Ag contracting fees
The UK-based National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) has released guide fees for agricultural contracting services in 2022.
It has warned farmers to expect an increase in charges this year because of “record high” fuel prices and escalating labour and machinery costs.
NAAC carried out the survey based on a pound per litre for fuel. It advised that farmers should be aware that a fuel surcharge may be necessary if prices continue to fluctuate.
The body that prices are likely to vary as input costs change. It has urged contractors to add a fuel surcharge if diesel prices are over £1.00/L to cover their costs.
A spokesperson said: “They are average prices surveyed from NAAC members. However, the actual price may vary considerably between regions, soil types, distance travelled, size of contract undertaken, size and type of equipment used, amount of product applied etc.”
“Contractors may also have individual arrangements with customers regarding diesel (eg. separate fuel surcharge, fuel used on-farm etc.).”
“The prices below do not reflect this market trend. This may make a significant difference to contracting charges,” the spokesperson added.
Spreading fees
In this article, we look at FYM, fertiliser and slurry spreading and slurry injection rates contained in the guide.
- FYM spreading: tractor and rear discharge spreader – 3.24/tonne or 67.05/hour;
- FYM spreading: tractor and side discharge spreader – 56.00/hour;
- Self-propelled muck spreading: 6.00/tonne;
- Slurry spreading: tanker trailing shoe or dribble bar: 66.55/hour;
- Loading and spreading chicken litter: 9.50/tonne;
- Slurry spreading: umbilical: 135.33/hour or extra pump – 64.00/hour;
- Slurry injection: 78.33/hour;
- Loading shovel: 60.00/hour;
- Fertiliser distribution: – spinning disc – 15.04/ha or 6.09/are or extra for variable rate application 6.44/ha or 2.61/ac;
- Liquid fertiliser – 14.48/ha or 5.86/acre;
- Lime spreading – 7.58/ha.
In a previous article, we looked at grass–mowing, baling and wrapping costs contained in the guide.
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