Hay Baling Rate

[Jeff McBride]

What does everyone charge for custom baling? I get $1 a bale for the smaller square bales. Just wondering if this is about right, to much or not enough. I don"t think it would be worth hooking the baler up for much less than that. Just wanted to check with others in the area would be nice. Thanks In advance
Jeff

 

[flying belgian]

$1/bale sounds ok until they call you from 4 miles away to come and bale 20 bales that they cut in the old cow yard. That's why I charge $65/hour from the time I leave home till the time I pull back into my driveway. You want me to come and bale 700 bales. Fine. $65/hour. Want me to bale 7 bales. Fine. $65/hour.

 

[Don-Wi]

I do $1 a bale dropped on the ground, with a minimum hourly charge. I only bale for one guy right now and I think he may be done next year with beef animals so probably won't have to deal with it much after that.

Last year I picked up a guy who set the rate for either $2 per bale or 1/2 the hay, and all I had to do was show up with a baler and drive. Hard to turn down an offer like that...

Donovan from Wisconsin

 

[DeltaRed]

I charge 75 cents per bale.100 bale minimum.

 

[Bill VA]

Back in the day, many times hay was cut on shares, the guy cutting took 50% and left 50% of the bales for the farm. Don't know if 50% of the going price of a bale of hay is a good deal or a rip-off, but tractors and hay equipment and one's own time ain't cheap. But I agree, there should be a minimum charge.

 

[MSS3020]

I charge 1.50 per bale.. cut, raked, baled..WOuld make better money taking half and selling it at $5.00 per bale.. I put up 425 bales Wednesday. At 1.50 thats 637.00. without me doing a thing but sitting on tractor. Id rather take half 210 and sell for 5.00 per which would be $1000.00+..Not that hard to pickup 200 bales.

 

[Jeff McBride]

I was thinking that a buck was to much but I think I will stay right there. Thanks Guys

 

[GordoSD]

If you do shares, and sell yours you should get 2/3 or 66% Figure that out.

 

[GordoSD]

In an hour you should be able to drop 275 bales on the ground. You are working WAY TOO CHEAP. At 60/40 share you would have 165 bales at minimum of $4 bale or $660 per hour.But hook up, travel time you are in three hours or still $220 per hour.

 

[Nathan (SD)]

The main guy around here gets 80 cents a bale. 100 minimum. Dropped on the ground or he will pull you around on your wagon too. If it is too far to drive he just says no. NH 269 baler.

 

[redforlife]

I pay .65 a bale for plastic twine tied square bales to be baled. If your doing wire tied, you might be to cheap. I would have a minimum charge for those really small jobs that otherwise wouldn't be worth your time.