Ohio Custom Farming Rates Rise 7-10% Amid Crop Season

The custom farming rates for major crops have increased by 7% to 10% in Ohio, according to an updated survey released by Ohio State University. The survey was conducted every two years and received responses from 343 farmers, custom operators, farm managers, and landowners.

The increases are significant across all operations, including corn, soybeans, small grains, and silage/haylage chopping. For example, the cost of all machinery operations for corn has risen to $165.39 an acre, up from $154.50 in the previous survey.

Eric Richer, farm management Extension specialist with Ohio State University, noted that the response rate was higher than expected but still lower than ideal. He emphasized the importance of considering various factors when determining custom rates, including equipment type and size, timeliness, and labor costs.