2012 Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey

The results of the Iowa State University Custom Rate Survey are now available free of charge at the Adair County Extension office in Greenfield. ISU Extension Economist, William Edwards, compiles the responses from 276 Iowa farmers, custom operators, and farm managers considering the average rates charged for practically every farm operation from planting to harvest.  The survey also includes operations such as tub grinding, fence building, and chopping brush.

Actual custom rates may vary according to availability of machinery in a given area, timeliness, operator skill, field size and shape, crop conditions, and the performance characteristics of the machine being used. Included is a worksheet for estimating rental rates for other items.
 

Edwards cautions that the survey results assumed an average diesel price of $3.25 per gallon. A fuel price increase of .50 per gallon will cause total machinery costs to increase approximately 5 percent. All rates include fuel, labor and all other machinery costs for the tractor and implement.
 

Download the survey or pick up a copy of the survey results at the Adair County Extension office located at 154 Public Square in Greenfield.