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June 24, 2026
The 2026 University of Nebraska–Lincoln Custom Rates Survey indicates that custom service charges have generally increased since the last biennial survey was conducted in 2024. Observed rate increases likely reflect higher machinery replacement costs, labor expenses, repair costs, insurance, fuel, and capital recovery requirements. As machinery ownership costs continue to rise and labor availability remains a challenge, many Nebraska farms and ranches continue to rely on custom service providers for specialized field operations and agricultural services.
Table 1 summarizes percentage changes for several common custom operations between 2024 and 2026. Statewide average charges for selected field operations, such as planting, increased in many cases, with reported rates ranging from approximately 12% to 26% above 2024 levels. Average harvest charges for corn, soybeans, and small grains increased from 6% to 11% over the same period. The statewide average custom harvest charge for irrigated corn increased to $50.70 per acre, while the average soybean harvest rate increased to $50.87 per acre.
Additional increases were reported for other commonly hired services. Charges for hauling grain to storage or an elevator increased modestly from $0.15 to $0.16 per bushel. The average statewide custom rate for baling large round bales increased 8% to $17.88 per bale.
Table 2 provides a summary of machinery operations and services most frequently reported in the 2026 survey. The table includes statewide average rates, the most commonly reported rates for each operation, and the reported range of charges across Nebraska. These comparisons illustrate that custom rates can vary substantially by region, operation type, and service provider.
The full Nebraska Custom Rates Report provides additional rate details by Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Districts.
Several factors contribute to differences in custom rates reported by survey participants. These factors may include field size, job complexity, soil conditions, travel distance, terrain, machinery size, local competition, and the number of responses received for individual operations. In some situations, operators may charge below-market rates for neighbors or relatives. Local supply and demand conditions may also influence rates from year to year.
Determining an appropriate charge for custom machine hire or agricultural services requires consideration of multiple factors. Producers and service providers should evaluate prevailing market rates reported in the survey, local demand for services, availability of qualified operators, and the ownership and operating costs associated with machinery use. Survey averages should be used as a guide rather than a fixed pricing schedule, particularly where local market conditions differ from statewide averages.
The Nebraska Custom Rates Survey is widely used by both service providers and producers who hire custom work. The survey is distributed by mail and electronically to Nebraska farm and ranch managers and agricultural service businesses that have indicated they provide machinery hire, equipment rental, or related services within the state. Survey responses are voluntary and self-reported. A total of 108 usable survey responses were received and tabulated for the 2026 report, with data reported for 123 custom operations. Rates are included in the full report only when at least three respondents provided current charges for a specific operation or service.
Reported rates are intended to reflect the cost of the machine, power unit, fuel, and labor unless otherwise stated. Contract farming, planting, fertilizer application, and chemical application charges generally do not include material or input costs. For baling operations, however, supplies such as wire, twine, or net wrap are typically included in reported charges. Individual operation descriptions in the full report provide additional detail regarding included expenses.
Complete survey results, including statewide averages and regional summaries for Nebraska’s eight Agricultural Statistics Districts, are published in University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension Circular EC 823 and are available online at cap.unl.edu/customrates. The information presented in the state summary and full report should be used as a guide when determining rates to charge or pay for custom agricultural operations.
Glennis McClure
Extension Educator / Farm & Ranch Management Analyst
Department of Agricultural Economics
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
gmcclure3@unl.edu
402.472.0661