This report presents the results of the 2025 custom rates survey for livestock-related services in Nebraska. The findings provide benchmark pricing for 26 custom operations commonly performed in livestock production, including processing, hauling, feed delivery, manure application, and fencing. The information is intended to help agricultural producers and service providers make informed decisions about custom service arrangements.
Custom farming services are a vital component of agricultural operations in Nebraska. When labor, equipment, or time is limited, producers often rely on external service providers for critical livestock-related tasks. Accurate and up-to-date information on custom rates is essential for budgeting, cost analysis, and contract negotiation.
To address this need, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability conducts regular surveys of custom service providers and users. This report presents the results of the 2025 livestock-related custom rates survey, with a focus on state-level averages and trends compared to those of prior years.
Data was collected via an online and paper survey administered to Nebraska-based custom service providers and producers during the first quarter of 2025. A total of 50 responses were received:
- 68% of respondents identified as custom service providers
- 32% indicated they had paid for livestock-related custom services in the previous 12 months
Respondents reported rates for a range of services. Reported rates typically cover the costs of labor, equipment, fuel, and supplies used while providing a service. Reported rates were averaged and included in the summary only if three or more responses were received for a given service. In cases where fewer than three responses were recorded, the rate was omitted due to statistical limitations.
Overview of Rates
The 2025 data show that livestock custom rates remain relatively stable compared to those reported in 2023. However, a few notable changes were observed:
- Artificial insemination services increased by approximately $2 per head
- Certain services were added or modified based on updated survey questions
- Some services only appear for one year due to limited response counts or newly introduced survey items
Table 1 summarizes statewide average rates for all qualifying livestock-related services. Table 2 compares selected rates from the 2023 and 2025 reports and the general Nebraska custom rates report published in 2024, which focuses more heavily on crop-related services.
Geographic Considerations
Unlike the general biennial Nebraska Custom Rates Report, which includes district-level data, the livestock-focused report is presented only at the statewide level. This is due to the lower number of survey responses, which prevents reliable geographic disaggregation.
Limitations
This report is subject to several limitations:
1. Sample Size – With fifty total respondents, the findings may not fully represent regional differences or market variability within the state.
2. Reporting Bias – Voluntary participation may introduce response bias due to the selection of participants who chose to complete the survey.
3. Comparability – Changes in survey design and question wording may impact year-over-year comparisons.
Conclusion
The 2025 livestock custom rates report serves as a valuable reference for cost benchmarking and service pricing in Nebraska’s livestock sector. While most rates have remained stable, producers and service providers should refer to multiple years’ reports to understand trends and regional variation. As always, actual service rates will vary based on job complexity, geographic location, provider availability, and market demand.
Participation in Future Surveys
To strengthen future reports, producers and service providers are encouraged to participate in upcoming surveys. Interested individuals may register at the following URL: https://cap.unl.edu/nebraska-custom-rates-survey-sign
| The 2025 Custom Service Rates related to Livestock Production in Nebraska report is available for download at: https://cap.unl.edu/customrates/ |
Glennis McClure, Extension Educator
Farm & Ranch Management Analyst
Department of Agricultural Economics
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
gmcclure3@unl.edu
402.472.0661