Today we review the custom rates for different services around the Texas High Plains.
Upcoming Dates and Opportunities:
Virtual TSCRA Convention – September 15-16
Virtual Master Marketer Seminar Series – September 29 – October 29
Upcoming Reports
Cold Storage – August 24
Crop Progress – August 24
U.S. Durable Goods – August 26
U.S. Consumer Spending – August 28
Cash Rents by County – August 28
Every two years Texas A&M AgriLife Extension surveys custom rate providers and purchasers across Texas. The survey establishes a baseline for custom agricultural services in different regions. The most recent Custom Rate Survey (CRS), published in early August, provides rates for land preparation, custom harvesting of crops, and livestock operations.
Texas A&M AgriLife Custom Rate Survey Regions
Custom Harvest and Processing
A mainstay of the Texas AgriLife CRS is rates for custom harvesting. Harvest rates are particularly important as we near the end of summer crop season.
The survey reports values for both cotton harvesting by several methods and ginning. The North region did not have enough responses to report results for cotton picking without on board module building, as the combination picker/balers have become more popular and stripping remains more popular still in the region.
Custom Cotton Operations
Additionally, the survey reports values for custom combining of both corn and grain sorghum. For the North region, results for overage rates are included for excess grain sorghum yields.
Custom Grain Operations
Livestock Rates
Regular requests from AgriLife agents and stakeholders have shown increasing interest in lease agreements based on gain. Due to these requests, for the first time in several years, the survey team for the CRS requested information on cattle gain contracts. Additionally, I’ve included cattle processing results for those interested in fall calf sales.
Gain Contract Rates
Cattle Processing Rates
This is only a brief overview of rates for certain services that will be important for the High Plains in the near future. The CRS also includes data for tractor rentals, land tillage, planting, fertilizer application, chemical application, hay operations and hauling, silage harvesting and hauling, capital improvements, fencing and livestock operations, cattle hauling, and consulting services. For questions, contact Dr. Steven Klose at sklose@tamu.edu
Chart Challenge
The chart this week shows a pretty dramatic change in trend. This week there is a hint: the chart highlights a change resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
