I just wish that folks down here were as willing to pay for equipment, expertise, insurance, fuel, other expenses, as those in other parts of the country. I suppose a few "prostitutes" (insert slang term here) are to blame for setting the market at a ridiculously low level.
Typically, we are able to charge 20.00 per acre for mowing. Lots of trees, ponds, etc, we can usually get 25.00 per acre. I am in a very rural area, where lots of folks have tractors. Bittersweet thing is that more and more folks are moving out here to the sticks, and buying small acreages. Most will buy themselves a small rider for a year or two, until they realize that an MTD 16HP mower is not designed to cut 2-1/2 acres of knee high grass. THEN they will come around to paying the 20-25 per acre. But as I said, even at these prices, it's hard to break even, much less make a profit. Especially when you load up Saturday morning at 6:00, drive 17 miles, unload, mow a "4 acre guaranteed clean pasture" for 80 bucks, and irrepairably cut a front R1 Tire on the Case DX33.. Soooo, $15.00 fuel (tractor and truck), insurance, 2 hours, 60.00 dollar tire..... equates to lost my tail this Saturday.. Oh well, comes easy and goes easier I suppose..
