The 2026 planting season in Wisconsin is underway, and we are pleased to present preliminary findings from the 2025 Wisconsin Custom Rate Survey. This early release highlights rates for tillage and field preparation, planting activities, and the application of fertilizers and chemicals. A comprehensive report covering all field operations, along with updated figures, will be made available in the coming weeks.
Survey participants provided custom rates for 2025 data crop year. The reported rates include fuel and the driver. These figures are intended as general benchmarks; actual rates may differ based on local supply, demand, and operating conditions. To provide additional context, we include the range of reported values and the number of responses, allowing users to gauge the level of variation and reliability of the estimates.
To adjust these rates for inflation to 2026, they can be increased by 6% based on the producer price index from March 2025 to March 2026. For example, adjust chisel plowing rates by multiplying $20.83 by 1.06 to get $22.08 per acre. Alternatively, the Iowa State Custom Rate Guide reports a percentage increase by operation category. For example, the 8.5% increase for preharvest operations suggests a chisel plowing rate of $20.83 x 1.085 = $22.60 per acre.
We are continuing to collect data for the 2025 crop year. To complete the current survey, use this link: go.wisc.edu/CustomRates. We sincerely appreciate the contributions of all participants who have supported this effort so far.
