It's a slight but necessary increase, says the organisation's chief executive officer, Kel Morley, Narromine, NSW.

"In old terms it is $24 an acre a tonne of free standing crop with a yield of up to 12 bags to the acre," Mr Morley said.

"That's our starting point or minimum rate for this season.

"It's necessary due to the rising costs we continue to face items such as parts and labour."

There is a sliding scale of increases at $10 a tonne as yield size increases from the basic rate.

Forbes, NSW, based NGH president, Norm Haley, said association members were keen for farmers to recognise that most contract harvesters come fully equipped with late model harvesters as well as mobile workshop with spares.

"This means the job is done professionally and efficiently, saving the farmer time and money," Mr Haley said.

As well, NGH members will propose a formal contract to be agreed upon and signed by both parties before the job starting.

Gunningbland district contractor and immediate past-president, Ron Swansbra, warned that there were contract harvesters ready to abandon the industry if harvesting rates didn't rise.

"I was only talking to one bloke today who said if he didn't get a good season this year, he was out of the business," Mr Swansbra said.

"A machinery dealer told me that machinery parts had risen by anything from 30 per cent, so these increased costs will need to be passed on."