Custom tillage, planting and hay baling
Prepare ground, plant and bale hay for small farms that don't own all the machinery they need.
- $15k-75k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
2,210 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.4% in a year
NAICS 115112 “Soil preparation, planting, and cultivating”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
Seasonal contract fieldwork such as disking, tilling, seeding or planting food plots and pasture, and cutting and baling hay, using your own tractor and implements on other people's land.
Your first three steps
- Talk to local farmers and your county extension office about which custom work is in demand and what it pays
- Choose one or two jobs to start with, such as disking and baling, and price used equipment for them
- Line up your first few customers before buying, and offer to do a small field to prove your work
Who pays
Small and hobby farms, hay buyers, landowners reseeding pasture, and larger farms that need extra capacity at busy times.
How it makes money
Price per acre for tillage and planting, and per acre or per bale for haying. Compare local custom rate surveys from your state university extension to set fair prices.
Skills that help
- Operating and adjusting tractors and implements
- Mechanical repair and upkeep
- Planning work around weather and crop timing
- Reliable scheduling with several customers
Watch out for
- General liability and equipment insurance, with workers' compensation once you hire anyone
- Large upfront equipment costs and repair bills, so consider buying used or renting first
- Very seasonal work, with busy spells and quiet months
- Check state and local rules for moving slow equipment on public roads and hauling heavy trailers
- If you spray as well, check your state's pesticide applicator licensing
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: custom tillage, planting and hay baling
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a custom tillage and haying business?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on the tractor and implements you need and whether you buy new, buy used or rent first. These are estimates, so get quotes on your own equipment list.
How much can a custom tillage and haying business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the acreage you work and the services you offer. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week. Work is very seasonal, with busy spells and quiet months.
What insurance and rules should I check before starting?
Check general liability and equipment insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire anyone. Also check state and local rules for moving slow equipment on public roads and hauling heavy trailers. If you also spray, check your state's pesticide applicator licensing.
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Photo: WFranz on Pixabay