fair price for cutting hay

[Tim_in_IA]

My sickle mower exploded while cutting this year so I had to hire it out to the neighbor. It is nice to have people that can help you out in a pinch. I asked him what he wanted for the work and he always said he needed to check. It has been a month or so and I'd like to have him back for the 2nd cutting. It is grassy stuff.

My question is, what would be a fair price per acre if I wanted to just write him a check. I don't want any hard feelings so I want to be fair, but I can tell I'll never get an answer from him. It is a small job that he can get done in half a day. Maybe 14 large 5x6 round bales out of the 1st cut.

Thanks!

 

[HammerFour]

I called my local ag extension agent and they provided me with what the average custom rates were for tractor work, mowing, raking, baling hay large round and square bale, rotary cutting, discing, you name it.

I think mostly the hay mowing was per acre, I am thinking it was in the 10-15 dollar per acre range, I will try and look when I get home from work.

You might try calling your local ag extension office.

 

[AndyMA]

How many acres? If you went $50/hour and he worked 4 hours, that would be $200. Less then you'd pay for typical hired out work, but enough to not be an insult. I'd give him cash.

Andy

 

[Paddy]

But the hay is worth $260-$300

 

[Tim_in_IA]

HammerFour,

Spoke with my father about it tonight and he said basically the same thing that you did. Check with the ag extension and they will know the going rate. And yes 200 would be more than the hay is worth.

 

[Hootie]

I just paid $13/bale for 4X5 round bales (cut, rake, bale). They are really tight (Vermeer baler). That is pretty much the going rate around here.

 

[roxynoodle]

I assume you own the hay and he just did the cutting/baling, am I right? Around here a farmer will cut hay your own for about $1 a bale (small rectangular bales). I'm not sure how many of those make up a big round bale.

 

[Tim_in_IA]

He just did the cutting. I raked and baled with my own equipment. My cutting equipment was out of commission so that's why he cut it for me.

 

[barticus73]

I would think $100 cash would be a generous offer. Your not only paying for him cutting, but also for the convenience of him being there to do it. It also saved your fields as well by having them cut plus saved you from having to buy and tranport from elsewhere. This would cover the second cutting as well as it doesn't sound like a big area.

 

[normde2001]

I would put the money into another sickle mower. Not enough hay there to be economical to hire out the cutting.