Angus Cattle Shower said:
The brother and I have a business venture for the summer. The people Dad used to do haying for have gone out of farming so instead of the two of us getting jobs from after seeding until we start harvest, we'll make our pocket money doing this. All our machinery costs are covered. We've got a three year old mower conditioner and Hesston baler. My brother and I have been operators in our haying operation for a combined total of 13 years. I did 1000 acres on my own at the feedlot I was working at last summer. We are young but skilled, and we were raised by the belief of doint it right the first time, or not at all. What does everyone charge? Anyone have any tips/tricks? Or experiences they'd like to share? Think people will shy away from a business run and operated by a 20 year old and a 17 year old?
Go for it!
There are three kids - or perhaps I should say - young men - who have done all my hay for the past 4 years I was away.
Today the oldest is 21 or 22 and the youngest in 17
I not only trusted them to do the work - they did a lot of it with my equipment and I never gave it a second thought.
They are responsible, careful and no kidding know what a grease gun is.
If you are even half as good as these guys, you would be given the chance at this place.
You forget one thing - you may have been a pain in the azz to your family when you were younger - and you may still be for all I know - but I would bet you a buck that you were always honest, respectful and hard working when you were out at the neighbours place.
And that tells me your folks did a good job.
When they used my equipment I paid them cash wages - 15 bucks an hour each (cash) and they were worth every penny.
I cannot even remember what I paid them for the whole deal when they were using their Dad's equipment - but I do remember they charged me a buck and a quarter a bale to bale small squares and handling was extra if they put it away - cannot remember the pricing though, a buck thirty per foot of big squares and six bucks for the five foot round bales.
I never worried about my hay while I was away.
I somehow think I am going to be paying a bunch more this year - but I will pay them because they always did a bang up job - I trust them - perhaps that is the most important thing I can say about them
You will build your clientelle slowly - but the best thing is to build their loyalty. That gives you return business.
Get out there and do some research - find out what the pricing is in the local area - do not over charge and do not under charge - and remember:
If you cannot make a profit you will not be in business the next year!
Go get'm tiger - you never know but you might be heading for a heck of a career in the custom farm work business - lots of folks started out smaller than you.
Best to you
BC