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Ohio custom farming rates 2026
142 rates from the Ohio Farm Custom Rates 2026.
- Published by
- Ohio State University Extension (Farm Office)
- Published
- August 4, 2026
- Rates for
- 2026 · January–April 2026
- Responses
- 343 respondents
- Fuel
- Rates include the implement and tractor if required, fuel, oil, lube, twine, etc., and labor, except where noted.
- Diesel baseline
- not stated. No single diesel baseline. Report: 2025 EIA average on-highway diesel $3.66/gal; Midwest diesel during the survey period ranged $3.36–$5.81/gal, and authors assume most responses reflect the lower part of that range.
- Ranges
- Range is the minimum and maximum reported.
- Source
- Original report (PDF) · publisher page
Survey averages, not quotes. These are averages of what people reported in extension surveys. Use them as a starting point for a conversation, not as a price.
Tillage (19) · Planting & seeding (12) · Spraying (9) · Fertilizer application (9) · Harvesting (9) · Hauling (2) · Drying & storage (5) · Hay & forage (25) · Custom farming (all operations) (3) · Manure (15) · Labor (4) · Machinery rental (6) · Drainage & tile (14) · Other services (10)
Tillage
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalk Chopper compare states | $17.80/acre | $10.00 – $25.00 | 10 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Moldboard Plow compare states | $33.75/acre | $15.00 – $60.00 | 16 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Chisel Plow compare states | $23.58/acre | $14.00 – $34.00 | 18 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Disk Chisel compare states | $24.65/acre | $15.00 – $37.50 | 27 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Disk-Tandem compare states | $22.50/acre | $15.00 – $34.00 | 20 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Disk-High Speed | $25.48/acre | $13.00 – $40.00 | 29 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Soil Finishing compare states | $21.32/acre | $14.00 – $34.00 | 23 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Field Cultivator compare states | $21.51/acre | $9.50 – $34.00 | 35 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Vertical Tillage compare states | $21.31/acre | $10.00 – $35.00 | 37 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Land Leveling | $24.40/acre | $20.00 – $30.00 | 5 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Subsoiling: 8-15 Inches Deep compare states | $24.30/acre | $12.00 – $37.50 | 22 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| V-Ripping: Over 15 Inches Deep compare states | $26.33/acre | $20.00 – $31.00 | 6 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Strip Tillage compare states | $30.25/acre | $20.00 – $37.00 | 8 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Strip Tillage w/Fert. Injection compare states | $35.85/acre | $28.00 – $43.00 | 13 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Rotary Hoeing compare states | $13.24/acre | $5.00 – $17.00 | 17 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Conventional Cultivating compare states | $21.23/acre | $12.00 – $35.00 | 15 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Weed Electrocution check ⚠ Newer service; $44.10/acre is high relative to other weed control. Reported with 20 responses. |
$44.10/acre | $30.00 – $60.00 | 20 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Tine weeding | $17.06/acre | $8.00 – $25.00 | 8 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Flame Weeding - no materials few responses |
$30.50/acre | $20.00 – $46.00 | 4 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
Planting & seeding
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant Corn, 30 Inch Rows compare states | $25.20/acre | $15.00 – $39.00 | 54 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Plant Corn, 30 Inch Rows with Fertilizer Application compare states | $25.83/acre | $14.00 – $39.00 | 67 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Variable Rate Corn Planting | $27.28/acre | $15.00 – $40.00 | 25 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Plant Soybeans, 15 or 30 Inch Rows compare states | $25.12/acre | $12.00 – $45.00 | 82 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Variable Rate Soybean Planting | $25.14/acre | $15.00 – $35.00 | 21 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Drill Soybeans compare states | $21.68/acre | $12.00 – $45.00 | 36 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Drill Small Grains compare states | $20.74/acre | $10.00 – $39.00 | 44 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Forage/pasture/cover crop seeding - Cultipacker Seeding | $14.50/acre | $8.00 – $25.00 | 6 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Forage/pasture/cover crop seeding - Broadcast | $10.74/acre | $3.82 – $16.00 | 12 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Forage/pasture/cover crop seeding - Broadcast, incorporate (one pass) | $16.29/acre | $8.00 – $25.00 | 7 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Forage/pasture/cover crop seeding - Drill Cover Crops compare states | $21.57/acre | $10.00 – $42.00 | 28 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Forage/pasture/cover crop seeding - Roller - crimp termination | $10.60/acre | $5.00 – $15.00 | 5 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
Spraying
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spraying - Self Propelled Sprayer compare states | $10.63/acre | $5.00 – $25.00 | 105 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Spraying - Pull-Type Sprayer compare states | $10.22/acre | $7.00 – $12.50 | 16 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Spraying Late Season (High Clearance) compare states | $12.59/acre | $5.00 – $30.00 | 38 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Aerial application - Airplane/Helicopter: Chemical (Fungicide etc.) compare states | $14.84/acre | $11.00 – $20.00 | 40 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Aerial application - Airplane/Helicopter: Seed compare states | $14.44/acre | $10.00 – $20.00 | 16 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Aerial application - Airplane/Helicopter: Fertilizer | $14.13/acre | $11.00 – $20.00 | 12 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Aerial application - Drone/UAV: Chemical (Fungicide etc.) compare states | $14.98/acre | $8.00 – $20.00 | 42 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Aerial application - Drone/UAV: Seed compare states | $15.64/acre | $11.00 – $22.00 | 25 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
| Aerial application - Drone/UAV: Fertilizer | $17.15/acre | $12.00 – $20.00 | 10 | PDF p. 4 · calculate |
Fertilizer application
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Bulk, fixed rate compare states | $9.68/acre | $5.50 – $20.00 | 73 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Variable Rate Fertilizer Application | $10.96/acre | $1.50 – $25.00 | 54 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Liquid, Knife compare states | $14.32/acre | $6.00 – $25.00 | 24 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Liquid, Spray compare states | $10.69/acre | $6.50 – $18.75 | 39 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Anhydrous compare states | $17.86/acre | $12.00 – $25.00 | 15 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Late Season Nitrogen Application with Coulters compare states | $14.64/acre | $10.00 – $20.00 | 7 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Late Season Nitrogen Application with Drops compare states | $14.40/acre | $9.75 – $20.00 | 17 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Lime Application (Material not included) | $12.13/acre | $8.00 – $20.00 | 20 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
| Lime Application (Material not included) compare states | $11.53/ton | $4.50 – $16.00 | 17 | PDF p. 3 · calculate |
Harvesting
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest corn - Combine, Grain Cart, Haul Local to Farm compare states check ⚠ Only ~$8/acre above Ohio “combine only” corn ($37.35), while Iowa’s complete corn harvest averages $82. Possible respondent confusion about what is included. |
$45.41/acre | $25.00 – $75.00 | 76 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
| Harvest soybeans - Combine, Grain Cart, Haul Local to Farm compare states | $43.20/acre | $25.00 – $72.00 | 80 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
| Harvest wheat - Combine, Grain Cart, Haul Local to Farm | $44.51/acre | $20.00 – $72.00 | 52 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
| Added Charge GPS Mapping | $3.13/acre | $1.00 – $6.00 | 12 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
| Combine Only - Corn compare states | $37.35/acre | $15.00 – $65.00 | 81 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
| Combine Only - Soybeans compare states | $35.54/acre | $15.00 – $65.00 | 85 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
| Combine Only - Small Grains compare states | $36.08/acre | $15.00 – $65.00 | 65 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
| Ear Corn Picker few responses |
$30.00/acre | $15.00 – $50.00 | 4 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
| Grain Cart compare states | $8.03/acre | $3.00 – $15.00 | 19 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
Hauling
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grain hauling - Farm to Market compare states check ⚠ Minimum reported is $0.01/bu, which pulls the range down. Average is used, not the minimum. |
$0.19/bushel | $0.01 – $0.52 | 69 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
| Grain hauling - Field to Farm compare states check ⚠ Minimum reported is $0.01/bu, which pulls the range down. Average is used, not the minimum. |
$0.10/bushel | $0.01 – $0.22 | 35 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
Drying & storage
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Farm Storage Charge compare states outlier ⚠ +67% vs. the cross-state median ($0.03) for “On-farm grain storage (per bushel per month)”. |
$0.05/bushel/month | $0.01 – $0.12 | 30 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
| On Farm Storage Charge | $0.16/bushel/year | $0.03 – $0.60 | 27 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
| On Farm Moisture Removed compare states | $0.04/point/bushel | $0.01 – $0.10 | 21 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
| Commercial elevator/terminal - Storage Charge per Month | $0.11/bushel/month | $0.03 – $0.16 | 27 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
| Commercial elevator/terminal drying - Moisture Removed compare states | $0.05/point/bushel | $0.01 – $0.10 | 19 | PDF p. 5 · calculate |
Hay & forage
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silage/haylage - Chopping only | $382.14/hour | $200.00 – $650.00 | 7 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Silage/haylage - Chop, Haul, Fill | $10.68/ton | $7.00 – $14.40 | 5 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Silage/haylage - Chop, Haul, Fill | $453.57/hour | $400.00 – $525.00 | 7 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Silage/haylage - Packing Bunker Silo | $149.00/hour | $50.00 – $350.00 | 8 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Silage/haylage - Silage Trucking few responses |
$146.25/hour/truck | $110.00 – $175.00 | 4 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Hay - Mowing compare states | $16.75/acre | $2.00 – $45.00 | 16 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Hay - Mowing/Conditioning compare states | $17.17/acre | $5.00 – $35.00 | 32 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Hay - Raking compare states | $11.64/acre | $3.00 – $25.00 | 28 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Hay - Merging Windrows | $10.71/acre | $2.00 – $19.00 | 7 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Hay - Tedding compare states | $10.95/acre | $2.00 – $30.00 | 25 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Hay - Trucking (flatbed or van) | $3.36/loaded mile | $1.00 – $6.00 | 9 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Small square bales - Baled and Dropped on Ground compare states outlier ⚠ -40% vs. the cross-state median ($1.88) for “Baling small square bales”. |
$1.12/bale | $0.52 – $2.00 | 13 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Small square bales - Baled and Loaded on Wagon | $1.55/bale | $0.55 – $3.00 | 11 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Small square bales - Added Charge to Haul and Store | $1.36/bale | $1.00 – $2.00 | 7 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Small square bales - Baled, Loaded, Hauled, and Stored | $3.06/bale | $1.25 – $6.00 | 12 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Small square bales - Baled and accumulated | $1.97/bale | $1.50 – $3.00 | 9 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Large round bales - Baled and Left in Field compare states | $11.98/bale | $8.00 – $15.00 | 23 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Large round bales - Baled and Wrapped in Plastic - Plastic Included check ⚠ Ohio publishes two rows with this same label ($12.43, n=21 and $20.13, n=8) in the large round bale table. The second appears under “Baled, Net Wrapped and Hauled from Field”. Both kept as published. |
$12.43/bale | $8.00 – $20.00 | 21 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Large round bales - Baled, net wrapped and hauled from field - Net wrap included | $19.44/bale | $12.00 – $30.00 | 9 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Large round bales - Baled and Wrapped in Plastic - Plastic Included check ⚠ Ohio publishes two rows with this same label ($12.43, n=21 and $20.13, n=8) in the large round bale table. The second appears under “Baled, Net Wrapped and Hauled from Field”. Both kept as published. |
$20.13/bale | $8.00 – $25.00 | 8 | PDF p. 6 · calculate |
| Large square bales - Baled and Left in Field compare states | $12.91/bale | $10.00 – $16.00 | 11 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Large square bales - Baled and accumulated | $14.20/bale | $10.00 – $18.00 | 5 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Large square bales - Baled and Hauled from Field | $18.40/bale | $15.00 – $20.00 | 5 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Large square bales - Move Stack or Large Bale few responses |
$2.63/bale or stack | $1.00 – $6.00 | 4 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Complete hay harvest - Mow, Rake, Bale, Haul and Store - Custom Hired | $59.83/ton | $20.00 – $130.00 | 6 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
Custom farming (all operations)
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom farming, all machinery operations - Corn compare states | $165.39/acre | $80.00 – $300.00 | 18 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Custom farming, all machinery operations - Soybeans compare states | $155.53/acre | $75.00 – $350.00 | 19 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Custom farming, all machinery operations - Small Grains | $157.80/acre | $90.00 – $250.00 | 15 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
Manure
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid manure - Pump & Spread (Tanker-Surface) | $0.014/gallon | $0.01 – $0.03 | 11 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Liquid manure - Pump & Spread (Dragline-Surface) | $0.011/gallon | $0.01 – $0.02 | 18 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Liquid manure - Pump, Spread & Incorporate (Dragline) | $0.012/gallon | $0.01 – $0.02 | 11 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Liquid manure - Pump, Inject/Sidedress (Dragline) | $0.013/gallon | $0.01 – $0.02 | 7 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Liquid manure - Standard Setup Charge (Dragline jobs) | $882.14/job | $500.00 – $2,000.00 | 7 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Liquid manure - Upcharge if Sand is Used for Bedding | $0.001/gallon | $0.001 – $0.003 | 5 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Liquid manure - Hauling Liquid Manure per Hour with Semi | $136.53/hour | $100.00 – $165.00 | 18 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Liquid manure - Agitator Charge | $0.001/gallon | $0.001 – $0.005 | 6 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Liquid manure - Agitation Boat | $294.44/hour | $200.00 – $400.00 | 9 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Liquid manure - Fracture Tank few responses |
$500.00/day | $500.00 – $500.00 | 4 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Liquid manure - Extra Hose Charge Greater than 1 Mile from Pit/Lagoon | $0.004/gallon | $0.001 – $0.009 | 10 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Solid manure - Spreading Manure at Field | $183.33/hour | $120.00 – $230.00 | 6 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Solid manure - Spreading Manure at Field | $11.85/ton | $1.50 – $34.00 | 10 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Solid manure - Hauling & Spreading Manure within 2 Miles | $201.67/hour | $150.00 – $250.00 | 6 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
| Solid manure - Hauling & Spreading Manure within 2 Miles few responses |
$11.75/ton | $10.00 – $15.00 | 4 | PDF p. 7 · calculate |
Labor
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farm labor - General Farm Labor | $20.34/hour | $12.00 – $36.00 | 87 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Farm labor - Machinery Operation compare states | $23.98/hour | $12.00 – $40.00 | 54 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Farm labor - Semitruck Driving (Seasonal) | $24.33/hour | $12.00 – $36.00 | 40 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Farm labor - Milking Cows few responses |
$19.75/hour | $15.00 – $30.00 | 4 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
Machinery rental
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental - Tractor compare states | $0.41/horsepower/hour | $0.10 – $0.80 | 12 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Rental - Grain Drill | $13.20/acre | $6.00 – $20.00 | 6 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Rental - Bobcat or Skidsteer Loader | $258.75/day | $80.00 – $500.00 | 6 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Rental - Dry Bulk Fertilizer Applicator | $7.67/acre | $4.00 – $10.00 | 9 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Rental - Liquid Fertilizer Applicator Bar | $8.50/acre | $6.00 – $10.00 | 6 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Rental - Machinery Storage | $2.52/square foot/year | $0.60 – $6.72 | 5 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
Drainage & tile
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drainage/tile - Drainage Plow - 4" Plastic | $0.41/foot | $0.18 – $0.80 | 20 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Drainage/tile - Drainage Plow - 6" Plastic | $0.64/foot | $0.18 – $1.75 | 19 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Drainage/tile - Drainage Plow - 8" Plastic | $0.85/foot | $0.20 – $2.00 | 11 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Drainage/tile - Wheel or Trencher - 4" Plastic | $1.21/foot | $0.18 – $4.00 | 12 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Drainage/tile - Wheel or Trencher - 6" Plastic | $1.64/foot | $0.30 – $4.00 | 13 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Drainage/tile - Wheel or Trencher - 8" Plastic | $1.64/foot | $0.30 – $4.00 | 13 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Drainage/tile - Wheel or Trencher - 10" Plastic | $1.64/foot | $0.30 – $4.00 | 10 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Drainage/tile - Wheel or Trencher - 12" Plastic | $1.86/foot | $0.35 – $4.00 | 10 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Drainage/tile - Wheel - 15" Plastic (including outlet cart) | $4.33/foot | $1.15 – $10.00 | 5 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Drainage/tile - Wheel - 18" Plastic (including outlet cart) | $4.93/foot | $1.00 – $12.00 | 5 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Drainage/tile - Excavator compare states | $162.71/hour | $35.00 – $350.00 | 24 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Drainage/tile - Backhoe compare states | $150.00/hour | $50.00 – $300.00 | 19 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Drainage/tile - Trench closing if not included in cost above |
$134.00/hour | $20.00 – $300.00 | 5 | PDF p. 8 · calculate |
| Drainage/tile - Cutting Waterways few responses |
$7.25/feet | $2.50 – $10.00 | 4 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
Other services
| Job (survey wording) | Average | Range | Responses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bush Hogging compare states | $25.33/acre | $10.00 – $80.00 | 12 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Bush Hogging | $99.06/hour | $20.00 – $200.00 | 16 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Bulldozing compare states | $164.64/hour | $75.00 – $300.00 | 14 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Track Hoe - Cleaning Ditches compare states | $177.35/hour | $80.00 – $330.00 | 17 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Clearing Land | $208.85/hour | $100.00 – $500.00 | 13 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Remove Snow - loader | $170.83/hour | $35.00 – $350.00 | 6 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Remove Snow - blade | $154.17/hour | $25.00 – $350.00 | 6 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Hauling Livestock few responses |
$3.19/mile | $2.25 – $5.00 | 4 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Soil Testing | $15.86/sample | $10.00 – $25.00 | 7 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
| Grid Soil Sampling | $8.55/acre | $5.00 – $12.00 | 10 | PDF p. 9 · calculate |
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