Bale wrapping ratesAlberta
Custom bale wrapping in Alberta typically costs $14.00 per bale: the median of 29 distinct operator charges in the Alberta Custom Rates Survey, 2016–2018, with the middle half between $12.50 and $15.00 per bale. Source: Alberta Custom Rates Survey, via PrairieRates.ca.
Last updated · Methodology
Typical charge in Alberta
$14.00/bale
Median of 29 surveyed charges, 2016–2018
Low (25th pct)
$12.50
High (75th pct)
$15.00
Rates over time ($/bale)
Median charge per year, with the middle 50% of charges shaded.
The median went from $9.00 in 2005 to $14.00 in 2017. In 2024 dollars that’s $13.51 to $17.24 (Statistics Canada CPI). Years with fewer than 5 charges are left out of this comparison.
These are surveyed rates: what Alberta producers and custom operators reported actually charging, by county (Alberta Custom Rates Survey, Government of Alberta). Some are “good neighbour” rates. Alberta hasn’t published a newer survey. How we source data
By county
$/bale, surveys 2014–2018. Click a column to sort; linked counties have their own page.
| Mountain View County | 10 | $14.50 | $16.50 |
| Wheatland County | 5 | $14.00 | $16.50 |
| Clearwater County | 5 | $14.00 | $16.50 |
| MD of Bighorn No. 8 | 4 | $15.25 | $16.50 |
| Red Deer County | 3 | $13.00 | $14.00 |
| Rocky View County | 3 | $14.00 | $16.50 |
| Kneehill County | 3 | $12.00 | $13.00 |
| Foothills County | 3 | $14.00 | $14.00 |
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Individual charges, 2014–2018
Each row is one operator’s reported charge (repeats from later surveys shown once), linked to its source PDF page.
| Wheatland County | $16.50 | International Harvester 1086 130 hp tractor, Hesston 565A baler; large round Silage bales; with net wrap; hauling up to 5 miles; plus Wheatland Countu BH bales up to 2,400 lbs; fifth wheel trailer holds 15 large round ba | |
| Rocky View County | $16.50 | International Harvester 1086 130 hp tractor, Hesston 565A baler; large round Silage bales; with net wrap; hauling up to 5 miles; plus Rocky View County BH bales up to 2,400 lbs; fifth wheel trailer holds 15 large round b | |
| Wheatland County | $16.50 | International Harvester 1086 130 hp tractor, Hesston 565A baler; large round Silage bales; with net wrap; hauling up to 5 miles; plus Wheatland County BH bales up to 2,400 lbs; fifth wheel trailer holds 15 large round ba | |
| MD of Bighorn No. 8 | $16.50 | International Harvester 1086 130 hp tractor, Hesston 565A baler; large round Silage bales; with net wrap; hauling up to 5 miles; plus MD of Bighorn No. 8 BH bales up to 2,400 lbs; fifth wheel trailer holds 15 large round | |
| Clearwater County | $16.50 | International Harvester 1086 130 hp tractor, Hesston 565A baler; large round Silage bales; with net wrap; hauling up to 5 miles; plus Clearwater County BH bales up to 2,400 lbs; fifth wheel trailer holds 15 large round b | |
| Mountain View County | $16.50 | International Harvester 1086 130 hp tractor, Hesston 565A baler; large round Silage bales; with net wrap; hauling up to 5 miles; plus Mountain View County BH bales up to 2,400 lbs; fifth wheel trailer holds 15 large roun | |
| MD of Bighorn No. 8 | $16.50 | International Harvester 1086 130 hp tractor, Hesston 565A baler; large Silage bales; with net wrap; hauling up to 5 miles; plus Bighorn MD 8 BH round bales up to 2,400 lbs; fifth wheel trailer holds 15 large round bales | |
| Clearwater County | $16.50 | International Harvester 1086 130 hp tractor, Hesston 565A baler; large Silage bales; with net wrap; hauling up to 5 miles; plus Clearwater BH round bales up to 2,400 lbs; fifth wheel trailer holds 15 large round bales $1 |
Common questions
How much does custom bale wrapping cost in Alberta?
Custom bale wrapping in Alberta typically costs $14.00 per bale: the median of 29 distinct operator charges in the Alberta Custom Rates Survey, 2016–2018, with the middle half between $12.50 and $15.00 per bale. Charges flagged as data errors are left out. Alberta's survey last ran in 2018, so add for inflation and fuel; recent farmer reports are on PrairieRates.ca.
Does the bale wrapping rate include the operator and fuel?
Custom rates are normally quoted with the operator, but extras vary. Of the 36 recent charges in Alberta's survey notes, few mention fuel separately. If a quote doesn't say, confirm fuel and travel before the job starts.
How have custom bale wrapping rates changed over time?
The median surveyed charge in Alberta went from $9.00 per bale in 2005 to $14.00 in 2017 (+56%). In 2024 dollars, using Statistics Canada's consumer price index, that is $13.51 to $17.24 (+28% after inflation).
How current are these rates?
They come from the Government of Alberta's custom rates surveys, 2004–2018; Alberta has not published a newer survey. PrairieRates adds anonymous 2026 reports from farmers and custom operators, shown separately once a county has three or more. Data last updated October 12, 2026.
Cite this page
PrairieRates. “Bale wrapping custom rates, Alberta.” Data: Government of Alberta, Alberta Custom Rates Survey. Updated October 12, 2026. https://prairierates.ca/alberta/bale-wrapping