The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) has released its latest survey of contracting prices, with price rises said to be predictable this year.
For the first time, the organisation asked members if they had implemented a percentage price increase to reflect increased costs. The average increase was 5.7%, although there was a lot of variation, with prices increasing from between 2% and 12%.
Jill Hewitt, NAAC CEO said: “A trusted partnership between a professional contractor and farmer will be essential this season, to successfully and safely look after the soil, environment, livestock and cropping in increasingly turbulent weather conditions.
“Working with a professional contractor gives the exciting opportunity to use everyone’s experience to maximum benefit. Many contractors will have vast knowledge working on different soil types, with different cropping and cultivations, they will have invested in machinery, staff and technology and can bring huge benefits on farm.
“However, professionalism comes at a price and the 2025 prices have generally gone up to take account of inflation and employment costs, but carefully calculated costs on both sides of a partnership will ensure everyone can benefit.”
Members are encouraged to calculate their individual costs using the NAAC costing tool to ensure that quotes remain accurate and sustainable as costs continue to rise.