About the ABM team:
The Agriculture and Business Management (ABM) Team is a group of experienced agricultural economists working both on campus and in communities across the state to provide producers with the necessary tools to become better, more successful business managers. We focus on education through printed resources and educational programming, both in-person and virtually.
About the authors:
Jenny Beiermann works with producers, educators, and community leaders to strengthen farm and ranch viability through whole farm planning, financial analysis, and risk management education. She develops tools and programs in enterprise analysis, budgeting, and record keeping, specializing in commodity-based agriculture. She is the sixth generation of her family’s large-scale cow/calf operation in Southwest Wyoming and continues to help her family manage daily operations of the ranch.
Jeff Tranel collaborates with industry leaders, lenders, researchers, elected officials, university colleagues, and others to help farm and ranch families navigate the complexities of estate and succession planning, risk management, farm finances, income taxes, and human resource management. Raised on a ranch in Wyoming and Colorado, he has addressed audiences and worked with individual producers across the United States and nine other countries over his 40-year career.
2025 Land Rental & Custom Rates for Colorado Farms & Ranches
Jenny A. Beiermann and Jeffrey E. Tranel
Colorado State University Extension annually conducts a survey of custom rates charged for various crop and livestock operations and lease arrangements in Colorado. Electronic data were collected from agricultural producers, landowners and managers, lenders, agricultural consultants, machine operators, and Extension agents. The results from more than 235 respondents were combined with anecdotal data collected throughout the year.
The survey results are reported by region:
- Eastern – generally, those counties east of the Rocky Mountains and I-25
- Western – generally, those counties west of the Rocky Mountains and I-25
Reported rates represent a variety of working conditions, machine and equipment sizes, and farm and ranch operations. Field conditions, field size, terrain, and location also account for some variations in rates charged.
A possible additional charge (not reflected in this report) associated with a custom operation is a mileage fee. A custom operator, veterinarian, or other provider may have a per mileage rate for traveling to/from a work site.
The rates reported herein are not recommended rates. They simply reflect the range of rates as reported by those individuals surveyed. Some reported rates may seem unusually low or high, which is due to very few respondents and/or the operation is not widely performed. The information in this report should be used only as a guide.
In cases where data were not available, or the sample size was too small to report, results from the 2024 custom rates survey are reported. These numbers are denoted by bold text throughout the report. Data also highlighted in bold are rates in the reports prior to 2024, no later than 2023. Rates reported with n/r are not performed in the state or the region, or only have data from 2023 or prior.
Survey respondents were invited to advertise the custom services they provide and their contact information. The information given herein is supplied by CSU Extension with the understanding that no endorsement of named products is intended, nor is discrimination or criticism implied of products mentioned or not mentioned.
2025 Land Rental & Custom Rates for Colorado Farms & Ranches
| Activity | Basis For Charge | Eastern Region Range | Eastern Region Median | Western Region Range | Western Region Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land Preparation and Equipment Transportation | |||||
| Stalk Shredding | $/acre | 12.00 – 21.00 | 15.00 | 12.00 – 14.00 | 13.00 |
| Plow – Moldboard | $/acre | 35.00 – 60.00 | 40.00 | 30.00 – 40.00 | 35.00 |
| Plow – Chisel (irrigated) | $/acre | 35.00 – 45.00 | 34.00 | 18.00 – 60.00 | 43.5 |
| Plow – Chisel (dryland) | $/acre | 12.00 – 18.00 | 15.00 | 10.00 – 18.00 | 14.00 |
| Plow – Sweep | $/acre | 10.00 – 20.00 | 15.00 | 18.00 – 55.00 | 18.00 |
| Disk | $/acre | 20.00 – 24.00 | 22.00 | 12.00 – 16.00 | 12.00 |
| Mulching | $/acre | 18.00 – 24.00 | 20.00 | 16.50 – 18.00 | 18.00 |
| Harrow | $/acre | 7.00 – 10.00 | 8.50 | 8.00 – 12.00 | 10.00 |
| Cultivating – Field | $/acre | 20.00 – 24.00 | 22.00 | 18.00 – 21.00 | 18.00 |
| Land Leveling/Floating | $/acre | 18.00 – 24.00 | 20.00 | 15.00 – 25.00 | 25.00 |
| Furrowing | $/acre | 12.00 – 14.00 | 13.00 | 10.00 – 28.00 | 19.00 |
| Strip Till (tillage only) | $/acre | 15.00 – 30.00 | 23.50 | n/r | n/r |
| Vertical Tillage | $/acre | 10.00 – 35.00 | 19.00 | n/r | n/r |
| Equipment Transport Charges | $/mile | 4.00 – 6.00 | 5.00 | n/r | n/r |
| Activity | Basis For Charge | Eastern Region Range | Eastern Region Median | Western Region Range | Western Region Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planting Crops | |||||
| Seed Cleaning | $/bushel | 1.20 – 1.50 | 1.35 | 0.10 – 1.50 | 0.80 |
| Plant – Drill | $/acre | 20.00 – 27.00 | 25.00 | 12.00 – 34.00 | 23.00 |
| Plant – Drill (small seed legumes) | $/acre | 16.00 – 15.00 | 15.50 | 20.00 – 25.00 | 22.50 |
| Plant – Row (30-inch spacing) | $/acre | 16.00 – 30.00 | 22.00 | 10.00 – 30.00 | 20.00 |
| Plant – Air Seeder | $/acre | 12.50 – 28.00 | 19.00 | 15.00 – 26.00 | 25.00 |
| Plant – No Till (Row Crops) | $/acre | 20.00 – 30.00 | 25.00 | 30.00 – 35.00 | 30.00 |
| Plant – No Till (Grain Crops) | $/acre | 15.00 – 20.00 | 17.50 | 20.00 – 45.00 | 25.00 |
| Activity | Basis For Charge | Eastern Region Range | Eastern Region Median | Western Region Range | Western Region Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilizer Application | |||||
| Dry Fertilizer | $/acre | 6.50 – 15.00 | 11.00 | 12.00 – 6.00 | 9.00 |
| Liquid Fertilizer | $/acre | 8.00 – 20.00 | 14.00 | 1.20 – 83.00 | 60.00 |
| Anhydrous Ammonia w/ Sweep | $/acre | n/r | n/r | n/r | n/r |
| Aerial Spraying | $/acre | 6.75 – 33.00 | 8.25 | 13.00 – 14.00 | 14.00 |
| Boom Sprayer | $/acre | 6.00 – 35.00 | 12.00 | 8.00 – 27.00 | 9.00 |
| Side-Dress | $/acre | 18.00 – 25.00 | 21.50 | 12.00 – 22.00 | 22.00 |
| Activity | Basis For Charge | Eastern Region Range | Eastern Region Median | Western Region Range | Western Region Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hay and Silage Harvesting | |||||
| Silage – Chopping and Hauling | $/ton | 10.00 – 12.50 | 10.00 | 20.00 – 26.00 | 23.00 |
| Hay – Swathing | $/acre | 15.00 – 22.00 | 20.00 | 22.00 – 35.00 | 24.00 |
| Hay – Raking | $/acre | 2.00 – 8.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 – 8.00 | 2.00 |
| Baling – Small Square Bales | $/bale | 0.90 – 8.00 | 5.00 | 1.10 – 10.00 | 3.00 |
| Baling – 3x3x8 Bales | $/bale | 10.00 – 19.00 | 14.00 | 10.00 – 20.00 | 19.00 |
| Baling – 4x4x8 Bales | $/bale | 10.00 – 20.00 | 20.00 | 18.00 – 25.00 | 21.50 |
| Baling – Round Bales | $/bale | 16.00 – 22.00 | 14.00 | 10.00 – 35.00 | 22.50 |
| Loading/Stacking – Sm Sq Bales | $/ton | 15.00 – 20.00 | 18.00 | 33.00 – 45.00 | 39.00 |
| Hauling – Large Square Bales | $/ton | 12.00 – 12.50 | 12.00 | 12.50 – 25.00 | 18.75 |
| Hauling – Round Bales | $/bale | 5.00 – 8.00 | 7.00 | n/r | n/r |
| Tub Grinding | $/ton | 12.00 – 25.00 | 18.00 | n/r | n/r |
| Equipment Transport Charges | $/mile | 3.00 – 6.50 | 4.75 | 4.00 – 6.00 | 6.00 |
| Swath + Rake + Bale | $/ton | 47.00 – 60.00 | 50.00 | n/r | n/r |
| Activity | Basis For Charge | Eastern Region Range | Eastern Region Median | Western Region Range | Western Region Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grain Harvesting | |||||
| Combine – Corn/Sorghum (irrigated) | $/acre | 28.00 – 70.00 | 45.00 | n/r | n/r |
| Combine – Corn/Sorghum (dryland) | $/acre | 25.00 – 70.00 | 30.00 | n/r | n/r |
| Combine – Small Grains (irrigated) | $/acre | 28.00 – 70.00 | 45.00 | 50.00 – 80.00 | 77.00 |
| Combine – Small Grains (dryland) | $/bushel | 0.24 – 00.40 | 0.30 | n/r | n/r |
| Combine – Oil Seeds, Soybeans, Dry Beans | $/acre | 27.50 – 70.00 | 48.75 | n/r | n/r |
| Swath – Small Grains | $/acre | 14.00 – 18.00 | 15.00 | n/r | n/r |
| Hauling – Corn/Sorghum | $/bushel | 0.25 – 0.45 | 0.30 | n/r | n/r |
| Hauling – Grains | $/bushel | 0.25 – 0.45 | 0.30 | n/r | n/r |
| Activity | Basis For Charge | Eastern Region Range | Eastern Region Median | Western Region Range | Western Region Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor and Employment | |||||
| General Labor – High Level | $/hour | 15.00 – 27.00 | 25.00 | 17.00 – 35.00 | 22.00 |
| General Labor – Low Level | $/hour | 12.00 – 25.00 | 18.00 | 15.00 – 25.00 | 17.50 |
| Herder – High Level | $/day | 100.00 – 300.00 | 132.00 | 88.00 – 125.00 | 106.50 |
| Herder – Low Level | $/day | 12.00 – 125 | 55.00 | n/r | n/r |
| Tractor Drivers – High Level | $/hour | 20.00 – 35.00 | 25.00 | 20.00 – 27.00 | 21.00 |
| Tractor Drivers – Low Level | $/hour | 15.00 – 25.00 | 20.00 | 17.00 – 20.00 | 18.00 |
| Irrigators | $/hour | 15.00 – 18.00 | 16.50 | 17.00 – 25.00 | 20.00 |
| Forman, Manager, or Full Time Employee (Eastern Region only) | $/month | 4,000 – 6,250 | 5,500 | n/r | n/r |
| Full Time Employees | $/month | n/r | n/r | 800 – 4,250 | 3,750 |
| Foreman | $/month | n/r | n/r | 4,000 – 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Manager | $/month | n/r | n/r | 4,800 – 10,000 | 7,000 |
| Activity | Basis For Charge | Eastern Region Range | Eastern Region Median | Western Region Range | Western Region Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Livestock Handling | |||||
| Sheep – Shearing Ewes | $/head | 6.00 – 50.00 | 28.00 | 5.25 – 10.00 | 7.63 |
| Sheep – Shearing Rams | $/head | 7.00 – 10.00 | 8.50 | 7.00 – 10.00 | 6.00 |
| Sheep – Fertility Testing Rams | $/head | 22.00 – 25.00 | 25.00 | 22.00 – 25.00 | 25.00 |
| Beef – Fertility Testing Bulls | $/head | 25.00 – 65.00 | 45.00 | 25.00 – 65.00 | 45.00 |
| Beef – Pregnancy Testing Cows | $/head | 1.00 – 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 – 6.00 | 4.43 |
| Horses – Shoeing (with shoes) | $/head | 120.00 – 150.00 | 135 | 100.00 – 200.00 | 125 |
| Horses – Hoof Trimming | $/head | 60.00 – 100.00 | 80.00 | 45.00 – 120.00 | 60.00 |
| Livestock Hauling | $/loaded mile | 4.00 – 5.50 | 4.75 | 4.00 – 6.88 | 6.25 |
| Fence Building (4 wires) | $/linear foot | 2.00 – 10.00 | 5.00 | 1.05 – 10.00 | 6.25 |
| Activity | Basis For Charge | Eastern Region Range | Eastern Region Median | Western Region Range | Western Region Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Livestock Land Rental Arrangements | |||||
| Sheep/Goats – Grazing | |||||
| All Pasture Types | $/head/day | 0.67 – 1.50 | 0.67 | 0.08 – 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Beef Cows – Grazing | |||||
| Native Range | $/head/month | 10.00 – 35.00 | 26.00 | 15.00 – 40.00 | 30.00 |
| Native Range (no Care) | $/head/day | 0.80 – 1.10 | 0.90 | 0.65 – 1.10 | 1.00 |
| Native Range (with Care) | $/head/day | 0.90 – 1.10 | 0.9 | 1.23 – 1.66 | 1.45 |
| Irrigated Pasture | $/head/month | 19.00 – 50.00 | 30.00 | 22.00 – 41.00 | 25.00 |
| Irrigated Pasture (no Care) | $/head/day | n/r | n/r | 1.00 – 1.36 | 1.10 |
| Irrigated Pasture (with Care) | $/head/day | n/r | n/r | 1.50 – 2.00 | 2.00 |
| All Other Pasture/Grazing | $/head/month | 18.00 – 30.00 | 30.00 | 15.00 – 30.00 | 22.50 |
| Yearling Cattle – Grazing | |||||
| Native Range | $/head/month | 15.00 – 29.09 | 23.75 | 7.00 – 18.00 | 10.00 |
| Irrigated Pasture | $/head/month | 35.00 – 40.00 | 37.50 | 7.00 – 27.00 | 15.00 |
| Horses – Grazing | |||||
| All Pasture types | $/head/month | n/r | n/r | 0.50 – 1.75 | 0.70 |
| Activity | Basis For Charge | Eastern Region Range | Eastern Region Median | Western Region Range | Western Region Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crop Land Cash Rents | |||||
| Irrigated Land | |||||
| Corn/Sorghum | $/acre | 50 – 300 | 132 | 100 – 300 | 200 |
| Alfalfa | $/acre | 50 – 300 | 137 | 160 – 300 | 285 |
| Small Grains | $/acre | 80 – 225 | 125 | 240 – 275 | 250 |
| Potatoes | $/acre | n/r | n/r | 150 – 590 | 350 |
| Vegetables | $/acre | 75 – 300 | 175 | 200 – 350 | 316 |
| Sugar Beets | $/acre | 75 – 300 | 218 | n/r | n/r |
| Grass Hay | $/acre | 40 – 60 | 50 | 36 – 100 | 60 |
| Non-Irrigated Land (Dryland) | |||||
| Corn/Sorghum | $/acre | 32 – 35 | 35 | 120 – 160 | 160 |
| Small Grains | $/acre | 32 – 35 | 35 | n/r | n/r |
| Feed/Hay | $/acre | 32 – 35 | 35 | 25 – 35 | 32 |
| Oil Seed and Millet | $/acre | 32 – 35 | 35 | n/r | n/r |
| Activity | Basis For Charge | Eastern Region Range | Eastern Region Common | Western Region Range | Western Region Common |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crop Land Share Rents | |||||
| Irrigated Land | |||||
| Corn/Sorghum | Tenant’s share | 25% – 75% | 50% | n/r | n/r |
| Small Grains | Tenant’s share | 33% – 67% | 67% | 33% – 75% | 50% |
| Alfalfa | Tenant’s share | 40% – 60% | 60% | 40% – 60% | 50% |
| Non-Irrigated Land (Dryland) | |||||
| All Crops | Tenant’s share | 33% – 67% | 67% | 33% – 67% | 67% |
Custom Operator’s Contact Information
Survey respondents were given the opportunity to list their contact information for custom services provided. The data collected is below.
The survey results are reported by region:
- Eastern – generally, those counties east of the Rocky Mountains and I-25
- Western – generally, those counties west of the Rocky Mountains and I-25
The information given herein is supplied by CSU Extension with the understanding that no endorsement of named products is intended, nor is discrimination or criticism implied of products mentioned or not mentioned. To simplify technical terminology, or for the purpose of information, trade names of products and equipment occasionally will be used.
| Service Region | Business Name | County/Area | Email/Website | Phone | Services Provided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern | Acquavella LLC | Larimer, Boulder, Weld | jefflindh@mac.com | 720-289-5720 | Vineyard planning, planting, pruning, harvesting |
| Eastern | Skyland Grain | Baca, Prowers | https://www.skylandgrain.com | 719-324-5880 | Dry fertilizer sales and application, Pesticide sales and application, Seed sales |
| Eastern | Marsh Farms | Mark Marsh | Pueblo, Otero, Crowley, Bent | jsilter@bresnan.net | 719-251-8279 | Row Crop Planting, Drilling (CRP Grass included), Swathing, Baling (3x3x8ft), DMI Tillage, Disking, Combining (All Crops) w/Grain Cart and Semi’s |
| Western | Colorado Edible Forest | Garfield, Pitkin, Eagle | www.coloradoedibleforest.com | 720-273-2642 | Education and consulting in fruit trees, berry bushes, and edible perennial plants; Installation and maintenance services including pruning and soil health management; Custom grafting services, custom growing services |
| Western | Kendra Baker | Saguache | kendraadolph123@gmail.com | 719-580-9306 | Custom haying and hay for sale |