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Thumb of Michigan | I need to explain some of the details before I shoot a number out there. I don't want to set the stage for a donneybrook with your local pilot.
1. Theres nothing super magic about why I seed in mid to late August. Here, the potatoes are not getting sprayed during that time, the gypsy moth spraying is all done, and its too early to seed wheat aerially. The pilot is setting on his hands looking for work right about then. Thats why it works pretty well about that time. Plus, I have time about then as well.
2. Once the pilot gets in the air and levels out, he can see most of my fields. Travel time isn't too big of an issue.
3. I load the tender, and consequently the plane. I sometimes sell rye if I have extra, I take care of the logistics with a grower for the pilot if I'm selling rye.
4. We don't have real small fields, and generally not too many obstructions. My field size runs from 25 acres up to 400. Average probably around 80-100 acres.
5. Seeding rates vary, but I run from 15# (OSR) up to 50# (Aroostock rye). Once in the air, the pilot can stay up for a while.
6. Depending on seeding rates, I pay between $7 and $8 per acre for air app. For reference, a drill rental is around $10, I supply tractor, fuel, and driver. Our NRCS also has a 30' drill and tractor, still supply fuel and driver, for around $13 (don't remember for sure). In my case, I think the aerial is a pretty good buy, and in some cases its really the only option I have to get covers seeded in a timely fashion. Another plus is that the pilot has an interesting guarantee. If he leaves tracks in the field, the jobs free.
7. Over the years, I've been told by some that they just can't get a pilot to come to their area because he can't get enough work. I understand that entirely. I sold rye to a guy for a few years who was 45 miles from the airport. He drummed up enough business around him to make it worthwhile for the pilot to move his stuff to a closer airfield. Just food for thought.
These prices are just for reference. As I said, your situation may vary. If you want a 100# of something seeded in a bunch of 3 acre fields with power lines in each field, 25 miles from the airport, I'd be suprised if you could get the job done for under $10- $12. Or if you have to have something done on a certain day and the pilot has to change some equiptment to do your job. But, its something to go by anyway. Not at all trying to be vague on the details, but each situation is different. | |
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Various cover crop pics.
