Types of Contractor Work
Agricultural contractors cover a huge range of services. The most common include silage making (mowing, raking, foraging, baling), hedge cutting, fencing, spraying, combining, ploughing, drilling, and muck spreading.
Some contractors are one-man operations with a tractor and a few implements. Others are large businesses running fleets of machinery. The right choice depends on the job. For a small fencing job, a local one-man band with good references may be ideal. For first-cut silage on 200 acres, you want a properly equipped team who can get the job done in the weather window.
Specialist work — spraying, drainage, lime spreading — requires specific qualifications and equipment. Do not assume a general contractor can do everything; ask about their experience with the specific task you need.
Checking Qualifications and Insurance
Always ask for proof of public liability insurance. A minimum of £5 million cover is standard for agricultural contractors. If they are working near roads or buildings, higher cover may be appropriate. Ask to see the certificate, not just a verbal assurance.
For spraying work, the operator must hold a valid PA1/PA2 (or PA6 for knapsack) certificate and the business should be registered with BASIS if storing pesticides. For tree and hedge work involving chainsaws, NPTC/City & Guilds chainsaw certificates (CS30/31/38) are essential.
Check that their equipment is properly maintained and roadworthy. Poorly maintained machinery causes delays at best and damage to your land at worst. A good contractor takes pride in their equipment.
Getting Quotes and Comparing Prices
Get at least two or three quotes for any significant job. For straightforward work like hedge cutting, a per-metre or per-hour rate is common. For silage, contractors typically charge per acre or per bale. Fencing is usually quoted per metre of completed fence.
Be specific about what you need when requesting quotes. "Fencing the top field" is vague — "450 metres of stock-proof post and wire fencing, 4 strands, with new strainer posts" gives a contractor something to price accurately.
The cheapest quote is not always the best value. A contractor who does the job properly first time, on schedule, and leaves the site tidy is worth paying a premium for. Ask neighbours and local farmers who they use — reputation is everything in contracting.
What to Agree Before Work Starts
Before any work begins, agree the following in writing (even a text message or email is better than nothing):
Scope of work — exactly what is included and what is not. If they are fencing, who supplies the materials? If they are spraying, who supplies the chemical?
Price — fixed quote or day rate? Are there additional charges for travel, fuel, or materials?
Timeline — when will they start, and when will they finish? This matters enormously for time-sensitive work like silage or harvest.
Access — make sure they know how to get to the site, where they can park machinery overnight, and any restrictions (weight limits on bridges, overhead cables, etc.).
Payment terms — when is payment due? Most contractors expect payment within 30 days of invoice. Some require a deposit for materials on larger jobs.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of contractors who cannot provide insurance certificates, pressure you for cash payment, or are reluctant to give references. A good contractor is proud of their work and happy to point you to previous clients.
Vague pricing ("we'll see how it goes") almost always leads to disputes. Insist on a clear price or rate before work starts. Similarly, a contractor who repeatedly delays or cancels at short notice may be overcommitted — common in the industry but frustrating when you need a job done.
Poor communication is the most common complaint about contractors. If they do not return calls or messages during the quoting stage, this will not improve once they have the work. Look for someone who is responsive and keeps you informed.
Finding Contractors on FarmExchange
FarmExchange has a dedicated contractors section where local agricultural contractors list their services, areas covered, and specialisms. You can browse by county and service type, read reviews from other farmers, and contact contractors directly.
When contacting a contractor through the platform, include the key details: what work you need, approximately how much (metres of fencing, acres of silage, etc.), when you need it done, and your location. This helps them give you an accurate quote quickly.
Leaving a review after the work is complete helps other farmers make informed choices and rewards good contractors with visibility. The farming community runs on reputation — your honest feedback matters.