When to Hire a Custom Applicator vs. Buy Spraying Equipment

In your effort to protect against pests in order to maximize yield, you are faced with a choice: hire a custom applicator or purchase your own spraying equipment.

The decision to hire a custom applicator or buy spraying equipment depends on various factors such as farm size, spraying frequency, available resources, and personal preferences. It's important to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each to help make an informed decision that aligns with your specific operational needs and goals.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• Pros vs. Cons of Hiring a Custom Applicator

• How Much Does a Custom Applicator Cost?

• How FBN® Helps Farmers Looking for a Custom Applicator

• Pros vs. Cons of Owning Spraying Equipment

• How Much Does Spraying Equipment Cost?

• How FBN Helps Farmers Who Own Their Own Sprayer

What Is a Custom Applicator?

A custom applicator, sometimes referred to as a commercial applicator, is a licensed professional hired by a farmer to mix and apply ag chem, including fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides, across their fields. Using their own equipment, the custom applicator travels from farm to farm spraying chem that is either purchased separately by the farmer or sold by the applicator as part of the custom application agreement.

Hiring a Custom Applicator: Pros vs. Cons

A few common advantages and disadvantages of hiring a custom applicator are outlined below.

Pros of Hiring a Custom Applicator

• Cost savings: Hiring a custom applicator can be cost effective if you have a smaller operation or if you don't require frequent spraying. With this approach, you can avoid the upfront costs of purchasing equipment and the ongoing expenses of maintenance and repairs.

• Expertise and experience: Custom applicators are professionals who specialize in spraying and have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure accurate and effective application.

• Time-saving: By hiring a custom applicator, you can save time and focus on other farm management tasks, such as harvesting or marketing crops.

• Reduced liability: When hiring a custom applicator, the liability for accidents or other issues during spraying operations typically falls on the applicator, reducing your potential liability.

Cons of Hiring a Custom Applicator

• Limited scheduling flexibility: Relying on a custom applicator means you have to work around their availability and schedule, which may not always align with your specific needs or time-sensitive applications.

• Less control over application timing: Depending on the workload of the custom applicator, you may have less control over the timing of your spraying operations, which can be crucial for optimal pest or disease control.

• Communication and trust: Effective communication and trust are essential when working with a custom applicator, both of which may take time to achieve. You need to clearly communicate your specific needs and ensure that the applicator understands and follows your instructions.

• Cost variability: The cost of hiring a custom applicator can vary depending on factors such as the size of the field, the type of crop, and the distance to be traveled. This variability can make budgeting and cost forecasting more challenging.

How Much Does a Custom Applicator Cost?

The cost of hiring a custom applicator can vary depending on several factors, including the region, the demand, the size of the field, the type of crop, the distance to be traveled, the cost of fuel, and the specific services required. Taking that into consideration, here are some general estimates to give you an idea of the average costs involved.

Canada

Aerial application (previously referred to as crop dusting): The average cost can range from between CAD $8 to CAD $15 per acre.

Ground application: The average cost can range from CAD $5 to CAD $12 per acre.

The United States

Aerial application: The average cost can range from USD $7 to USD $20 per acre, according to a range of sources, including Farm Progress.

Ground application: The average cost can range from USD $8 to USD $15 per acre, according to 2023 research from Purdue University.

It's important to note that these are rough estimates, and the actual cost can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned earlier. Additionally, some custom applicators may charge a minimum fee or have additional charges for services such as tank mixing, equipment setup, or travel expenses. The cost of application does not include the cost of the chem itself.

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