S-C Manitoba, Canada | 1stGenMN - 10/24/2025 13:38
Where does everyone go/what does everyone do to find custom work? I’m starting out, so far I’ve got a combine and No-Till drill. Its my First year doing it and I feel like a lot of people are already satisfied with their Guy already. My custom rates are, from what I hear, pretty good ($20/ac for drilling and $35/ac for combining plus hauling). Insight for a Young Farmer would be much appreciated!
Facebook marketplace and whatever other local classifieds is popular in your area. Stop in and chat with any farmers that generally end up finishing on the later side. (Be careful with your words here, some of this type can get offended if you make it sound like you're calling them a slacker) if you have any farming friends or family, try and get your foot in the door there, you never know who will call when a storm is a day or 2 away. Also ask them if they know anyone they think you should call.
If I'm buying some other used parts/equiptment off marketplace I also bring it up with them in a non pushy way.
My first year I printed full color flyers to hang around town. Grain elevator, input retailer, post office ect.
If some already has a guy, try and be their 2nd call if that guy ever doesn't show up in time, stop in to chat.
I'm 28 and just completed my 9th year of custom harvesting, starting with a repo auction almost write off fixer upper combine and some pretty lean years to now 2 class 8 combines that stay pretty busy.
Don't be afraid to travel for work, I was having my worst year ever, then I got a call from a farmer an 8hr combine drive away. Was dreading it and lived in the farmers camper for 6 weeks but ended up being my best year ever.
I'm not a salesman type but the first few years you just have to suck it up, take any jobs you can get and try and build your reputation.
Edited by bob123 10/24/2025 16:33
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Finding Custom Work
