By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University Extension is collecting updated data on custom farming rates and is inviting producers and agricultural professionals to take part in a new survey. The goal is to better understand current pricing and practices across the state.
Custom farming refers to hiring others to perform farm tasks, such as harvesting crops or feeding livestock. This practice is common in agriculture, and accurate pricing information is important for both service providers and farm owners.
The survey is available online and is open to producers, landowners, managers, lenders, and agricultural consultants. Participants who complete the survey will receive a coupon for a free scoop of SDSU ice cream from the Dairy Bar in Brookings. All responses will remain anonymous and will be grouped by region to provide useful average rate data.
Sarah Sellars, assistant professor and SDSU Extension specialist, explains that there has been no custom farming rates survey in several years. Bringing it back helps provide updated information that supports better decision-making in agriculture.
“I think it’s an important public service that a land grant university provides,” Sellars said.
Aspen Winter, a senior business economics student, is leading the project with support from the SDSU Extension. She has received many questions about custom rates but lacked local data to share. This survey aims to fill that gap and provide reliable information for the state.
“I want to be able to refer them to the South Dakota custom rates report,” Winter said.
The survey is expected to benefit many people in agriculture by offering clear insights into pricing trends. It will help producers plan their operations, manage costs, and make informed decisions.
Overall, this effort highlights the importance of data collection in agriculture and supports stronger planning and growth across farming communities.
For more information, email Sarah Sellars, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Sustainable Farm and Food Systems Specialist, at sarah.sellars@sdstate.edu.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, General