DD contracting cost

[steveR]

I am (probably foolishly) getting increasingly interested in DD zero till drilling here with something like a Simtech T-Sem Grass drill. At present the farm business arrangement I am in, and the farm structure is such, that a major purchase is not quite there.... yet. Longer term, I am contemplating a major rejig in 2021/22.

So, as a short term solution later in the year, contracting may be looked at. I am therefore wondering what sort of charge is being made by a Contractor? DD ZT of cover/bird mix into stubble or flailed cover crop, and DD ZT of cereal or grass seed into stubble.

 

[Spud]

@Dim Reaper

 

[Clive]

NAAC rate is £22/ac iirc which seems to be what most charge

more if VRA seed or multiple product drilling

 

[Bury the Trash]

How can a contractor drill exactly when you and everyone else wants it done?
Better to own your own drill surely.

 

[steveR]

How can a contractor drill exactly when you and everyone else wants it done?
Better to own your own drill surely.

Totally agree. I have never really been happy with Contractors carrying out Drilling, Spraying and other "time sensitive" tasks. Ive always been over mechanised in all honesty!! But needs must... as in, I don't have a drill at present!

 

[steveR]

NAAC rate is £22/ac iirc which seems to be what most charge

more if VRA seed or multiple product drilling

Cheers Clive!

 

[Bumble Bee]

Totally agree. I have never really been happy with Contractors carrying out Drilling, Spraying and other "time sensitive" tasks. Ive always been over mechanised in all honesty!! But needs must... as in, I don't have a drill at present!

You are obviously using the wrong contractors. Communication between both parties is the key.
We charge £25ac

 

[steveR]

You are obviously using the wrong contractors. Communication between both parties is the key.
We charge £25ac

Thanks for the pricing. ?

You have a point, but bitter experience is that many Contractors prioritise the "bigger" customers... even when the job has been booked in well beforehand.

My Fusion "bale and wrap" lads are very good though, I always call before I even mow, and ask if they will be available in 3-4 days time after the wilting and rowing up is completed. I think this suits better than a call in the morning asking for them later that day!!

 

[Spud]

Thanks for the pricing. ?

You have a point, but bitter experience is that many Contractors prioritise the "bigger" customers... even when the job has been booked in well beforehand.

My Fusion bale and wrap lads are very good though, I always call before I even mow, and ask if they will be available in 3-4 days time after the wilting and rowing up is completed. I think this suits better than a call in the morning asking for them later that day!!

That approach would get you priority here! Some folk seem to think contractors are sat at home waiting for them to call

 

[farmerm]

That approach would get you priority here! Some folk seem to think contractors are sat at home waiting for them to call

For drilling and combining I will often make contact 10 days before I need our contractors, a lot can change over the following days but both parties at least have some idea about where things stand and can adjust their schedules accordingly.

 

[Bumble Bee]

I had one customer this season who called me at lunchtime wanting me to drill his stubble turnips in the afternoon. He hadn't even got the seed. I arrived at the arranged time and he still hadn't got any seed
Then you get others who book you weeks in advance and keep you updated. Guess who gets the best service?

 

[steveR]

I had one customer this season who called me at lunchtime wanting me to drill his stubble turnips in the afternoon. He hadn't even got the seed. I arrived at the arranged time and he still hadn't got any seed
Then you get others who book you weeks in advance and keep you updated. Guess who gets the best service?

I've had that too... Arrived for some rush job drilling to catch some rain, and the customer said, "back in a minute" and disappeared off for half and hour and brought some seed back...!

Then had to recalibrate as it was not what was intended, so another waste of time...

 

[Bury the Trash]

Totally agree. I have never really been happy with Contractors carrying out Drilling, Spraying and other "time sensitive" tasks. Ive always been over mechanised in all honesty!! But needs must... as in, I don't have a drill at present!

I just love the work. Same as when I set out farming 40 odd years ago.
we do everything ourselves here and we are not over mechanised .

Knowing your own soil and lie of the land is a big advantage as well ir.

Currently cleaning ditches with a hired swing shovel, dont have to own machines to be able to use them.

Theres more sharing or 'co op' use if machines abroad in the likes of France I believe, brilliant that would be, imo.

 

[steveR]

I just love the work. Same as when I set out farming 40 odd years ago.
we do everything ourselves here and we are not over mechanised .

Knowing your own soil and lie of the land is a big advantage as well ir.

Currently cleaning ditches with a hired swing shovel, dont have to own machines to be able to use them.

Theres more sharing or 'co op' use if machines abroad in the likes of France I believe, brilliant that would be, imo.

Very good point about knowing your own land BtT, that little wet bit, or the hidden manhole....

The concept of sharing or co-op went through an "Up" stage with Machinery Rings in the 90s.

I was one of the first members of our local Ring and used it quite a bit, both as a Provider and Demander, as both machine only, and man and machine. However, it didn't seem to take long before it was the bigger Contractors doing more and more of the providing.... I can see them coming back into favour again if, as and when Farming starts to hit thw skids again!