This publication reports the average rates paid by Kansas farmers and ranchers for custom work performed on their operation in 2006. A special thanks to the 1,239 farmers and ranchers, custom operators, co-ops, and elevators for their response to this survey. Our appreciation also goes to the Cooperative Extension Service’s county agricultural agents who reviewed the questionnaire.

The data in this book provide additional information to custom operators, farmers, and ranchers for making decisions about rate charges. The prices reported here should not be regarded as official or established rates. The average figures in this book give equal weight to all reports received.

The prices in this book include charges for machines, power, fuel, and the operator. These prices do not include the costs of chemicals, seeds, and other materials. The one exception is hay baling materials. Exchange work between farmers is not considered custom work.

There are large variations in the rates charged for specific jobs. For many items, the State averages may not be typical of any particular locale. There are many reasons for price differences. Some farmers may charge lower prices to neighbors, relatives, or close friends. Soil conditions and field sizes are also significant factors. Rates are often lower in western Kansas where the larger farms are well suited to extensive operation with heavy equipment.

The average custom rates charged in 2006 are generally similar to those reported in 2005. Of the over 130 custom work items or machinery rentals in this report, 88 increased in price, 8 were unchanged, and 36 decreased in price. The report contains historical tables and graphs which show the results of previous surveys.

In the past year, we have received many comments about the Custom Rates report from the agricultural community. We appreciate this feedback and encourage readers to continue sharing their ideas and suggestions regarding this survey.

GRAIN HARVESTING

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WHEAT: Custom rates for harvesting wheat averaged $15.78 per acre with, in most cases, an additional average charge of 14.9 cents per bushel for yields greater than 21 bushels per acre. The per acre rate is up 54 cents from 2005. Some respondents reported a flat rate per bushel harvesting charge, but there were too few reports to publish the data.

Custom Rates for Wheat Harvest, 2006, by District

District	Number of Reports 1/	Dollars per Acre		Number of Reports 1/	Extra Charge for High Yield
District	Number of Reports 1/	Range	Avg.	Number of Reports 1/	¢ per Bushel	Above Bushels

NW	54	12.00-18.00	14.94	50	14.8	21
WC	55	12.00-18.00	15.04	53	15.0	22
SW	57	10.00-18.00	14.56	49	14.7	21

NC	66	12.00-21.00	15.30	53	14.9	22
C	74	12.00-22.00	15.14	69	14.9	21
SC	110	13.00-20.00	15.16	100	14.9	21

NE	37	14.00-25.00	18.84	11	15.9	22
EC	33	15.00-30.00	19.42	8	15.1	24
SE	37	14.00-24.00	17.65	15	14.7	23

STATE	523	10.00-30.00	15.78	408	14.9	21

1/ Reports are counted in each district where combining was done; thus some reports are included in more than one district.

Custom Wheat Harvest Historical Rates
Year	Dollars Per Acre	Extra Charge for High Yield
Year	Dollars Per Acre	¢ per Bushel	Above Bushels
1990	12.83	11.8	21
1991	12.74	11.8	21
1992	12.90	12.1	21
1993	13.05	12.1	20
1994	13.03	12.2	21
1995	13.02	12.2	20
1996	13.32	12.4	20
1997	13.33	12.6	21
1998	13.32	12.6	21
1999	13.29	12.6	21
2000	13.68	12.8	21
2001	13.77	13.1	20
2002	13.80	13.1	22
2003	14.04	13.6	23
2004	14.48	13.6	21
2005	15.24	14.4	21
2006	15.78	14.9	21

GRAIN HARVESTING (Continued)

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GRAIN SORGHUM: Custom rates charged for harvesting of grain sorghum averaged $16.64 per acre, an increase of $0.13 per acre from last year. Additional charges averaged 14.8 cents per bushel for yields over 36 bushels per acre. Some respondents reported a flat rate per bushel harvesting charge, but there were too few reports to publish the data.

Custom Rates for Grain Sorghum Harvest, 2006, by District