Preliminary Wisconsin Custom Rates for 2025

The 2025 Wisconsin planting season has begun and we are pleased to share preliminary results from the 2025 Wisconsin Custom Rate Survey. This initial release includes rates for tillage and field preparation, crop planting operations, and application of fertilizers and chemicals. Full results for all field operations and updates of these preliminary rates will be published in the coming weeks.

The average rates provided reflect expected prices for the 2025 crop season. The survey asked respondents to report custom rates for 2024. These rates have been adjusted upward for inflation to 2025 rates by using the percentage increases for comparable operations between the 2024 and 2025 Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey. Please note that these custom rates are intended to serve as a general guide—actual rates will vary depending on local market conditions. The range of reported rates and the number of observations are included so users can assess the variability and uncertainty in these averages.

The Custom Rate Guide (2020) summarizes rates paid by Wisconsin farmers who hired custom work, custom operators and farmers who performed custom work, and machinery dealers who rented out equipment for field operations:

• Tillage
• Fertilizer and chemical application
• Manure services
• Planting
• Harvest operations 
• Hauling and trucking
• Machinery rental

Tools for Pricing Standing Corn Silage

Extension has developed online tools to help corn growers and dairy and livestock producers negotiate a fair price for corn silage. The tools encourage communication between buyers and sellers.

Pricing Standing Alfalfa

Pricing standing alfalfa requires an open conversation between buyer and seller, with both parties understanding the inherent value of the forage as well as the cost and risks of harvesting.