Farming Costs and Rates in Ohio, 2010

In 2010, a statewide survey of 242 farmers, custom operators, farm managers, and landowners was conducted to determine custom rates for various agricultural operations in Ohio. The findings of this survey provide valuable insights for those seeking to hire custom services or for those offering such services.

Custom Rates for Various Operations

Chemical Control of Weeds or Insects

Spraying-Self-Propelled: $6.20 per operation
Spraying-Pull Type: $6.05 per operation
Highboy Spraying: $7.65 per operation

Grass/Legume/Pasture Seeding

Broadcast: $5.60 per operation
Grain Drill: $14.30 per operation

Planting Operations

Conventional Till: $15.70 per operation for planting Corn 30", $16.00 for No-Till
No-Till with Fertilizer Attachments (Corn 30"): $20.85 per operation
Planting Soybeans 15": $15.75 per operation
Drill Soybeans: $14.80 per operation
Drill Small Grains: $14.80 per operation

Mechanical Weed Control

Rotary Hoeing: $7.00 per operation
Conventional Cultivation: $10.35 per operation

Aerial Application

Apply Crop Protection Chemicals: $8.30 per acre

Grain Harvest

Harvest Corn (Combine, Cart, Haul to Farm Storage): $27.90 per operation
Harvest Soybeans (Combine, Cart, Haul to Farm Storage): $27.10 per operation
Harvest Wheat (Combine, Cart, Haul to Farm Storage): $26.65 per operation

Grain Storage-On-Farm

Monthly: $0.04 per bushel
Yearly: $0.18 per bushel

Fertilizer Application-Ground operations

Dry Bulk: $5.15 per acre
Liquid-Knifed: $7.65 per acre
Liquid-Sprayed: $6.45 per acre
Anhydrous: $10.30 per acre
Lime (per acre): $6.40
Lime (per ton): $8.70

Soil Preparation

Stalk Chopper: $10.10 per acre
Moldboard Plow: $17.30 per acre
Chisel Plow: $14.05 per acre
Disk Chisel: $14.80 per acre
Disk-Tandem: $14.75 per acre
Disk-Offset: $11.40 per acre
Soil Finishing: $11.10 per acre
Field Cultivator: $11.70 per acre
Land Leveling: $18.15 per acre
Subsoiling: $18.30 per acre
V-Ripping: $17.30 per acre
Strip Tillage: $17.30 per acre

Grain Drying

$0.05 per point of moisture removed per bushel

Important Considerations

It is essential to note that the published custom rates have a wide range due to various factors, including the type or size of equipment used, size/shape of fields, condition of the crop, the value of labor, the mix of labor and equipment used, and the different income needs of full-time custom operators versus farmers supplementing their income.

Before entering into an agreement, it is recommended to discuss all details of the specific job with the other party. Charges may be added if the custom provider considers a job abnormal due to factors such as distance, difficulty of terrain, amount of product or labor involved, or special requirements of the custom work customer.

Resources for Calculating Custom Operation Costs

Publications and online resources are available to help calculate the total costs of performing a given custom operation. Some resources that may be of assistance include unspecified publications available for calculating custom operation costs.

It is crucial to remember that the average custom rates published in the fact sheet do not guarantee that they will cover the total costs for performing the custom service or guarantee the ability to hire a custom operator for the average rate.

Some custom operations may be provided at bargain rates due to family relationships or the possibility of securing the custom farmed farmland in a cash rental or other rental agreement.

In the absence of search results providing information about the average rental prices for custom work in Ohio in 2010, it is advisable to consult with local agricultural extension offices or industry associations for more specific information.