Updated 3 July 2026. First published 30 March 2026. 6 min read. For farmers.
Hay Contracting Rates Australia 2026: Mowing, Raking and Baling Costs
Hay contracting rates are useful, but they only get you halfway to a good result. The quote that matters is the one that matches your crop, timing, bale format, paddock access and whether you also need raking, wrapping or cartage.
This guide gives farmers a practical planning range for mowing, raking and baling, then shows how to turn that into a quote-ready hay job on AgPages.
Quick answer
Hay mowing is commonly quoted around $100 to $130/ha, with conditioning usually higher. Raking, large square baling, round baling, wrapping and cartage are often quoted separately. Bale size, crop density, travel and timing are what move the final quote.
If you want contractors to respond quickly, include hectares, crop type, bale format, timing, access and whether you need the job bundled.
First pass
Mowing
Rate changes with crop density, conditioning, area and how cleanly the paddock can be worked.
Windrow setup
Raking
Small or broken paddocks often cost more per hectare than larger, clean runs.
Final format
Baling
Large square, round and small square bales all carry different machine, labour and consumable costs.
Hay Contracting Rates in Australia
Use the table as a planning guide before you request quotes. Contractors may quote per hectare, per bale, per hour or as a bundled job depending on the crop, the bale format and whether they are also handling cartage.
| Service |
Common quoting unit |
Planning range |
What changes the quote |
| Mowing |
Per hectare |
$100 to $130/ha |
Crop density, area, terrain and travel |
| Mowing with conditioning |
Per hectare |
Usually higher than standard mowing |
Legume hay, heavier crops and machine setup |
| Raking |
Per hectare or hourly |
Varies by rake type and area |
Paddock shape, windrow needs and crop volume |
| Large square baling |
Per bale |
Varies by bale size |
Bale size, density, netting and contractor demand |
| Round baling |
Per bale |
Varies by bale size and wrapping |
Silage wrap, netting, crop weight and paddock layout |
| Cartage or stacking |
Hourly, per bale or per load |
Quote separately |
Distance, loading setup, storage and labour |
Rates vary by region and season. Confirm whether GST, fuel, travel, netting, wrap and cartage are included before comparing quotes.
What Changes a Hay Contractor Quote
- Crop and pasture type. Lucerne, grass hay, cereal hay and mixed pasture do not all cut and bale the same way.
- Bale format. Large square, round and small square bales use different gear and labour.
- Timing. Hay windows can tighten quickly once the crop is ready and weather moves.
- Travel and access. Contractors price time on the road, gate access, loading areas and paddock layout.
- Bundled work. A single operator handling mowing, raking, baling and cartage may quote differently to separate contractors.
Hay Contractors in NSW, QLD and Victoria
In northern NSW and southern Queensland, hay jobs often compete with spraying, seeding and livestock work for the same contractor attention. In Victoria and southern NSW, dairy and mixed farming regions can place extra pressure on baling and wrapping windows.
The practical point is the same across regions: a clear job brief gets better responses. Contractors need to know the crop, area, bale format, timing and whether you expect them to handle cartage or stacking.
Hay Job Brief Checklist
Include these details when you post or request a quote:
- Hectares and paddock count
- Crop or pasture type
- Preferred bale format
- Mowing, raking, baling and wrapping needs
- Netting, twine or wrap supply
- Cartage, stacking or storage needs
- Nearest town and access notes
- Target cutting and baling window
How to Get a Fair Hay Contracting Quote
Get two or three quotes if you can, but compare the whole job, not just the headline rate. A lower baling rate may not include travel, wrapping, netting or cartage. A higher bundled quote may be better value if it removes coordination headaches.
Be plain about timing. If the crop needs to be cut in a tight window, say so. If you can give the contractor flexibility, say that too. Good operators are usually juggling several jobs across the same weather break.
If you are struggling to find available contractors, post your hay job on AgPages. It gets the brief out of your notebook and in front of contractors who are looking for work in your region.
Need a Hay or Baling Contractor?
Post the job once, include the bale format and timing, and make it easier for available contractors to quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does hay mowing cost per hectare in Australia?
Hay mowing is often quoted per hectare, with standard mowing commonly around $100 to $130 per hectare and mowing with conditioning commonly higher. The final quote depends on crop density, paddock shape, travel and timing.
How much does hay baling cost per bale in 2026?
Large square, round and small square bale rates vary by bale size, crop, wrap or netting, contractor availability and whether mowing, raking and cartage are bundled. Confirm whether consumables and fuel are included.
How do I find a hay contractor near me?
Post a clear hay job with hectares, crop type, bale format, timing, location, access and whether you need mowing, raking, baling, wrapping or cartage. AgPages helps put that brief in front of contractors who service the area.
What should I include in a hay contractor quote request?
Include hectares, crop or pasture type, bale size, whether conditioning or wrapping is needed, preferred timing, paddock access, storage or cartage needs, and whether netting or wrap is supplied by the farmer.
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