NAAC releases Contracting Prices Survey 2026

The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) has released its latest survey of contracting prices. The results show that prices have generally risen overall, a few percent higher than 2025. The 2026 price survey is attached.

Prices are based on red diesel at £0.70 per litre and do not include AdBlue. Ongoing instability in the Middle East is contributing to rapidly fluctuating fuel prices, and contractors are advised to add a fuel surcharge where diesel rises above 70p per litre.

This survey reflects responses from across the UK, so higher and lower rates contribute to an average price. For this reason, it is critical that all operators calculate their own costs to ensure they are covering overheads. NAAC members can use the costing tool developed by The Anderson Centre to work out actual costs and realistic prices to charge; these may differ significantly from the averages published in this survey.

Commenting, Jill Hewitt, NAAC CEO, said: ‘This year we asked members whether they plan to put up their prices to reflect increasing costs. The average increase is 4.84%, although there was a wide variation of predicted rises from 0–15%.

However, the professional service provided by a contractor remains a high priority, ensuring customers can be confident their assets are protected, whether that is cropping, livestock, soil or the environment. This comes at a price, and 2026 rates have generally increased to take account of inflation and employment costs. Transparent, well-calculated costs on both sides will help maintain strong partnerships and ensure both parties benefit.’

The survey is intended as a guide only, based on responses from NAAC members. Actual charges may vary considerably depending on region, soil type, distance travelled, size of contract, type of equipment used, and amount of product applied. Contractors may also have individual arrangements with customers regarding fuel (for example, a separate fuel surcharge, or fuel provided on-farm).

See the full price list here