One of the most common ways custom farming rates are determined is through the use of university extension survey results, point out Ohio State University experts. Their newest report, “Ohio Farm Custom Rates 2008,” is based on survey results from 205 Ohio farmers, custom farmers and farm managers. Rates may differ from those in other regions, depending on availability of custom operators and machinery, timeliness, operator skill, field size and shape, crop conditions, performance characteristics of the machine being used and demand for custom farming services.

Some average custom rates are summarized in the Ohio Ag Manager newsletter online at ohioagmanager.osu.edu/news/index.php#custom. A pdf of survey results can also be downloaded.