Texas farmers and ranchers once again have the chance to help shape one of the state’s most practical decision-making tools. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has opened its 2025 Custom Rate Survey, a resource that tracks what producers actually pay—or charge—for custom agricultural work.
The survey, in place for more than 50 years, reports real-world rates for services such as hay baling, planting, harvesting, chemical applications, land preparation, and brush control. By reflecting regional differences, the results provide benchmarks that guide budgeting, contracting, and operational planning.
With shifting input costs and tight margins, producers rely on accurate information to make sound decisions. The survey offers that reference point, showing what others across Texas are paying or charging for the same work.
“Current information helps producers make better choices for the year ahead,” said Manuel Garcia, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist in Weslaco. Even partial submissions, he added, strengthen the survey’s usefulness.
Andrew Wright, Ph.D., economist in Lubbock, stressed the need for broad participation: “The more responses we receive, the stronger and more reliable the report becomes.”
The survey takes less than 15 minutes to complete, and all responses remain confidential. Producers already on AgriLife Extension’s contact list will have received a printed copy with a return envelope. Anyone else can participate online at https://tx.ag/crs2025.
Custom work continues to play a vital role in Texas agriculture, helping operations manage labor shortages, access specialized equipment, and control expenses. The survey ensures that producers and service providers alike can set fair rates and plan with confidence.
“This is more than data collection,” Garcia said. “It’s about giving producers tools they can use to make timely, informed decisions.”
