Rate for baling small square

[Anonymous-0]

I'm baling a few acres of grass hay for a couple of neighbors. They mow and rake, and I just bale. They pick up bales in the field to a flatbed trailer.

Any suggestions on what to charge per bale? Last year, based that on the local current price of grass hay in our area at that time, the 50-50 split typical for grass owner and mow-rake-bale guy, and the fact that I was only baling, not mowing and raking, I asked for and got 75-cents/bale. Here's how I got that number. Around here last year, good grass hay was going for $125/T, and for my 65 lb. bales, that was about $4/bale - 50-50 would give me $2/bale, but based on only baling, I estimated 75-cents/bale - a little over a third.

This isn't a big operation, and I'm not wanting to quibble over a few bucks among good neighbors. They are all generous and none of us wants to take advantage of th e other.

This year, good grass hay brings $170/T, so proportionally, I should get about $1/bale. One friend has already offered $1, and I'm guessing that the other will as well. I'm satisfied with a raise.

Still, I was curious...what's a reasonable rate for baling-only, per bale? The quantities here are around 170 bales for each neighbor. I run a MF35 diesel and JD 214WS wire baler, so my direct costs are about $65 each for two 6500 ft coils of wire and fuel,

Any suggestions appreciated!

Thanks!
Chuck, WA
Chuck, WA

 

[Anonymous-0]

Chuck on in eastern WA and a neighbor asked me last year what I would charge to bale his hay, I told him $1.50. He said that's what he was paying already, this year with the price of fuel it's going to be quite a bit more if I do any baling for others.

Bobg

 

[Anonymous-0]

Bob...

I was guessing I might be low, but didn't know I was that low!

I take it you're in Union Creek? I know where Union Creek is in the Cascades, and I know I've been through Union something or other out here in eastern WA, but can't find it on Google Maps. In fact, I have a photo taken there of grain elevators against a red sunset sky when my wife and I were on a drive out that way way back in the late 60s.

Thanks for the reply...good to have a reference point. I probably will stick with $1 for this year, but will have a good basis for an increase if the subject comes up again.

I guess I'm pretty soft...I'm selling the hay off my own few acres to a friend at way below market - $125/T - but then this friend has put in hours helping me build a barn and with other projects, so I welcome the chance to return a little of his generosity.

Chuck, WA

 

[Anonymous-0]

Chuck,

I over on the east side eight miles out of Colfax, live on Union Flat Creek. I was high on my quote to him but I really didn't want to bale as much as he had. Cutting way back on how much I hay and selling my cows and just going to run a few yearling to butcher in the fall. I have a lot of other things I should be doing.

Bobg

 

[Anonymous-0]

You may be thinking of Uniontown (on HWY 195 between Pullman and Clarkston), or Union Gap (in the Yakima area).

Nathaniel

 

[Anonymous-0]

Bob...OK, think I've been through there.

Understand about not really wanting to do it. I just retired in January and enjoy doing it, but the folks I do it for know that when the day comes that I get tired of it, I'm finished.

Thanks for the reply.

Chuck, WA

 

[Anonymous-0]

Nathaniel...correct! Now that you've jogged my memory, it is Uniontown where the elevators were that I mentioned. Thanks!

I know Union Gap as well...go through there more often than through Uniontown.

I'm west of Tri-Cities, up against the foot of the Horseheavens.

Thanks for the reply.

Chuck, WA