Extension services in Maryland and Delaware will be collecting custom survey rates this fall. We need your assistance in securing up-to-date information about farm custom work rates, machinery rental rates, and hired labor costs. Custom rates are used widely by farmers across the states, so we need the best information available.
Please respond even if you know only a few rates. We want information on actual rates, either what you PAID TO HIRE work or what you CHARGED TO PERFORM custom work. Custom Rates should include all ownership costs of implement & tractor (if needed), operator labor, fuel, and lube. Reported rates will be summarized in the Custom Rate Survey to show a range and averages for the states. NO individual names or rates will be published in the Custom Rate Survey.
The results will be available at local Extension Offices and will be available online at https://extension.umd.edu/grainmarketing. We hope this publication will benefit you as a custom farm operator. Thank you for your cooperation in this effort.
The survey can be completed online at: https://go.umd.edu/customrate2025 or to get a blank survey call the Talbot County Extension office at 410-822-1244. Please complete the survey by December 31, 2024.