I've noticed many farmer won't tell other farmers the exact truth regarding anything. At least in my area the other many farmers, the bigger the operation more the more likely, are jealous, greedy, lying, big headed Aholes. I'll tell what my family paid help as far back as I can remember. 83-92 baling hay $5 to $7/hour lunch and dinner served, rides available, if needed. 94 and 95 $10, lunch, dinner, and I still offered rides. after 95 we went to a round baler. Last year, I had a retired friend that hauled crops for me a few days. I paid him $15/h. It almost ended our friendship, because he didn't want paid. He had actually volunteered his services. I wanted to give him $20, but he insisted no. I insisted on $15 then. He'd either take that, or I would have my wife send the annual Christmas card with a gift certificate inside for the amount equaling $20/h. I told him, "you may have volunteered, but your time is worth something to me. You saved me a lot of time those 3 day I would have been alone on. One way or the other, I will pay you."