7T:-il
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS MAY 1964
SERIES 4
i'
C
CUSTOM
RATES
In Alabama
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
OF AUBURN UNIVERSITY
E. V. Smtih, Director Auburn, Alabama
~~i~p~Sp 8~ri

FARM MACHINERY CUSTOM RATES IN ALABAMA - 1963
Page
Introduction .. ,. . ... . .. . ....
Typical Custom Rates Paid or Charged, Alabama ... ".e""
Custom Rates Paid or Charged for Major Farm Operations, by
Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1 963:
Breaking land (Bottom or Disk Plow) .
Harrowing land (Disk Harrow) . ....
Harrowing land (Spike Tooth Harrow).
Application of liquid nitrogen . . .
Spreading fertilizer. . . . . . .
Spreading lime or basic slag . . . .
Planting row crops (Two-row Equipment)
Planting row crops (Four- row Equipment)'
Rotary hoeing row crops . . . . a * *
Cultivating or cultivating and ferti liz,
" 0 9 0 9" 0
" f A " "
" 0" 0b 0" 0 9
ing row
f "
crops
r(0F"
5:s
I"
Planting small grain . " . . " . *.*"*.*e*.*.*.*"
Mowing hay .. * . . . .* ** 0 0
Raking hay . .0 .0. e .00
Bating hay . . * . . . . * 0 0 *.*.*.*.*.9.*.
Raking and baling hay . . . . * . * * . . . . . ,
Mowing, raking, and baling hay 0 "* . " ,*. .
Corn picking . .* . ,0.0. " . .0.0 .0 0 .0
Corn picking and shelling 0.*.0. * * . . 0.9.* .*
Combining small grains .*00 .** . . .
Combining legume seed*. . " 000*000
Digging peanuts . . . . 0 . 0 0 .0.0.0.0.0.0.0.*.
Shaking peanuts . .0 . 0 0 . 0 0 0 0.0.0.0.0.0.0
Digging and shakingpeanuts . 0 0*
Combining or picking peanuts ** "00* . . .
Cutting or shredding stalks . .*"0.
Clipping or mowing pastures (Cycle or Rotary Mower)
Dusting for insect and disease control .*. .0.*.0
Spraying for insect and disease control . . . 0 0 0
Spraying pecans for insect and disease control .*
Spraying pastures for weed control . . 0 * 0 0 0 0
Digging post holes *. . 0.0.0.0.9. 0 0 0 * .*.0.0
Bulldozing .0.0.0.0f .*.0 . . 0. .. 0.*. .0.0f0.0.0
Anticipated Changes in Custom Rates from 1963 to 1964
Appendix:
Custom hiring vs. machine ownership . . 00.0.0.0.
Costs of machine ownership compared with custom rates
0
1
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S
e
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0
rr
IS
III
9
10
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19
20
21
22
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24
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36" 0 0 0
" " 0 "
0 0 0 0
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39
FARM MACHINERY CUSTOM RATES IN ALABAMA, 1963*
Tom D. Nolen**
Assistant in Agricultural Economics
Custom work may be defined as the hiring of men with machines for
performance of a specified machine task. The custom rate must cover
the machinery cost, labor furnished, and materials that may be supplied
by the custom operator. The cost of materials such as dusts or seed
generally is not included.
Custom work is normally provided by those who own and operate
specialized machines or equipment as a business, or by farmers who have
excess machine capacity and labor on their own farms.
Custom operations are performed on Alabama farms for a variety of
reasons. Machine ownership costs are eliminated by the one who hires
the custom operator. Capital can be invested in other enterprises.
Skilled labor can be hired along with the use of the machine. Individual
operators who hire custom work may avoid the risks of 
obsolescence of
equipment as a result of new engineering developments and 
market
conditions.
There are often certain advantages to 
the custom operator. Custom
work may provide an additional source of income. 
It may help to lower
*This study was supported by State Research funds.
**The author acknowledges the cooperation and assistance 
of the
Auburn University Cooperative Extension Service Personnel and the sample
of Alabama farm operators from whom basic data were obtained. Special
acknowledgment is due J. T. Gaillard, Extension Specialist in Farm
Mechanization, for assistance in planning and expediting the survey
phases of the study.
-1 -
per unit machinery costs for the custom 
operator by providing more
acres or units of machine use.
Hiring custom work may have some disadvantages. 
Service may not
be available when the job should be performed. 
The quality and quantity
of the custom work available may be low. In some cases, 
annual costs
of hiring custom work may be higher than ownership costs 
for the machine.
Noxious plants and diseases may be spread. Also, in some 
cases, the
farmer hiring custom work may not have alternative uses 
or he may have
limited uses for labor that may be released.
During the fall of 1963, a survey was conducted to determine the
custom rates being paid or charged for major farm operations in Alabama.
Results of this survey provided information on rates 
that were paid or
charged in 1963.
Questionnaires were mailed to 10 farmers in each county in the State
who hired or performed the largest volume and variety of custom work.
Names of these farmers were supplied 
by county agents. A total of 374
usable questionnaires were returned.
Within an area, size of equipment used in most cases did not appear
to influence custom rates. However, between areas there were differ-
ences in custom rates according to size of equipment used. These differ-
ences can be explained by differences in soil types, type and size of
machinery required to do the job, and size of fields.
Typical custom rates paid or charged for major farm operations 
in
Alabama in 1963 are given in Table 1. Also given are the ranges 
in
rates charged for these operations. The most common rate was the one
reported most often. The usual range was based on lowest and highest
3
rate reported provided more than one farmer 
or custom operator reported
this rate. In some cases, custom rates are given 
in the State table
but not in the area tables. In these cases, there were insufficient
data to determine differences 
between geographic areas.
Variations existed in custom rates between geographic areas of the
State. The State was divided into seven areas 
in order to detect differ-
ences. Figure 1 indicates area boundaries and names assigned to the
seven areas. Custom rate data, as reported for these areas, are given
by major farm operations for 1963 in Tables 2 through 33. The number
of returned questionnaires used in this report is also shown by counties
in Figure 1.
Since 1951, custom rates have not shown substantial changes.
There has been a tendency for the traditional charge to prevail. How-
ever, certain rates have shown evidence of change since the first
custom rate data were assembled for Alabama in 1951 as shown below:
Custom operation : Unit : 1951 : 1958 : 1963
: Dol. Dol. Dol.
Breaking land------------; Per acre : 4.00 3.00 4.00
Planting row crops--------: Per acre : 2.50 2.00 2.00
Cultivating row crops-----: Per acre : 2.00 1.50 2.00
Baling hay---------------: Per bale : .15 .20 .15
Combining small grains-..--: Per acre : 10.00 6.00 6.00
Combining legume seed-----: Per acre : 10.00 6.00 8.00
Corn picking-------------: Per acre : 5.00 6.00 6.00
4
Farm operators included in the 1963 survey were asked to indicate
the expected change in custom rates paid or charged for 1964. Replies
were in the following terms: "expected increase," "expected decrease,"
or "no change in rates." A summary of these replies by major geographic
areas of the State is shown in Table 34.
Tennessee
Valley
Upper Coastal
Plains
Black Belt -
Southwestern
Coastal Plains
Sand Mountain
Piedmont
Wiregrass
Figure 1. Number of Custom Rate 
Questionnaires
Returned and Used, by Counties and 
Geographic
Areas, 1963
6
for Major Farm Operations,
Table 1. Typical Custom RatesPi rCagd
Alabama, 1963 1/
Operation 
Unit
Breaking land------- Per acre
Breaking land--------------- Per hour
Harrowing land:
Disk harrow------------ *?Per acre
Disk harrow ----------- - Per hour
Spike-tooth harrow----------? Per acre
Spreading lime or basic slag:
Tractor spreader -------- Per acre
Truck spreader --------- Per ton
Spreading fertilizer:
Tractor spreader"--------___ Per 
acre
Truck spreader---------- Per ton
Applying liquid nitrogen---- Per 
acre
Applying anhydrous ammonia-- 
Per pound
Applying anhydrous ammonia------w 
Per acre
Planting row crops:
Two-row equipment ---------- : 
Per acre
Two-row equipment-----------~ 
Per hour
Four-row equipment------ 
Per acre
Rotary hoeing row crp----- 
Per acre
Cultivating, or cultivating 
and:
fertilizing row crps----- 
Per acre
Cultivating. or cultivating and
Most
rate
:Dollars
* 4.00
* 4.00
* 2.00
" 4.00
* 100
* 2.00
. 3.00
o"
* 1.00
:or 2.00
3.00
" 1.00
* .04
1.00
2.00
" 4.00
2.00
" 1.00
2.00
" 4.00
* 20
Rate
Usual range
in rates
Dollars
2.00 - 6,00
2.00 - 6.00
1 .00
2.*00
1 *00
4.00
6.00
1 .50
.50 - 2.00
1 .50 -4.50
.50 -
1.50
.50
.03
1.00
1.50
3.00
1.50
.50
2.00
5.00
4.00
.04
3.00
3.50
6.00
3.00
2.00
1.00 3.00
3.00
1.00
6.00
3.00
2.00 1 .00 - 3.00
Co nnuedTonext page
Table 1. (Continued) Typical Custom Rates Paid or Charged, 
for Major
Farm Operations, Alabama, 1963 1/
Operation Unit Most Usual range
common 
i :tA
Mowi ng hay-mom do Per acre
Mowing hayPerhour
Raking hay-- Per acre
Raking hay Per bae
Baling hay__-_r___ 3 Per bale
Baling hay-r Per ton
Raking and baling hay--Perbale
Mowing, raking, and baling hay_-- ? Per bale
Silage cutting (without hauling).: Per acre
Silage cutting (without hauling).. Per hour
Corn pi cki ng_____I Per acre
Corn picking---------------------Per bushel
Corn picking and shelling....--....Per acre
Corn picking and shelling.........- ?Per bushel
Combining small grain------ m------- Per acre
Combining small grain--............Share
Combining legume seed............Per acre
Combining legume seed.............Share
Digging and shaking peanuts--......Per acre
Digging peanut s................... ?Per acre
rat
:Dollars
* 2.00
a?
aw
" 4.00
ai
" 100
a"
* .05
.15
6.00
? .20
.25
a"
? 10.00
10.00
ai
6.00
a"
"15
: 10.00
.20
aa
6.00
1/4
a?
a?
8.00
1 /2
: 3.00
2
2.0
.
(Continued 
on next page)
I II f a t.CJ
Im
DollJars
1.00 - 4.00
2.50 - 6.00
1.00 - 2.00
.02 - .10
.10 - .25
5.00 - 8.00
.15 - .30
.20 - *140
5.00 - 12.00
5.00 -10.00
5.00 - 10.00
.10 - .25
6.00 -10.00
.15 - .25
2.00 -10.00
1/6 - 1/2
2.00 -10.00
1 /6 - 1/2
2.00 -5.00
1.e50 - 2.00
Table 1 . (Continued) Typical Custom Rates Paid or Charged, for Major
Farm Operations, 
Alabama, 1963 Y/
ate
Usual rang
Operation* Unit
Shaking peanuts--------------Per acre
Combining or picking peanuts-------Per ton
Combining or picking peanuts-----: Per acre
Mechanical picking of cotton-----a Per lb.,
Cutting or shredding stalks----;-Per acre
Cutting or shredding stalks----- Per hour
Clipping or mowing pastures------ Per acre
Clipping or mowing pastures----- Per hour
Dusting for insect and disease
control:
Tractor duster-------------o Per acre
Airplane--------------------.. Per pound
Spraying for insect and disease :
control-----------------Per acre
Spraying pecans for insect and
disease control (includes
materials)-----------Per tree
Spraying pastures for weed
control..------.__-------------4 Per acre
Digging post hls------- Per hole
Bulldozing:
D-6 or TD 14-----------. Per hour
D-7 or TD18-------c Per hour
common
WAN to
rate
:Dol lars
a 
2.00
o"
: 20.00
: 15.00
lint : .06
: 2.00
4.00
: 2.00
4.0
1.00
? 1.00
1.00
10.10
or15.00
---- ---- --- -- a
? 0
o"
.1
rlrrrrrrrrla
It~rr12.50
125
or150
2.50
.15
10.00 - 15.00
10.00 - 20.00
i/ Tables 2 through 
33 present custom rates 
and explanations that
pertain to custom operations for 
geographic areas of the State.
m
in rates
Dol ars
1.00 - 2.00
20.00 - 25.00
10.00 - 15.00
.o6 - .07
1 .00 - 3.00
3.00 - 5.00
.50 - 4.00
2.50 -7.00
.50 - 2.00
.05 - .05
.50 - 2.00
1.00 -1.00
.50 -
*05 ..
9
Table 2. Breaking Land (Bottom or Disk Plow): Custom 
Rates Paid or
Charged, by Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 1/
" Custom rates paid or charged
Geographic "
area 
Per acre 
Per hour
Most ; Usual range, Most ; Usual range
;common rate: in rates . common rate ; in rates
: Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley-----: 4.00 3.00 - 4.50 3/ 3/
Sand Mountain---------: 4.00 3.00 - 5.00 3.50 3.00-5.00
Piedmont-------------: 4.00 3.00 - 6.00 4.00 3.00 - 6.00
Upper Coastal Plains-: 4.00 3.00 - 4.00 4.00 2.00 4.00
Black Belt-----------: 4.00 2.00 - 6.00 3.00 3.00 - 4.00
Southwestern Coastal
Pltai ns------------: 3.00 3.00 - 4.00 3.00 3.00 - 4.00
Wi regrass----------: 3.00 2.00 - 4.00 3/ 3/
STATE: 4.00 2.00 ,- 6. 00 4.00 2.00 - 6.00
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, plow,
and operator .
2/ Within areas, it did not appear that size of equipment influ-
enced the custom rate per acre.
3/ No report or inadequate sample.
10
Table 3. Hi ri jn~ nd(Disk Harrow): Custom Rates Paid or Charged,
by Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 1
Custom rates paid or charged 2/
Geographic
area ic Per acre Per hour
Most : Usual range; Most Usual range
common rate in rates common rate: in rates
: Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley-----: 2.00 
1.00 - 2.00 3/
Sand Mountain-------: 3.00 it 1.50 - 3.00 3.501/ 3.00-5.00
Piedmont---------------2.00 2.00 - 3.00 4.00 3.00 - 6,00
Upper Coastal Plains-: 2.00 1.50 - 3.00 3.00 3.00 - 5.00
Black Belt-----------: 3.00 1.50 - 4.00 3.50 2.00 - 4.50
Southwestern Coastal
Pl1ains-------2.00 1.50 - 3.00 3.00 3.00 
- 4.00
Wi regrass-----._ft----------150 1 .00 - 2.00 3/ 
3/
STATE--------'--: 2.00 1.00 - 4.00 4.00 
2.00 - 6.00
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, harrow,
and operator.
2/ Within areas, it did not appear that size of equipment influenced
custom rate per acre.
3/ No report or inadequate sample.
An equal number reported $2 per acre.
5/ An equal number reported $5 per hour.
i1
Table 4. Harrowing Land (Spike 
Tooth Harrow): Custom Rates 
Paid or
Charged, by Geographic Areas, Alabama, 
1963 1/
Geographic Custom rates paid or charged per acre 3/
area 2/:
" Usual range in
* Most ccnmon rate
* Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley-- --- : 
1.50 1.50 -
1.50
Black B 1.00 
100 1.00
Wiregrass-1 *50 1 .00 1010 1.50
T100 1900 1.50
1Items furnished by the custom operator included power, harrow,
and operator.
2/ For geographic areas not shown, there were no reports or sample
was inadequate.
3/ Within areas, it did not appear that size of equipment influenced
the custom rate per acre.
Table 5. Cusl of Liquid Ni troqen
Charged, by Geographic Areas, Alabama,
Custom Rates Paid or
1963 
2
* Custom rates paid or charged per acre 3/
Geographic
area 2/ sa ag
:Mostcommon rate
rates
* Dollars Dollars
Black Bet-a .a .e o__.1.00 
1.00 - 100
Southwestern Coastal ?
Plains - --------.-- 1.00 
1.00 . 1.00
Wiregrass---------------.1.00 
1.00 - 1.00
TAE--_._ _._.01.00 
0.50 4.00
1/ Items furnished by the person 
doing the operation included
power, applicator, and operator. Materials 
were furnished by the
person hiring the operation performed.
2/ For geographic areas not shown, 
sample was inadequate.
3/ This range includes data for 
all areas of the State although
responses in four areas were inadequate 
to report area figures.
12
Table 6. Spreading Fertilizer: Custom Rates Paid or Charged, by
Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 1/
* Custom rates paid or charged
Geographic 
Per acre, 
Per ton,
area tractor 
spreader/ : 
truck spreader
Most . Usual range: Most Usual range
common rate: in rates common rate in rates
: Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley-----: 2.00 1.00 - 2.00 2.50 1.50- 2.50
Sand Mountain-------- 3/ 3/ 4/ 1.50 - 4.00
Piedmont-------------: 3/ 3/ 4/ 2.00 - 4.00
Upper Coastal Plains-: 1.50 1.00 - 1.50 4.00 2.00 - 4.00
Black Belt------- 1.50 1.50 - 1.50 3.50 3.00 - 5.00
Southwestern Coastal :
Plains------------: 1.00 1.00 - 2.00 4.00 4.00 - 4.00
Wiregrass------------: 1.00 .50 - 2.00 3.00 3.00 - 5.00
STATE-----------: 5/ 0.50 - 2.00 3.00 1.50 - 5.00
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, spreader,
and operator. Materials were furnished by the person hiring the opera-
tion performed.
2/ For tractor spreaders, the most common 
rate per hour was as
follows: $4 in the Sand Mountain 
Area; $4 in the Piedmont; $3 in the
Upper Coastal Plains; $3 in the Southwestern 
Coastal Plains. For truck
spreaders, the most common rate 
per acre was $2 in the Southwestern
Coastal Plains.
3/ No report or inadequate sample.
4/ No rate most common.
5/ An equal number reported $1 and $2 per acre.
13
Table 7. Spreading Lime or Basic Slag: Custom Rates Paid or Charged,
by Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 1/
Custom rates paid or charged
Geographic Per acre, Per ton,
area tractor spreader truck spreader
Most : Usual range. Most . Usual range
.common rate . in rates : common rate. 
in rates
: Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley-----: 2.00 2.00 - 2.00 2.00 1.50 - 2.50
Sand Mountain--------: 3/ 3/ 3.00 4/ 2.00 - 4.00
Piedmont------------: 3/ 3/ 3/ 3/
Upper Coastal Plains-: 3/ 3/ 4.00 2.00 - 4.00
Black Belt----------: 5/ .50- 2.00 3.00 2.00- 3.50
Southwestern Coastal :
Plains------------: 1.00 1.00 - 2.00 5/ 2.00 - 4.50
Wiregrass------------: 1.00 
1.00 - 2.00 3.00 1.50 - 4.50
STATE-----------: 2.00 0.50 - 2.00 3.00 1.50 - 4.50
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator 
included power, spreader,
and operator. Material was furnished by 
the person hiring the opera-
tion performed.
2/ For truck spreaders, the most common rate 
per acre was $2 in
the Southwestern Coastal Plains. 
For tractor spreaders, the most common
rate was $2 per ton in the Tennessee 
Valley; in the Piedmont Area it
was $4 per hour.
3/ No report or inadequate sample.
/An equal number reported $3.50 per ton.
5/No rate most common.
14
Table 8. Planting Row Crops (Two-Row Equipment: Custom Rates Paid
or Charged, by Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963
Custom rates paid or charged
Per acre : Per hour
Most Usual range: Most Usual range
;common rate, in rates common rate in rates
" Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley---__: 2.00 2.00 - 3.00 2/ 2/
Sand Mountain--------: 2.00 2.00 - 3.00 3.50 3.50 - 5.00
Pieont-------------00 3.50 - 6.00
Upper Coastal Plains-: 2.00 2.00 - 2.00 3.50 3.00 - 3.50
Black 3.00 1.o50 - 3.00 4.00 4.00 - 4.00
Southwestern Coastal
Plains------ -----_: 2.00 2.00 - 2.00 3.00 3.00 - 3.00
Wi regrass-----------:_t 2.00 1.50 - 3.50 2/ 2/
STATE--------------2.00 1.50 - 3.50 4.00 3.00 - 6.00
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, planters,
and operator .
2/ No report or inadequate sample.
15
Table 9. Planting Row Crops 
(Four-Row Custom 
Rates Paid
or Charged, by Geographic Areas, 
Alabama, 1963 /
e Custom rates paid or charged per acre
Geographic
area 
2i
* Most common rate Usual range
rates
?" D~folltarsDolr
Tennessee Valley-..-_..__. 
2.00 1.50-2.00
Black Belt--------------- 
3.00 3.00 
- 3.00
?
Southwestern Coastal
Plains - ----. ' 2.00 1.50 2.00
?
STATE_"* m 2.00 1.*50 3.00
1/ Items furnished by custom operator included power, planters, 
and
operator.
2/ For geographic areas not shown there was 
no report or sample
was inadequate for four-row equipment.
Table 10. Rotary Hoeing Row Crops: Custom 
Rates Paid or Charged, by
Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 1/
Geographic Custom rates paid or charged per acre 3/
area 2
Most common rate : 
Usual range in
0~rates
Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley--------t--:1.50 
1.00 - 2.00
Sand Mountain...__.._.--. 2.00 
1.50- 2.00
hoe, and operator.
2/ For geographic areas not shown, there was no report or sample
was inadequate.
3/ Within areas, it did not appear that size of equipment influenced
the custom rate per acre.
16
Table 11. Cultivating or Cultivating and Fertilizing RowrCrops: Custom
Rates Paid or Charged, by Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 1/
Custom rates paid or charged
Geographic
area . Per acre Per hour
area
Most : Usual range. Most Usual range
,common rate. in rates common rate " in rates
" Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley----: 2.00 1.00 - 2.00 3/ 3/
Sand Mountain---_w---: 2.00 2.00 - 2.50 4.00 3.50 5.00
Piedmont---, .---: 3/ 3/ 4.00 
3.00 6.00
Upper Coastal Plains-: 2.00 4/ 1.00 - 2.00 4.00 
3.00 4.00
Black Belt ---------- : 2.00 1.00 - 3.00 3/3/
Southwestern Coastal
la -----. _--_ 2.00 5/ 1.00 - 2.00 3/ 3/
Wiregrass----------- ... : 1.50 1.00 2.00 3/ 3/
STATE -_-__--.____ : 2.00 1.00 3.00 4.00 3.00 6.00
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, cult"-
vator s, fertilizer attachment, and operator.
2/ Within areas, it did not appear that size of equipment influ-
enced the custom rate per acre.
3/ No report or inadequate sample..
7~/ An equal number reported $1 .
5/ An equal number reported $1 .50.
Planting Sm~all Grain: Custom Rates Paid
Geographic Areas,Aa1l bama, 1963 1
or Charged, by
Custom rates paid or charged per acre 2/
Geographic'
area Usual range in
Most common rater
Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley---------.-. 2.00 1.50 - 3.00
Sand Mountain--s 2.00 1.50 - 2.50
Piedmont 3/ 3/
Upper Coastal P ains-----.-_-. 1.50 1.50 - 1.50
Black Bel1t-..MM .501.50 2.00
Southwestern Coastal
Pains- - - - - 2.00 1.*00 - 2.50
Wi regrass---"--_-_-. - 2.004/1.*00- 
3.00
STATE----...--d_..-.--.-.". 2.00 1.00 - 3.00
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, 
grain
drill, and operator.
2/ Within areas, it did not appear that size 
of equipment influenced
the custom rate per acre. The most common 
rate per hour was as follows:
$5 in the Piedmont, and $3 in the Upper Coastal Plains.
3/ No report or inadequate 
sample.
4/ An equal number reported $1.
Table 12.
17
18
Table 13. Mowing Hay: Custom Rates Paid or Charged, by Geographic
Areas, Alabama, 1963 1/
Custom rates paid or charged 2/
Geographic
area a 
Per acre 
Per hour
Most Usual range Most Usual range
:common rate in rates common rate; in rates
Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley-----: 2.00 1.00 - 3.00 3/
Sand Mount ai ... _,.. 2.00 1.50 - 3.00 4.00 3.00-6.00
Piedmont -_-..--------: 2.00 2.00 - 3.00 4.00 3.00-6.00
Upper Coastal Plains .: 2.00 2.00 - 4.00 3/ 3/
Black Belt-- ------. : 1.50 1.00 1.50 3/ 3/
Southwestern Coastal
- 2.00 2.00- 3.00 4.00 2.50 - 5.00
Wi regrass..------- : 2.00 1.*50 - 2.00 3/ 3/
STATE-.------: 2.00 1.00 - 4.00 4.00 2.50 6.00
l/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, cycle
mower, and operator.
2/ Within areas, it did not appear that size of equipment 
influenced
the custom rate per acre. In some areas, custom rates were 
reported on
a per bale basis. On this basis, the most common 
rate for the State
was 5 cents per bale.
3/ No report or inadequate sample.
19
Table 14. Raking Hay: Custom Rates Paid or Charged, by Geographic
Areas, Alabama, 1963 l/
Custom rates paid or charged 2/
Geographic
area , Per acre Prbl
area 
?
Most Usual range: Most Usual range
:common rate : in rates common rate in rates
Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley- --4 1.50 1.00 - 2.00 0.05 0.02-0.05
Sand Mountain-------" 1.00 1.00 - 1.00 .05 .02 - .05
Piediont ---------- : 3/ .05 .05-.10
Upper Coastal Plainsf: 1.00 1.00 - 1.00 .05 .05 - .05
Black Belt-N--------_-: 4/ 1.00 - 1.50 .05 .02 .05
Southwestern Coastal
Plains----..------: 1.00 1.00 1.50 .05 .05 - .10
Wi regrass----~-: 1.50 1.00 2.00 3/ 3/
STATE----M----: 1.00 1.00- 2.00 0.05 0.02 0.10
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, equip-
ment, and labor.
2/ Within areas, it did not appear that size of equipment influ-
enced custom rate. In some areas, custom rates were reported on a per-
hour basis. On this basis the most common rate for the State was $3
per hour.
3/ No report or inadequate sample.
2/ No rate most common.
20
Table 15. Baling Hay: Custom Rates Paid or Charged, by Geographic
Areas, Alabama, 1963 1/
Custom rates paid or charged
Geographic 
per bale 
Per ton
area
* 9
Most :Usual range. Most Usual range
,common rate: in rates common rate: in rates
: Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley- -- 0 0.15 0.15 " 0.20 2/
Sand Mountin--------= .20 .15 - .25 2/ 2/
Pi edmont .20 .15 - .25 2/ 
2/
Upper Coastal Plains-* .15 .15- .25 -6.00 6.00 - 6.00
Black Bel t .----. w.--.-: ..b 15 . .16 6.00 5.00 - 8.00
Southwestern Coastal
Plisf._.o.__ .15 .15 .25 2/ 2/
Wi regrass--".---.__-..: .15 .10 .20 2/ 2/
S T A T E --- 0.15 0.10 0.25 6. 00 5.00 8."00
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator
twine or wire, and labor. Hauling was done by
operation performed.
2/ No report or inadequate sample.
included power, equipment,
the person hiring the
21
Table 16. Raki ng and Bal inq Hay: Custom Rates Paid or Charged, by
Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 1/
Custom rates paid or charged per bale /
Geographic
area
Most common rate Usual range 
in
rates
SDollarsDolr
Tennessee Valey _...____,._ 0.20 0.15-0.25
Sand Mountain-------------- .25 .20 - .30
Pie2dmont--------------5 .20 -- .30
Upper Coastal Plains-------o .25 .20 - .25
Black Belt-_ __--------------. .20 .15 - .20
Southwestern Coastal
.lis-_.s _. 25 .18 _.25
Wi regrass ------- __- -- .20 .15 - .25
STATE __.. ------ :0.20 0.15 - 0.30
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, equipment,
wire or twine, and labor. Hauling was done by the person hiring the
operation performed.
2/ In some areas, rates were reported on a per-ton basis. On this
basis, the usual range i n rates for the State was $6 to $10 per ton.
22
Table 17. Mowing, R akinn dBal 1nc pia Custom Rates Paid or Charged,
by Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 1/
Geographic : Custom rates paid or charged per bale 2/
area
Most common rate Usual range in
rates
Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley- - 0.25 0.25-0.35
Sand 3.untain-25- 
.35Ng .... _ .30
Piedmont-------------- C--- .30 .25 " *40
Upper Coastal Plains W----. .30 .25 .35
Black Bel .25 .20 .30
Southwestern Coastal
Plains------------- - .25.25- 30
Wi regrass--------------.25 3/.20 -. 30
STATE-----------------._ 0.25 0.20 - 0.40
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator 
included power, equipment,
wire or twine, and labor. Hauling was done by the person hiring 
the
operation performed.
2/ In some areas, rates were reported on 
a per-ton basis. The most
common rate per ton was as follows: $10 in the 
Upper Coastal Plains,
$10 in the Black Belt, and $8 in the Wiregrass.
3/ An equal number reported 20 cents.
23
Table 18. :.Corn.Pickin: Custom Rates Paid 
or Charged, by Geographic
Areas, Alabama, 1963 1/
Custom rates paid or charged 2/
Geographic ?
Per acre Per bushel
areaa
Most :Usual range: Most Usual range
,common rate: in rates common rate in rates
Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Va 6ey--O-: 6.00 5.00 - 8.00 0.15 0.10 - 0.15
Sand Mountin-----AW 6.00 6.00 - 7.00 .15 .15 - .20
Piedmont _-.___- -- : 6.00 6.00 -7.00 .15 .10 -.
25
Upper Coastal Plains- : 5.00 5.00 -10.00 .15 .15 - .25
Black Belt-----------: 8.00 5.00 - 9.00 3/ 3/
Southwestern Coastal
Plains------- -:_ 6.00 M 5.00 8.00 3/
Wiregrass.---------: .... w ; 5.00 5.00- 7.00 3/ 3/
STATE........ : _0 6.00 5.00 - 10.00 0.15 0.10 
- 0.25
l/ Items furnished by the custom operator included 
power, picking
equipment, and operator. Hauling was done by 
the person hiring the
operation performed.
2/ Within areas, it did not appear that size 
of equipment influenced
the custom rate per acre.
3/ No report or inadequate sample.
l/An equal niumrber reported $7.
24
Table 19. Corn Pickin ad Shellinq: Custom Rates 
Paid or Charged, by
Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 1/
Custom rates paid or charged 2/
Geographic 
Per aPer
area 
acre
Most a Usual range. Most ange
:common rate: in rates common rate?in rates
Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee alley---M-: 8.00 6.00 -10.00 0.20 
0.15w0.25
Sand MountainW-- ----: 3/ 3/ .25 .15 - .25
Upper Coastal Plains-:o 3/ 3/ .20 .20 - .25
Southwestern Coastal
PlisW.,.e.__*. 10.00 7.00 -10.00 3//
Wi regrass -a..__-..M..: 10.00 7.00 -10.00 3/ 3/
2W00STATE--..-: 10.00 6.00 -10.00 0.20 
0.15 - 0.25
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, picker-
she l ler, or combine, and labor. Hauling in some instances was done 1
the custom operator.
2/ In the Wiregrass area, custom rates paid or charged for corn
picking and shelling were also reported on a per-ton basis. On this
basis, the most common rate was $10 per ton.
3/ No report or inadequate sample.
by
25
Table 20. Combining Small1 Grains: Custom Rates Paid or Charged, by
Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 1/
Custom rates paid or charged
Geographic?
Per acre Share basis
area -
a o
Most Usual range; Most Usual range
.common rate in rates common rate in rates
Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley-----: 6.00 2.00 - 8.00 1/4 1/6 - 1/3
Sand Mountain-------- --3/ 5.00 -10.00 1/4 1/4 - 1/4
Piedmont-----------------6.00 Li 3.50 -10.00 1/4 1/L - 1/L
Upper Coastal Plains-: 6.00 6.00 0.00 1/2 1/4 - 1/2
Black Belt----------- 8.00 6.00 -10.00 1/2 1/ 1/2
Southwestern Coastal
Plains-_----------: 6.00 6.00 - 7.00 5/ 5/
Wiregrass---- --------- 6.00 6/ 5.00 -10.00 5
STATE--------6.00 2.00 -10.00 1/Li 1/6- 1/2
l/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, combin-
ing equipment, and combining labor. Hauling was furnished by the person
hiring the operation performed.
2/ Within areas, i t did not appear that size of equipment inofluenced
the custom rate per acre or per hour.
j No rate most common.
4/An equal number reported $5.
5/ No report or inadequate sample.
~An equal number reported $10.
26
Table 21. Combi ni nq Lequme Seed: Custom R~ates Paid or Charged, by
Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 1 /
Custom rates paid or charged 2/
Geographic 
Per acre 
Share basis
area
Most Usual range. Most Usual range
,common rate : in rates . common rate in rates
Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley--- a: 8.00 3/ 2.00 -10.00 1/4 1/6 - 1/2
Sand Mountain--------: 8.00 3/ 8.00 -10.00 1/2 1/4 - 1/2
Piedmont--------: 4/ 4/"1/2 1/2-1/2
Upper Coastal Plains-: 4/ 4/ 1/2 1/4 - 1/2
Black Belt ------ ,-., 8.00 8.00 -10.00 1/2 1/2 - 1/2
Southwestern Coastal
Plains------------: 7.00 6.00 - 8.00 1/2 1/2 - 1/2
Wi regras -----------: 6.00 5/ 5.00 -10.00 1/2 1/2 - 1/2
STATE ---------- : 8.00 2.00 -10.00 1/2 1/6 - 1/2
1Items furnished by the custom operator included power, combining
equipment, and combining labor. Hauling was done by the person hiring
the combining performed.
2/ Within areas, it did not appear that size of equipment influenced
the custom rate per acre or per hour.
3/ An equal number reported $10.
I/No report or inadequate sample.
5/ An equal number reported $5.
27
Table 22. Djgging Peanuts: Custom Rates Paid or Charged, Wiregrass
Area, Alabama, 1963 I/
Geographic 
Custom rates paid or 
charged per acre
area 
2/
: Most common rate Usual range in rates
" Dollars Dollars
Wiregrass--..-----.-: 2.00 1.50 - 2.00
1/ Items furnished by the person doing the operation included power,
equipment, and operator.
2/ For geographic areas not shown, there was no report or sample
was inadequate.
Table 23. Shaking Peanuts: Custom Rates Paid or Charged, Wiregrass
Area, Alabama, 1963 1/
Custom rates paid or charged per acre
Geographic 
area 2/ : :
SMost common rate Usual range in rates
: Dollars Dollars
Wiregrass---..-------: 2.00 1.00 - 2.00
1i/ Items furnished by the person doing the operation included powers
equipment, and operator.
2/ For geographic areas not shown, there was no report or sample
was inadequate.
28
Table 24. Digging and Shaking Peanuts- Custom Rates Paid or Charged,
Wiregrass Area, 
Alabama, 1963 j
Custom rates paid or charged per acre
Geographic
area Most common rate Usual range in rates
o Dollars
Wiregrass-- ----. =e3.00 2.00 -5.00
1/ Items furnished by the person doing the operation included power,
digger-shaker, and operator.
3, For geographic areas not shown, 
there was no report or sample
was inadequate.
Combining or Picking Peanuts:
Wiregrass Area, Alabama, 1963 2
Custom Rates Paid or Charged,
Custom rates paid or charged 3/
Geographic PrtnPrar
area 2/ Per__ton____Per__acre
Most : Usual range C Most 
Usual range
,common rate:o in rateso common rate:0 in rates
00 0
?Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Wi regrass-----__.--------20.00 .20,00_25.00 15.00 10.00-)15.00
I/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, equi p-
ment, l abor and in most cases, hauling peanuts to market.
2/ For geographic areas not shown, there was no report or sample
was inadequate.
3/ In most cases rates were based on use of peanut combines; how-
ever , in some cases they included rates for pull-type pickers.
Table 25.
29
Table 26, Cutting or Shredding Stalks: Custom Rates Paid or Charged,
by Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963j/
Custom rates paid or charged 2/
Geographic
area . Per acre Per hour
Most :Usu range Most Usual range
,common rate: in rates common rate: in rates
Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley---.-: 2.00 1.00 - 2.00 4.00 4.00 - 4.00
Sand Mountain2.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 3.00 - 5.00
Piedmont-------_ .-- : 3/ 3/ 300 3.00 -3.00
Upper Coastal Plains-: 2.00 2.00 . 2.00 3.50 3.00 - 4.00
Black Belt-----------: 1.50 1.00 - 3.00 3/ 3/
?
Southwestern Coastal
Plains----------: 2.00 2.00 - 2..50 3//
Wi regrass-----------: 2.00 1.00 A 2.00 3/
STATE----------- 2.00 1.00 - 3.00 4.00 3.00 . 500
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, equip-
ment, and operator.
3/ Within areas, it did not appear that size of equipment had any
influence on the custom rate.
3/ No report or inadequate sample.
30
Table 27. Clippngor Mowin Pstures (Ccle or Rotary Mower) : Custom
Rates Paid or Charged, by Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 1/
SCustom rates pai d or charged /
a o
Geographic : Per acre
area a :...a
Most Usual range: Most Usual range
:common rate: in rates common rate: in rates
o"o
?Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley-----: 2.00 2.00 - 3,00 4,00 4.00 - 5.00
Sand Mountain--..---: 3/ 5.00 3.00 - 5.00
Piedmont ------- ----- : 2.00 2.00 - 2,00 4.00 3.00 - 7.00
Upper Coastal Plains-: 2.00 1.00 - 4.00 4.00 3.00 - 4.00
Black Belt 1----------- 1.50 1.00 - 3.50 2.50 2.50 - 4.00
Southwestern Coastal
P a 2.00 .50 - 2.50 3.00 2.50 - 5.00
Wi regrass-----------:_; 2.00 1.00 - 3.00 3/
STATE------------:e 2.00 0.50 ?- 4.00 4.00 2.50 - 7.00
j/Items furnished by the custom operator included power, mower,
and operator.
2/ Within areas, it did not appear that size or type of equipment
influenced the custom rate per acre.
3/ No report or inadequate sample.
1/ An equal number reported $3.50.
31
Table 28. Dustin For Insect and Disease Control: Custom Rates Paid
or Charged, by Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 .w/
Custom rates paid or charged
Geographic Per acre with Per pound with
G ographi area tractor dustera n
Most ' Usual range' Most Usual range
:common rate: in rates : common rate: in rates
Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley----.: 0.75 0.50 - 1.50 00.05 0?05 - 0.05
Sand Mountainft__..-.._?75 .50 - 2.00 2/
Piedmont .to ------- : 1.00 / .50 1.00 2/ 2/
Upper Coastal Plains-: .75 .50 - 1.00 .05 .05 - .05
Black Belt -Q----.----:" 1.00 .50 - 1.50
Southwestern Coastal:
Plisot.d,.,_.- 1.00 .50 - 1.00 2/ 2/
Wi regrass---_---- .50 .50 - 1.00 .05 .05 - .05
STATE--,W-----__e 1.00 0.50 - 2.00 0.05 0.05 - 0.05
1/ Items furnished by the
and operator for tractor duster
custom operator included
operati on;
operator for aerial application. Materials
hiring the operation performed.
2/ No report or inadequate sample.
3/ An equal number reported 50 cents.
power, duster,
and airplane, duster, and
were furnished by the person
32
Table 29. Spai n fr2 necLdDisease Control:n Custom Rates Pai d
or Charged, by Geographic Areas, 
Al abama, 1963 j/
Custom rates paid or charged per acre
Geographic
area Most common rasual range in
Motcomnrae :rates
? Dollars Dla
Tennessee Val,,ley--7--------05 0.75 1.50
Sand Mountain--.- ---- ww-- ---- 1.00 .75 
- 1.50
Pie1dmon. --- _w----L--- 00 .50 - 2.00
Upper Coastal Plains--------. .75 .50 - 1.00
"oBlack Bet.rrww ceswww.1.00 .75 - 1 .50
Southwestern Coastal
Plains-----------------100 100 - 100
Wiregrass-------------------- 1.00 .50 - 1.00
STATE ---- 1,0--100 0.50 - .00
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, sprayer,
and operator. Materials were furnished by the person hiring the opera-
tion performed.
2/ Within areas, it did not appear that size or type of sprayer
influenced the custom rate per acre.
Table 30. S5praying Pecans for Insects and Diseases Control. Custom
Rates Paid or Charged, Wiregrass Area, Alabama, 1963 1/
Geograhic .Custom rates paid or charged 
per tree
-- Q Most common rate Usal range in rates
~33
Table 31. Spraying Pastures for Weed Control:. Custom Rates Paid or
Charged, by Geographic Areas, Alabama, 
1963 .1/
Geographic 
Custom rates 
paid or 
charged per 
acre
ar ea
Mostcommn rae : Usual range in
Mos 
commonrates
Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley------- 2/ 1.50 2.50
Sand Mounain-------------- .00 100 - 1.00
Piedmonto"/1.00 
1.0
Upper Coastal Plains------- 2/ 
.50 - 1.50
Black Beltt ___ _; 1.00 .50 - 1.50
Southwestern Coastal"
P lai ns-------- -. 1.000 .50 - 2.00
Wiregrass---------------1.00 .50 - 1.00
STATE -----------._---------1.00 0.50 - 2.50
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power, applicator
and operator. Materials were furnished by the person hiring the opera-
tion performed.
2I No rate most common.
34+
Table 32. Digqing Post Holes: Custom Rates Paid or Charged, by
Geographic Areas, Alabama, 1963 1
Geographic
area
Tennessee Valle----------rrr
Sand Mountain---------
Piedmont-----.O .m------------m
Black Be lt-----------
Custom rates paid or
Most common rate
Dollars
0.10
.10
.10
.10
charged per hole
Usual range in
rates
Dollars
0.05 - 0.15
.10 - .10
.10 - .10
.06 - .10
STATE 0.10
0.05 - 0.15
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included 
power, digger and
operator.
2/ For geographic areas not known, there was no report or sample
was inadequate.
3/ In some areas the custom rate paid or charged for digging post
holes was reported on a per-hour basis. On this basis, the most 
common
rate was as follows: $5 in the Sand Mountain Area, and $3.50 in the
Piedmont Area.
L-
..
.mmommadow
35
Table 33. Bulldozing: Custom Rat s Paid or Charged, by Geographic
Areas, Alabama, 1963 21
Custom rates paid or charged
Geographic Per hour with D-6 Per hour with D-7
area or TD-14 or TD-18A
Most 'Usual range Most .Usual range
common rate: in rates 'common rate ' in rates
" Dollars Dollars Dollars Dollars
Tennessee Valley------ 12.50 12.00-15.00 .12.50 12.50-15.00
Sand Mountain-__,.--- ; 12.50 12.00-12.50 12.50 10.00-20.00
Piedmont___________ : 3/ 10.00-15.00 15.00 12.00-15.00
Upper Coastal Plains-- : 12.50 12900-13.00 12.00 12.00-15.00
Black Belt------------: 12.50 10.00-12.50 
12.00 10.00-15.00
Southwestern Coastal
Plains-------------_: 12.50 ~/ 12.00-12.50 12.00 10.00-12.50
Wiregrass-------------: 12.00 10.00_12.00 12.50 12.00-14.00
STATE-------__----- 12.50 10.00-15.00 12.50 / 10.00-20.00
1/ Items furnished by the custom operator included power-dozer and
operator.
2/ Bulldozing with a D-8 was reported in some areas. The most
common rate for the State was $15 per hour.
3/ No one rate most common.
'4/ An equal number reported $12.
5/ An equal number reported $15.
36
Table 34. Anticipated Changes in Custom Rates in 19614 Compared to 1963
as Reported by a Sample of Alabama Farmers
Geographic
areas
Tennessee Valley- -
Sand Mountain--------------
Upper Coastal Plains --------
Black Belt-------------w 
W m _amw ---
Southwestern Coastal
P l 
a i 
n s 
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
s- 
-
-
_ _ 
.. 
_
Anticipated change in custom rates in
1964 as compared to 1963
Increase No change Decrease
Per cent Per cent Per cent
18 82 0
12 88 0
28 72 0
21 79 0
23 77 0
21
16
77
84
2
0
STATE---------------- 20780.
/p\
II~~PT I~C~~~T~ I r /I
79.8
0.220
APPENDIX
CUSTOM HIRING VS. MACHINE OWNERSHIP
Possible Advantages
Possible Disadvantages
1. Costs of ownership are elimi-
nated.
2. Capital required to own equip-
ment can be invested in other
enterprises.
3. Some labor is furnished with
hired equipment.
4. Less power and associated
equipment must be obtained by
the farm operator.
5. Farmers may benefit from newer
machinery, techniques, and
skilled operation.
6. Repairs and maintenance are
the custom operator's responsi-
bility.
7. The farm operator with smaller
jobs can gain benefits of large
machines.
8. Risk of premature equipment ob-
solesence is eliminated.
1. Service may 
not be available when
job is ready.
2. Irresponsible custom operators
may do poor work and lose quanti-
ty and quality of products.
3. Greater risk of crop loss and/or
quality because of time delays.
4. Risk of carrying noxious weeds
and diseases from farm to farm.
5. For large jobs total cost may be
higher than owning equipment.
6. Custom operators prefer large jobs,
may refuse or postpone small jobs.
7. Farmers may not be able to realize
return on labor released by hiring
custom work done.
-38-
COSTS OF MACHINE OWNERSHIP COMPARED WITH CUSTOM RATES
Decisions about ownership and use of farm machines are an important
part of management. Farmers who have limited use of an expensive machine
may find it cheaper to hire custom work rather than own the machine. The
following is a budget for comparing the cost of machine ownership with
custom hire.
Example: Assume the custom rate for picking cotton is $30 per acre
(500 lbs. of lint @ $.06 per pound). The following procedure may be used
to determine the annual operating and variable costs of owning a two-row,
self-propelled high drum cotton picker with an initial cost of $17,000,
and with a life of eight years (or 2,000 hours) and with a salvage value
of $1,700.
HOW TO CALCULATE COSTS (APPLICABLE FOR ANY MACHINE)
Any
A. Annual "Fixed Costs" Example machine
cost less salvage
1. Depreciation = or
life (years)
$1700-1,700 ------------------------- $1,912.50
cost plus salvage
2. Interest 
=  
2 X interest rate
($17,000 + $1,700)
or 2 X 6% ----------- 561.00
3. Shelter = (new cost X 1%) or $17,000 X
1% ------------------------- 170,00
4. Insurance = (Av. value X .6%) or
$9,350 X .6% -------------- 56.10
5. Taxes (estimate) ----------------------- 61.20
Total Annual Ownership Cost ----------- $2,760.80
-39-
40
B. "Variable or Operating Costs" per acre:
Example
1. Fuel, lubricants, and repairs
(estimate)-------------------------.._
2. Labor (estimate)
Total Variable Cost ---------------- $
Any
machine
5.60
1 .25
6.85
To determine in acres the "break even point" between owning a machine
and hiring the operation performed on a custom basis, the following for-
mula may be used:
Annual Ownership Costs
Custom Rate Less Variable Costs
Acres needed to break even
$2 760.80 = 119 Acres needed to own the two-rowself-
$30.00 - $85
propelled cotton picker compared with prevailing custom rates.
0 ~llu r L~..r.