one. The second part surveys operators that provide custom machine hire typically done in the fall, including grain harvest, hauling, cutting ensilage, hauling livestock and other miscellaneous operations. Results from the 2024 survey will be published by 2nd quarter of 2024. Custom rate information in Nebraska is grouped in the report by the eight Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Districts.

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New for 2023! Livestock-Related Custom Rates Report

Each year, many Nebraska farmers and ranchers inquire about prevailing rates paid for certain kinds of custom farm services. In addition to the regular biennial custom rates services survey and report, the Center for Agricultural Profitability launched a new survey that provides data for producers and operators that work closely with the livestock industry in Nebraska.

2023 Livestock-Related Custom Rates

Contact

Glennis McClure
Extension Educator
Farm and Ranch Management Analyst
402-472-0661
gmcclure3@unl.edu

Read More

Find more analysis of the 2022 Custom Rates Report in the June 29 edition of "Cornhusker Economics."

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