Nebraska Farm Custom Rates Report

About the report

A survey of agricultural custom operators is conducted in Nebraska every two years. A total of 159 survey responses were received in 2024 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 the 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 2024 Nebraska Custom Rates Report

View webinar on 2024 Custom Rates

The Next Custom Rates Survey will be Prepared in 2026 — Sign up to Participate!

One of the 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. Anyone involved in providing custom work for hire in Nebraska may participate in the next 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 current 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.