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ABSTRACT
SEstimated costs of production are reported for six vegetable crops produced in one or
more of four production areas in Florida for the 1985-86 season. In all, ten crop-area
combinations are included.. Net return range analyses and labor and machinery cost
breakdowns by operation are also presented.
Keywords: budgets, cost of production, vegetables.
FOREWORD
For over 24 years, cost and returns data on vegetable production in Florida have been
collected and published by the Food and Resource Economics Department at the University of
Florida. Over these years the methods used to estimate costs of production and net returns
have remained virtually unchanged. While this has led to the creation of a consistent and
perhaps unique historical data series, the cost of collecting such data on a wide variety of
crops has become prohibitive. It has thus become necessary to use an alternative means of
estimating cost of production. Fortunately, through the use of microcomputers, an economical
alternative to the current method of estimating production costs exists that will enable a large
number of vegetable crops to be analyzed at a reasonable cost per budget.
This publication is the first evidence of this change. In contrast to the more traditional
cost and returns data, estimated production costs based on representative practice production
budgets are presented along with additional information on labor and machinery costs and net
return range analyses. The number of crop-area combinations included in this report is
considerably smaller than that contained in previous cost and returns reports. This is a
temporary result of the transition to using production budgets. Additional crops will be
reinstated as quickly as possible. It is hoped that by reducing the cost per budget new crops
may be added beyond those traditionally covered under the previous format.
As is the case in reporting any historical data, transitions to new methods of collecting
and reporting data place somewhat of a hardship on users of the data. Not only is the
reporting format different, but also, data on some crop-areas may not be reported for several
years. Every effort will be made to ensure the new production cost estimates are as
compatible with prior estimates based on cost and returns data as possible. It is hoped that
eventually the hardships of adjust g to this new method of estimating production costs for
vegetables will pay significant dividends by permitting production costs to be reported for an
increased number of crop-area combinations and in a more timely fashion than has been
previously possible.
ACKNO\\ LEDGNIENTS
The author would like to express appreciation to numerous individuals, without whose
help this publication would not be possible. Foremost in this group is Emil Belibasis, who
through great time and effort assembled the technical coefficients used in the budgets. Credit
also goes to Rob Johnson and Scott Smith for technical assistance in processing the
information used in the cost estimates. Lastly, and certainly not least, appreciation is
expressed to those growers and county agents who assisted in collecting the necessary
information needed to formulate the budgets.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pane
Abstract i
Foreword ii
Acknowledgements iii
Table of Contents iv
List of Tables iv
Map of Florida Vegetable Producing Areas viii
Definitions ix
Introduction 1
Appendix A Cultural Labor Costs by Activity and Machinery Costs by Operation 13
References 33
List of Tables
Table Page
1. Bush Beans: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1985-86. 3
2. Bush Beans: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1985-86. 3
3. Bush Beans: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1986-86. 4
4. Bush Beans: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Palm Beach County area, 1985-86. 4
5. Cucumbers: Estimated production costs in the Southwest Florida area, 1985-86. 5
Table
6. Cucumbers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Southwest Florida area, 1985-86.
7. Eggplant: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1985-86.
8. Eggplant: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Palm Beach County area, 1985-86.
9. Summer Squash: Estimated production costs in the Dade county area, 1985-86.
10. Summer Squash: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1985-86.
11. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1985-86.
12. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Palm Beach County area, 1985-86.
13. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the Southwest Florida area, 1985-86.
14. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Southwest Florida area, 1985-86.
15. Ground Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1985-86.
16. Ground Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1985-86.
17. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Ruskin/Palmetto area, 1985-86.
18. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Ruskin-Palmetto area. 1985-86.
19. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Southwest Florida area, 1985-86
20. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Southwest Florida area. 1985-86.
A-I. Bush Beans: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1985-86.
A-2. Bush Beans: Summarv of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1985-86.
Page
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10
10
11
11
S12
12
14
14
Table Pane
A-3. Bush Beans: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1985-86. 15
A-4. Bush Beans: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1985-86. 16
A-5. Cucumbers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1985-86. 17
A-6. Cucumbers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1985-86. 18
A-7. Eggplant: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1985-86. 19
A-8. Eggplant: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1985-86. 20
A-9. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1985- 86. 21
A-10. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1985- 86. 22
A- 1. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1985- 86. 23
A-12. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1985- 86. 24
A-13. Summer Squash: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area,
1985-86. 25
A-14. Summer Squash: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County Area,
1985-86. 26
Table Page
A-15. Ground Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs ii the Dade County area,
1985-86. 27
A-16. Ground Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area,
1985-86. 28
A-17. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Ruskin/Palmetto area,
1985- 86. 29
A-18. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Ruskin/Palmetto area,
1985- 86. 30
A-19. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1985-86. 31
A-20. Staked Tomatoes: Summniar of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1985-86. 32
PRINCIPAL VEGETABLE PRODUCING AREAS IN FLORIDA
AND MAJOR VEGETABLES PRODUCED
1. West--tomatoes, watermelons
2. North
A. Gainesville/Alachua--bush beans.
sweet corn, watermelons
B. Hastings--potatoes, cabbage
3. North Central--celery, sweet corn,
lettuce, carrots, watermelons
4. West Central
C. Plant City--strawberrie'
D. Manatee/Ruskin- -tomatoes
5. East Central--tomatoes, watermelons
6. Southwest--cucumbers, peppers, squash,
tomatoes, watermelons
7. Everglades--celery, sweet corn, lettuce,
radishes, escarole
8. Southeast
E. Palm Beach--beans, cucumbers, sweet
corn, eggplant, squash
F. Dade County--beans, potatoes,
tomatoes, Cuban vegetables
viii
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DEFINITIONS
Bactericide includes only the cost of bactericides applied.
Containers include the cost of cartons, crates or baskets in which the product is transported
to market.
Custom work is an estimate of the total cost of all custom work performed during crop
production.
Fertilizer includes only the cost of fertilizer (and lime) applied.
Fungicide includes only the cost of fungicides applied.
Harvesting (picking) represents the cost of harvesting the crop and preparing it for movement
to the packinghouse on a per packed unit basis.
Hauling is the cost of moving the product from the field to the packinghouse.
Herbicide includes only the cost of herbicide materials applied.
Insecticide includes only the cost of insecticides applied.
Interest cost represents the interest charged on production capital only. An interest rate of
12.0% was used in estimating this cost.
Labor includes the cost of field labor, tractor labor and supervisory labor used to produce the
crop. Labor used in harvesting the crop is not included.
Land rent is an estimate of the prevailing rate for land in each production area and for each
specific crop.
Machinery cost represents the cost of using farm machinery and implements exclusive of labor.
These costs include expenditures on fuel and oil, repair and maintenance and insurance.
Depreciation is also included in this cost.
Miscellaneous included licenses and insurance and overhead expenses such as office supplies,
administrative expenses other than supervision and incidental expenses.
Mobile shed represents all machinery cost associated with field packing a commodity.
Packing represents the cost of preparing the product for shipment either in the field or at
the packinghouse.
Plastic mulch represents only the cost of materials. Labor and machinery costs are not
included.
Seed/transplants represent only material costs. If seed is used, the cost of plug mix is also
included.
Selling is the packinghouse, market, sales organization or dealer's charge for performing the
service of selling the croo.
Soil fumigants include only the cost of fumigants applied.
Transportation represents the cost of moving the product to a local market for sale.
Yield is the number of marketable units produced per acre. It is not based on data surveyed
during a given season. Rather it is an estimate for the current season based on
historical data and other relevant information as available.
1
INTRODUCTION
This report presents estimated costs of production for six vegetable crops produced in
one or more of four producing areas in Florida for the 1985-86 season. In all, ten crop-area
combinations are included. The budgets were constructed using the VEG-BUD fresh vegetable
budget generator. Technical coefficients used in constructing the budgets are based on those
in Buckley et al. (1986) which were obtained by surveying individual growers and county
agents. The input prices used in conjunction with the technical coefficients were obtained by
telephone survey of farm suppliers.
The budgets presented in this report are intended to reflect the cost of production
incurred when production practices that are considered typical for any given crop in a given
area are followed. What constitutes a typical production practice for each crop was defined
by a consensus of opinion between IFAS personnel and various producers in each production
area. It should be emphasized that cost estimates resulting from this process should not be
considered as representing the average cost of production in a statistical sense nor should
they be considered as necessarily relating to recommended production practices. Rather, the
cost of production estimates presented are representative of what costs would be realized if
production practices typically used were followed.
For each crop there are four tables that include various types of information. In
addition to reporting estimated cost of production per acre and per unit, a table of estimated
net returns for various price and yield combinations is presented in the text for each crop.
An appendix contains two additional tables for each crop that summarize preharvest labor
costs by production activity and a breakdown of fixed and variable machinery and implement
costs by operation.
The net return range analyses provide information on how sensitive the estimated net
return for any crop is to variations in either yield per acre or price per unit. For each crop
net returns are estimated for a combination of 25 price and yield combinations. The ranges
2
for both price and yield are intended to be broad enough to include the actual season average
prices and yields obtained by growers in any given area.
The appendix contains cost breakdowns for both labor input and machinery use by
operation. For labor, the estimated hours per acre required to perform an operation and the
cost per acre are delineated. Also included is the estimated cost per acre for supervision.
Machinery costs are reported for tractors, implements and a miscellaneous category. For each
machine or implement, the total hours used per acre and estimated fixed and variable costs
per acre are reported.
Fixed machinery costs include interest cost, taxes, insurance and depreciation. Variable
machinery costs include the cost of fuel and oil, and repair and maintenance. Both fixed and
variable machinery costs are calculated on the basis of hours of use per acre for each
machine or implement. It should be noted that labor costs associated with machinery use are
not included in the variable cost of machinery, but reported as "tractor labor" in the labor
cost breakdown.
The use of budgeting differs considerably from the use of cost and returns survey data.
In place of statistical estimates of the average cost of production for each crop are estimates
of the cost of production when production practices considered typical for a given crop and
area are followed. However, the cost estimates obtained from the use of budgets provide
estimates of production cost that are equally valid and considerably less expensive to obtain.
It is hoped that this fact enables the estimation of cost of production for a larger set of
crops than has previously been possible.
Table 1. Bush Beans: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1985-86.
Average per
Category Acre 30 Ibs.
Yield (30 lbs.) 140.00
- Dollars -
PREHARVEST COSTS
Fertilizer 140.77
Insecticide 49.75
Fungicide 38.80
Seed/Transplants 85.00
Land rent 130.00
Labor cost 62.37
Machinery cost 105.88
Interest cost 27.66
Miscellaneous 51.02
Total preharvest cost 691.25 4.94
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Picking and packing 431.20 3.08
Container 163.80 1.17
Selling 70.00 0.50
Transportation 14.00 0.10
Total harvest and marketing cost 679.00 4.85
TOTAL COST 1,370.25 9.79
Table 2. Bush Beans: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1985-86.
Dollars per carton
Yield (30 lbs.) 9.00 9.50 10.00 10.50 11.00
80 -650.25 -610.25 -570.25 -530.25 -490.25
110 -380.25 -325.25 -270.25 -215.25 -160.25
140 -110.25 -40.25 29.75 99.75 169.75
170 159.75 244.75 329.75 414.75 499.75
200 429.75 529.75 629.75 729.75 829.75
Table 3. Bush Beans: Estimated production costs
1985-86.
in the Palm Beach County area,
Average per
Category Acre 30 lbs.
Yield (30 Ibs.) 130.00
- Dollars -
PREHARVEST COSTS
Fertilizer and lime 100.65
Insecticide 10.26
Fungicide 9.02
Soil fumigant 104.00
Seed/Transplants 60.00
Land rent 150.00
Labor cost 99.83
Machinery cost 141.05
Interest cost 30.72
Miscellaneous 77.39
Total preharvest cost 782.92 6.52
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick and haul 150.00 1.25
Packing 166.80 1.39
Container 133.20 1.11
Selling 48.00 0.40
Transportation 12.00 0.10
Total harvest and marketing cost 510.00 4.25
TOTAL COST 1,292.92 10.77
Table 4. Bush Beans: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Palm Beach County area, 1985-86.
Dollars per carton
Yield (30 lbs.) 9.75 10.25 10.75 11.25 11.75
-659.17
-366.67
-74.17
218.33
510.83
-626.67
-319.17
-11.67
295.83
603.33
-594.17
-271.67
50.83
373.33
695.83
-561.67
-224.17
113.33
450.83
788.33
-529.17
-176.67
175.83
528.33
880.83
Table 5. Cucumbers: Estimated production
1985-86.
costs in the Southwest Florida area,
Average per
Category Acre 55 lbs.
Yield (55 lbs.) 500.00
- Dollars - -
PREHARVEST COSTS
Fertilizer and lime 343.75
Herbicide 32.65
Insecticide 237.25
Fungicide 45.54
Soil fumigant 150.00
Plastic mulch (3.0 rolls/acre) 195.00
Seed/Transplants 95.00
Land rent 240.00
Labor cost 463.28
Machinery cost 347.90
Interest cost 94.46
Miscellaneous 117.67
Total preharvest cost 2,362.50 4.73
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvesting 590.00 1.18
Hauling 120.00 0.24
Packing 845.00 1.69
Container 380.00 0.76
Selling 125.00 0.25
Total harvest and marketing cost 2,060.00 4.12
TOTAL COST 4,422.50 8.85
Table 6. Cucumbers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Southwest Florida area, 1985-86.
Dollars per carton
Yield (55 lbs.) 8.00 8.50 9.00 9.50 10.00
375 -1422.50 -1235.00 -1047.50 -860.00 -672.50
450 -822.50 -597.50 -372.50 -147.50 77.50
525 -222.50 40.00 302.50 565.00 827.50
600 377.50 677.50 977.50 1277.50 1577.50
675 977.50 1315.00 1652.50 1990.00 2327.50
Table 7. Eggplant: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1985-86.
Average per
Category Acre 33 lbs.
Yield (33 Ibs.) 2500.00
- Dollars - -
PREHARVEST COSTS
Fertilizer and lime 635.00
Herbicide 32.70
Insecticide 171.00
Fungicide 138.00
Soil fumigant 169.20
Plastic mulch (3.0 rolls/acre) 342.00
Seed/Transplants 150.00
Land rent 375.00
Labor cost 572.33
Machinery cost 676.28
Interest cost 144.05
Miscellaneous 319.19
Total preharvest cost 3,724.75 1.49
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvesting 1,275.00 0.51
Mobile shed 175.00 0.07
Wrapping paper 375.00 0.15
Container 1,875.00 0.75
Selling 875.00 0.35
Transportation 500.00 0.20
Total harvest and marketing cost 5,075.00 2.03
TOTAL COST 8,799.75 3.52
Table 8. Eggplant: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Palm Beach County area, 1985-86.
Dollars per carton
Yield (33 lbs.) 2.75 3.25 3.75 4.25 4.75
2000 -3299.75 -2299.75 -1299.75 -299.75 700.25
2250 -2612.25 -1487.25 -362.25 762.75 1887.75
2500 -1924.75 -674.75 575.25 1825.25 3075.25
2750 -1237.25 137.75 1512.75 2887.75 4262.75
3000 -549.75 950.25 2450.25 3950.25 5450.25
Table 9. Summer Squash: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area,
1985-86.
Average per
Category Acre 42 lbs.
Yield (42 lbs.) 200.00
- Dollars - -
PREHARVEST COSTS
Fertilizer 133.20
Insecticide 33.88
Fungicide 41.24
Seed/Transplants 106.00
Land rent 130.00
Labor cost 59.74
Machinery cost 93.93
Interest cost 26.77
Miscellaneous 46.14
Total preharvest cost 670.90 3.35
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvesting 350.00 1.75
Picking baskets 8.00 0.04
Hauling 30.00 0.15
Packing 150.00 0.75
Container 216.00 1.08
Selling 100.00 0.50
Movable shed 6.00 0.03
Transportation 30.00 0.15
Total harvest and marketing cost 890.00 4.45
TOTAL COST 1,560.90 7.80
Table 10. Summer Squash: Estimated net returns for various price and yield
combinations in the Dade County area, 1985-86.
Dollars per carton
Yield (42 lbs.) 7.00 7.50 8.00 8.50 9.00
75 -1035.90 -998.40 -960.90 -923.40 -885.90
150 -510.90 -435.90 -360.90 -285.90 -210.90
225 14.10 126.60 239.10 351.60 464.10
300 539.10 689.10 839.10 989.10 1139.10
375 1064.10 1251.60 1439.10 1626.60 1814.10
Table 11. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the Palm
Beach County area, 1985-86.
Average per
Category Acre 25 Ibs.
Yield (25 lbs.) 875.00
- Dollars - -
PREHARVEST COSTS
Fertilizer and lime 282.00
Herbicide 32.70
Insecticide 137.50
Fungicide 89.75
Soil fumigant 113.60
Plastic mulch (2.5 rolls/acre) 312.00
Seed/Transplants 206.25
Land rent 375.00
Labor cost 658.44
Machinery cost 536.64
Interest cost 103.62
Miscellaneous 305.96
Total preharvest cost 3,153.46 3.60
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick and pack labor 1,006.25 1.15
Mobile shed 131.25 0.15
Container 638.75 0.73
Selling 350.00 0.40
Transportation 175.00 0.20
Total harvest and marketing cost 2,301.25 2.63
TOTAL COST 5,454.71 6.23
Table 12. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and
yield combinations in the Palm Beach County area, 1985-86.
Dollars per carton
Yield (25 lbs.) 5.75 6.25 6.75 7.25 7.75
750 -1142.21 -767.21 -392.21 -17.21 357.79
825 -710.96 -298.46 114.04 526.54 939.04
900 -279.71 170.29 620.29 1070.29 1520.29
975 151.54 639.04 1126.54 1614.04 2101.54
1050 582.79 1107.79 1632.79 2157.79 2682.79
Table 13. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the Southwest Florida
area, 1985-86.
Average per
Category Acre 25 lbs.
Yield (25 lbs.) 900.00
- Dollars - -
PREHARVEST COSTS
Fertilizer and lime 360.80
Herbicide 25.03
Insecticide 147.13
Fungicide 138.60
Soil fumigant 150.00
Pia ,ic mulch (3.0 rolls/acre) 195.00
Seeu/Transplants 400.00
Land rent 240.00
Labor cost 413.72
Machinery cost 419.34
Interest cost 95.27
Miscellaneous 253.11
Total preharvest cost 2,838.00 3.15
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvesting 729.00 0.81
Hauling 198.00 0.22
Packing 1,260.00 1.40
Container 657.00 0.73
Selling 270.00 0.30
Total harvest and marketing cost 3,114.00 3.46
TOTAL COST 5,952.00 6.61
Table 14. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield
combinations in the Southwest Florida area, 1985-86.
Dollars per carton
Yield (25 lbs.) 5.75 6.25 6.75 7.25 7.75
775 -1495.75 -1108.25 -720.75 -333.25 54.25
850 -1064.50 -639.50 -214.50 210.50 635.50
925 -633.25 -170.75 291.75 754.25 1216.75
1000 -202.00 298.00 798.00 1298.00 1798.00
1075 229.25 766.75 1304.25 1841.75 2379.25
Table 15. Ground Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Dade
County area, 1985-86.
Average per
Category Acre 25 lbs.
Yield (25 lbs.) 1,000.00
- Dollars - -
PREHARVEST COSTS
Fertilizer 323.00
Herbicide 33.40
Insecticide 228.60
Fungicide 130.89
Bactericide 3.10
Soil fumigant 200.00
Plastic mulch (2.5 rolls/acre) 162.50
Seed/Transplants 160.00
Land rent 180.00
Custom work 169.03
Labor cost 481.37
Machinery cost 284.84
Interest cost 87.97
Miscellaneous 135.31
Total preharvest cost 2,580.01 2.58
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvesting .630.00 0.63
Hauling 70.00 0.07
Packing 1,740.00 1.74
Container 580.00 0.58
Selling 150.00 0.15
Total harvest and marketing cost 3,170.00 3.17
TOTAL COST 5,750.01 5.75
Table 16. Ground Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price
and yield combinations in the Dade County area, 1985-86.
Dollars per carton
Yield (25 lbs.) 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 7.00
900 -1250.01 -800.01 -350.01 99.99 549.99
975 -875.01 -387.51 99.99 587.49 1074.99
1050 -500.01 24.99 549.99 1074.99 1599.99
1125 -125.01 437.49 999.99 1562.49 2124.99
1200 249.99 849.99 1449.99 2049.99 2649.99
Table 17. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Ruskin/Palmetto
area, 1985-86.
Average per
Category Acre 25 lbs.
Yield (25 lbs.) 1,200.00
PREHARVEST COSTS
Fertilizer and lime
Herbicide
Insecticide
Fungicide
Seed/Transplants
Soil fumigant
Plastic mulch (2.0 rolls/acre)
Land rent
Labor cost
Machinery cost
Interest cost
Miscellaneous
Total preharvest cost
301.00
30.70
221.06
83.16
150.00
115.00
130.00
5'.00
565.06
465.00
80.95
236.45
2,461.38'- "
2.05 2- 14 S
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul
Packing
Container
Selling
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST
996.00 ,
1,704.00
636.00
180.00
3,516.00
5,977.38
Table 18. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and
yield combinations in the Ruskin/Palmetto area, 1985-86.
Dollars per carton
Yield (25 lbs.) 4.25 4.75 5.25 5.75 6.25
1100 -1302.38 -752.38 -202.38 47.62 897.62
1175 -983.63 -396.13 191.37 778.87 1366.37
1250 -664.88 -39.88 585.12 1210.12 1835.12
1325 -346.13 316.37 978.87 1641.37 2303.87
1400 -27.38 672.62 1372.62 2072.62 2772.62
0.83
1.42
0.53
0.15
2.93
4.98
;,1 L) 3
I
Table 19. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Southwest
Florida area, 1985-86.
Average per
Category Acre 25 lbs.
Yield (25 lbs.) 1,100.00
- Dollars - -
PREHARVEST COSTS
Fertilizer and lime 501.90
Herbicide 46.90
Insecticide 58.75
Fungicide 142.53
Bactericide 7.44
Soil fumigant 165.00
Plastic mulch (3.3 rolls/acre) 273.90
Seed/Transplants 150.00
Land rent 240.00
Labor cost 640.11
Machinery cost 380.15
Interest cost 106.11
Miscellaneous 398.33
Total preharvest cost 3,111.12 2.83
HARVEST AND MARKETING
Harvest and haul 880.00 0.80
Packing 1,650.00 1.50
Container 660.00 0.60
Selling 165.00 0.15
Total harvest and marketing cost 3,355.00 3.05
TOTAL COST 6,466.12 5.88
Table 20. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield
combinations in the Southwest Florida area, 1985-86.
Dollars per carton
Yield (25 lbs.) 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 7.00
925 -1841.12 -1378.62 -916.12 -453.62 8.88
1000 -1466.12 -966.12 -466.12 33.88 533.88
1075 -1091.12 -553.62 -16.12 521.38 1058.88
1150 -716.12 -141.12 433.88 1008.88 1583.88
1225 -341.12 271.38 883.88 1496.38 2108.88
APPENDIX A.
Cultural Labor Costs by Activity and
Machinery Costs by Operation
Table A-1. Bush Beans: Summary of
County area, 1985-86.
preharvest labor costs in the Dade
Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre
CULTURAL LABOR
Other 1.25 5.45
Total cultural labor 1.25 5.45
Total tractor labor 2.96 15.38
Supervision 41.54
TOTAL LABOR COST -62.37
Table A-2. Bush Beans:
1985-86.
Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area,
Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total
TRACTORS
40 hp 0.70 1.48 2.23 3.71
70 hp 0.87 3.37 4.97 8.34
160 hp 0.80 7.74 10.89 18.63
IMPLEMENTS
13-ft Heavy disk 0.80 9.86 3.36 13.22
4-Row fert. applicator 0.27 0.83 0.51 1.34
4-Row planter 0.27 2.40 1.44 3.84
4-Row cultivator 0.60 1.37 0.78 2.15
Sprayer 0.70 8.69 4.57 13.26
MISCELLANEOUS
117-hp Pump (truck mounted) 3.75 13.20 28.20 41.40
TOTAL MACHINERY COST --- 48.93 56.95 105.88
Table A-3. Bush Beans: Summary of preharvest labor costs
Beach County area, 1985-86.
in the Palm
Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre
CULTURAL LABOR
Cultivate 4.00 17.44
Irrigate 1.00 4.36
Total cultural labor 5.00 21.80
Total tractor labor 5.96 30.94
Supervision 47.09
TOTAL LABOR COST 99.83
Table A-4. Bush Beans:
1985-86.
Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area,
Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total
TRACTORS
40 hp
70 hp
100 hp
IMPLEMENTS
6-ft Weed chopper
12-ft Disk
1-Row middle buster
1-Row bedder
1-Row fumigator
1-Row fert. distributor
1-Row fert. distributor
1-Row cross ditcher
2-Row bean planter
2-Row cultivator
Sprayer
MISCELLANEOUS
30-hp Electric pump
100-hp Diesel engine pump
TOTAL MACHINERY COST
1.07
1.87
1.83
2.26
7.24
12.23
0.36
1.07
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.27
0.40
0.40
1.07
0.40
5.88
3.57
1.08
9.41
0.63
0.48
1.06
3.16
2.46
0.90
2.22
1.41
4.97
6.90
13.10
69.51
3.42
10.67
16.35
0.62
3.21
0.14
0.27
0.80
2.68
2.08
0.41
1.33
0.80
2.61
1.57
24.57
5.68
17.91
28.58
1.70
12.62
0.77
0.75
1.86
5.84
4.54
1.31
3.55
2.21
7.58
8.47
37.67
71.54 141.05
Table A-5. Cucumbers: Summary of
Florida area, 1985-86.
preharvest labor costs in the Southwest
Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre
CULTURAL LABOR
Remove plastic mulch
Mark off ditches
Mark off rows
Bed and fumigate
Apply top fertilizer
Lay plastic
Make cross-ditches
Set plants
Thin plants
Water control
Other
Total cultural labor
Total tractor labor
Supervision
TOTAL LABOR COST
20.00
1.33
1.33
0.67
0.67
2.00
7.50
14.40
7.20
1.50
4.00
60.60
11.00
87.20
5.80
5.80
2.92
2.92
8.72
32.70
62.78
31.39
6.54
17.44
264.22
57.07
141.99
463.27
Table A-6. Cucumbers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1985-86.
Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total
TRACTORS
100 hp 6.14 41.05 54.88 95.93
125 hp 0.53 3.91 5.56 9.47
180 hp 2.13 24.36 33.39 57.75
IMPLEMENTS
12-ft disk 0.80 7.04 2.40 9.44
16-ft disk 1.20 12.67 4.32 16.99
14-ft leveler 0.40 1.47 0.45 1.92
Row marker 0.27 0.35 0.01 0.36
V-ditcher 0.53 1.50 0.63 2.13
3-Row bedder 0.53 1.41 1.06 2.47
3-Row fumigator 0.53 3.17 2.38 5.55
3-Row fert. distributor 0.53 6.56 5.56 12.12
3-Row plastic layer 0.53 4.28 3.22 7.50
1-Row hole puncher 0.70 0.42 0.16 0.58
3-Row herbicide sprayer 0.27 0.96 0.50 1.46
Sprayer 2.77 34.39 18.10 52.49
1-Row plastic lifter 0.27 1.05 0.36 1.41
MISCELLANEOUS
20-hp Diesel engine pump 8.33 6.11 11.50 17.61
100-hp Diesel engine pump 5.00 18.33 34.40 52.73
TOTAL MACHINERY COST
169.02
178.88 347.90
Table A-7. Eggplant: Summary of
County area, 1985-86.
preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach
Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre
CULTURAL LABOR
Place plastic in rows
Bed and fumigate
Apply fertilizer and pres
Make cross ditches
Lay plastic
Set plants
Replant
Water control
Other
Total cultural labor
Total tractor labor
Supervision
TOTAL LABOR COST
5.33
0.40
0.67
13.33
1.34
20.00
1.00
3.00
12.00
57.07
19.14
23.24
1.74
2.92
58.12
5.84
87.20
4.36
13.08
52.32
248.83
99.34
224.16
572.33
Table A-8. Eggplant: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach
County area, 1985-86.
Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total
TRACTORS
40 hp 0.40 0.84 1.28 2.12
70 hp 10.53 40.77 60.08 100.85
100 hp 4.38 29.32 39.19 68.51
IMPLEMENTS
1-Row mower 0.40 1.05 0.60 1.65
12-ft Disk 2.24 19.68 6.71 26.39
1-Row middle buster 0.40 0.63 0.14 0.77
1-Row bedder 0.53 0.63 0.36 0.99
1-Row bed presser 0.53 0.21 0.16 0.37
1-Row fumigator 0.53 1.41 1.06 2.47
1-Row fert. distributor 0.53 4.18 3.54 7.72
1-Row fert. distributor 0.53 4.81 4.07 8.88
1-Row cross ditcher 0.53 1.20 0.54 1.74
1-Row plastic layer 0.53 2.10 1.32 3.42
1-Row hole puncher 0.40 0.24 0.09 0.33
2-Row herbicide sprayer 0.80 2.13 1.12 3.25
Sprayer 8.00 99.31 52.27 151.58
1-Row plastic lifter 0.27 1.05 0.36 1.41
Baler 0.16 2.52 0.77 3.29
MISCELLANEOUS
100-hp Diesel engine pump 8.33 30.56 57.33 87.89
Eggplant mule train 2.75 120.18 61.92 182.10
30-hp Electric pump 14.29 16.76 3.81 20.57
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 379.56 296.72 676.28
TOTAL MACHINERY COST
379.56
296.72 676.28
Table A-9. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm
Beach County area, 1985-86.
Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre
CULTURAL LABOR
Place plastic in rows 5.33 23.24
Bed and fumigate 0.40 1.74
Fertilize 1.00 4.36
Lay plastic 1.00 4.36
Prepare plug mix 3.00 13.08
Plant 30.00 130.80
Thin plants 20.00 87.20
Water control 2.50 10.90
Other 25.00 109.00
Total cultural labor 88.23 384.68
Total tractor labor 15.96 82.83
Supervision 190.93
TOTAL LABOR COST
658.44
Table A-10. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm
Beach County area, 1985-86.
Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total
TRACTORS
40 hp 1.60 3.38 5.11 8.49
70 hp 8.93 34.57 50.95 85.52
100 hp 2.24 14.97 20.01 34.98
IMPLEMENTS
1-Row mower 0.40 1.05 0.60 1.65
12-ft Disk 1.28 11.25 3.83 15.08
1-Row middle buster 0.40 0.63 0.14 0.77
1-Row bedder 0.80 0.96 0.54 1.50
1-Row fumigator 0.80 2.13 1.60 3.73
1-Row fert. distributor 0.80 7.27 6.16 13.43
1-Row cross-ditcher 0.80 1.81 0.82 2.63
1-Row plastic layer 0.80 3.18 2.00 5.18
1-Row hole puncher 0.80 0.48 0.18 0.66
2-Row herbicide sprayer 0.80 2.13 1.12 3.25
Sprayer 5.20 64.55 33.97 98.52
1-Row plastic lifter 0.53 2.05 0.70 2.75
Baler 0.16 2.52 0.77 3.29
MISCELLANEOUS
100-hp Diesel engine pump 7.27 26.67 50.04 76.71
Mixer 1.00 4.96 25.25 30.21
Pepper mule train 4.00 87.33 43.00 130.33
30-hp Electric pump 12.50 14.67 3.33 18.00
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 286.52 250.12 536.64
TOTAL MACHINERY COST
286.52 250.12 536.64
Table A-11. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor
Florida area, 1985-86.
costs in the Southwest
Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre
CULTURAL LABOR
Remove plastic
Bed, fumig. and top fert.
Make cross ditches
Lay plastic
Set plants
Replant
Water control
Other
Total cultural labor
Total tractor labor
Supervision
TOTAL LABOR COST
9.00
0.40
3.50
1.20
12.00
2.00
2.50
10.00
40.60
12.52
39.24
1.74
15.26
5.23
52.32
8.72
10.90
43.60
177.02
65.00
171.70
413.72
Table A-12. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida
area, 1985-86.
Dollars per acre
Desciption Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total
TRACTORS
100 hp 7.30 48.83 65.27 114.10
125 hp 0.80 5.91 8.41 14.32
180 hp 1.92 21.95 30.09 52.04
IMPLEMENTS
l-Row mower 0.40 1.00 0.60 1.65
16-ft Disk 0.96 10.14 3.46 13.60
V-Ditcher 0.32 0.90 0.38 1.28
14-ft Reverse plow 0.32 0.67 0.23 0.90
3-Row bed fertilizer 0.32 1.85 1.39 3.24
3-Row fumigator 0.32 1.91 1.44 3.35
3-Row fert. distributor 0.32 3.96 3.35 7.31
3-Row cross-ditcher 0.32 1.61 0.73 2.34
3-Row plastic layer 0.32 2.58 1.94 4.52
3-Row plant setter 0.80 2.11 0.60 2.71
2-Row herbicide sprayer 0.64 1.70 0.89 2.59
Sprayer 4.80 59.63 31.38 91.01
1-Row plastic lifter 0.50 1.94 0.66 2.60
MISCELLANEOUS
20-hp Diesel engine pump 12.50 9.17 17.25 26.42
100-hp Diesel engine pump 7.14 26.19 49.14 75.33
TOTAL MACHINERY COST
202.11
217.23 419.34
25
Table A-13. Summer Squash: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade
County area, 1985-86.
Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre
CULTURAL LABOR
Seed and fertilize 0.22 0.96
Cultivate 0.99 4.32
Total cultural labor 1.21 5.28
Total tractor labor 2.72 14.14
Supervision 40.32
TOTAL LABOR COST 59.74
Table A-14. Summer Squash: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area,
1985-86.
Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total
TRACTORS
40 hp
70 hp
160 hp
IMPLEMENTS
1.38
0.00
0.80
2.91
0.00
7.74
4.40
0.00
10.89
7.31
0.00
18.63
13-ft Heavy disk
4-Row fert. applicator
4-Row planter
Sprayer
4-Row cultivator
MISCELLANEOUS
117-hp Pump (truck mounted)
25-ft Movable shed
TOTAL MACHINERY COST
0.80
0.18
0.18
1.20
0.80
1.88
2.00
9.86
0.55
1.59
14.90
1.83
6.61
3.22
49.22
3.36
0.34
0.96
7.84
1.04
14.12
1.76
13.22
0.89
2.55
22.74
2.87
20.73
4.98
44.71 93.93
Table A-15 Ground Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the
Dade County area, 1985-86.
Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre
CULTURAL LABOR
Frost protection 1.50 6.54
Fumigate and lay plastic 2.50 10.90
Haul plastic 1.00 4.36
Lay plastic by side 6.25 27.25
Other cultural 15.00 65.40
Plant 2.00 8.72
Prepare plug mix 0.50 2.18
Prune plants 25.00 109.00
Supplemental fertilizer 0.33 1.44
Thin plants 6.25 27.25
Total cultural labor 60.33 263.04
Total tractor labor 12.02 62.32
Supervision 156.01
TOTAL LABOR COST 481.37
TOTAL LABOR COST
481.37
Table A-16. Ground Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area,
1985-86.
Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total
TRACTORS
40 hp 6.26 13.22 19.98 33.20
70 hp 2.03 7.86 11.58 19.44
160 hp 1.33 12.84 18.05 30.89
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. Heavy disk 1.07 13.14 4.48 17.62
1-Row mower 0.20 0.52 0.30 0.82
1-Row plastic cutter 0.20 0.08 0.01 0.09
2-Row herbicide sprayer 1.20 3.19 1.68 4.87
3-Row bedder 0.13 0.35 0.26 0.61
3-Row fert. distributor 0.40 4.96 4.20 9.16
3-Row fumigator 0.20 1.20 0.90 2.10
3-Row middle buster 0.13 0.31 0.12 0.43
3-Row scrapper 0.20 0.26 0.15 0.41
3-Row shanks 0.10 0.26 0.06 0.32
3-Row tomato planter 0.80 12.41 7.47 19.88
Baler 0.13 2.04 0.62 2.66
Fertilizer tender 0.40 3.54 3.00 6.54
Side hole puncher 0.20 0.40 0.15 0.55
Sprayer 4.26 52.86 27.82 80.68
MISCELLANEOUS
117-hp Pump (truck mounted) 4.22 14.86 31.75 46.61
2-Ton truck 0.20 1.35 2.68 4.03
Mixer 0.13 0.64 3.28 3.92
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 146.30 138.54 284.84
138.54 284.84
TOTAL MACHINERY COST
146.30
Table A-17. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the
Ruskin/Palmetto area, 1985-86.
Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre
CULTURAL LABOR
Apply cricket bait 1.00 4.36
Drive stakes 4.00 17.44
Irrigate 2.50 10.90
Prune plants 3.50 15.26
Remove plastic 10.00 43.60
Replant 1.00 4.36
Set plants 3.00 13.08
Set stakes 8.80 38.37
Tie plants 18.00 78.48
Other 25.00 109.00
Total cultural labor 76.80 334.85
Total tractor labor 15.64 81.19
Supervision 149.02
TOTAL LABOR COST
565.06
Table A-18. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the
Ruskin/Palmetto area, 1985-86.
Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total
TRACTORS
70 hp 0.32 1.24 1.82 3.06
100 hp 10.20 68.19 91.15 159.34
150 hp 2.00 17.60 25.14 42.74
IMPLEMENTS
13-ft Heavy disk 1.60 19.71 6.72 26.43
14-ft Leveler 0.40 1.47 0.45 1.92
1-Row bedder 0.32 0.38 0.22 0.60
1-Row fert. distributor 0.32 2.90 2.46 5.36
1-Row fumigator 0.32 0.85 0.64 1.49
1-Row plastic layer 0.32 1.27 0.80 2.07
1-Row plant setter 0.80 0.98 0.28 1.26
2-Row gas burner 0.80 4.00 2.83 6.83
2-Row herbicide sprayer 0.72 1.91 1.01 2.92
2-Row hiller 0.32 0.84 0.19 1.03
4-Row stake drivers 0.80 6.80 3.42 10.22
Ditch plow 0.32 0.31 0.11 0.42
Row marker 0.32 0.42 0.02 0.44
Sprayer 3.84 47.67 25.09 72.76
V-Board 0.32 0.42 0.10 0.52
V-Ditcher 1.00 2.83 1.20 4.03
MISCELLANEOUS
100-hp Diesel engine pump 10.00 36.67 68.80 105.47
2-Ton truck 0.80 5.40 10.72 16.12
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 221.85 243.15 465.00
TOTAL MACHINERY COST
221.85
243.15 465.00
Table A-19. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor
Southwest Florida area, 1985-86.
Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre
CULTURAL LABOR
Apply bottom fertilizer
Bed fumigation and top fert.
Lay plastic
Make cross-ditches
Prune plants
Remove plastic
Remove stakes
Set plants
Tie plants
Water control
Other
Total cultural labor
Total tractor labor
Supervision
0.20
0.50
1.20
5.00
13.00
8.00
3.00
4.80
26.00
2.50
25.00
89.20
12.15
TOTAL LABOR COST
costs in the
0.87
2.18
5.23
21.80
56.68
34.88
13.08
20.93
113.36
10.90
109.00
388.91
63.08
188.12
640.11
Table A-20. Staked Tomatoes:
area, 1985-86.
Summary of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida
Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total
TRACTORS
100 hp
125 hp
180 hp
IMPLEMENTS
4.30
4.01
1.41
28.76
29.67
16.11
38.44
42.21
22.09
67.20
71.88
38.20
12-ft Disk
3-Row bedder
3-Row fert. distributor
3-Row fumigator
3-Row gas burner
3-Row middle buster
3-Row plant setter
3-Row plastic layer
3-Row stake puller
6-Row herbicide sprayer
Sprayer
V-Ditcher
MISCELLANEOUS
20-hp Diesel engine pump
100-hp Diesel engine pump
1-Ton truck
TOTAL MACHINERY COST
1.41
0.16
0.40
0.40
0.32
0.20
0.80
0.40
0.80
2.15
0.27
3.61
12.50
7.14
0.40
12.39
0.43
4.96
2.39
1.81
0.48
2.11
3.24
10.64
11.44
3.35
10.24
9.17
26.19
1.91
175.29
4.23
0.32
4.20
1.80
1.28
0.18
0.60
2.43
6.40
6.02
1.77
4.34
17.25
49.14
2.16
16.62
0.75
9.16
4.19
3.09
0.66
2.71
5.67
17.04
17.46
5.12
14.58
26.42
75.33
4.07
204.86 380.15
33
REFERENCES
Buckley, K.C., J.J. Van Sickle, M.E. Bredahl, E. Belibasis and N. Gutierree. Florida and Mexico
Competition for the Winter Fresh Vegetable Market. USDA, ERS Agricultural Economic
Report No. 556, 1986.
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