[thesuffolksmallholding]

I have around 15 acres to cut for hay next year, 10 more then last year due to gaining more rented land. Last year we used a contractor who cut, turned and baled the field, charging us £1 a bale and taking half the bales for himself in payment. Looking back it wasn't the most brilliant deal but we were desperate to get it sorted with time running out.

Anyway, I've invested in a hay bob this year so I can turn it and row it up myself, so the said contractor would need to cut and bale.
What would be a good deal for doing this? I'm thinking allowing him to take a third of the bales, which I estimate to be at least 300 bales as complete payment.

[pharnorth]

Sounds about right. I dont think your deal last year was far off as it was only 5 acres and there is an economy of scale.  We have 10 acres done under contract and pay cash and it is about what you are suggesting.

[SallyintNorth]

We used to calculate it costs us £2 per small bale to make hay ourselves, doing all the work ourselves and cutting our own grass.  That included bringing it in and stacking it, mind.  So I’d say your last year’s deal wasn’t way off at all.

You will save the contactor a few visits turning the hay yourself, so reducing his payment by 1/3 (from 1/2 the crop to 1/3) sounds about right.

[Buttermilk]

Just make sure that your hay bob will leave rows that are compatable with your contractors baler.

[twizzel]

Just make sure that your hay bob will leave rows that are compatable with your contractors baler.

I was going to say this... my OH has a small baler and has to rake up haybob rows as it's a high capacity baler and needs a bigger dram. Also check the baler will fit through the new rented ground gateways...


I guess it depends if your contractor wants several hundred bales? We wouldn't if we were doing it... he could be getting a raw deal if the crop isn't very heavy. If not then £12/acre to cut and 60-70p a bale (plus vat) to bale is what you'll be looking at price wise.

[thesuffolksmallholding]

Thanks everyone for replies.
Luckily one of the main reasons they bale for others is to take some of the crop as they have horses which they need to feed.

Just to clarify then, giving a 1/3rd of the crop as full payment, maybe a bit wishful thinking? Should I expect to pay him 50p or so for each bale I take. He could be getting a potential 400 bales if its a good year (fingers crossed  ).