ABSTRACT

Estimated costs and returns of growing round oranges in the central
Florida citrus area are presented for the ninth consecutive year. The
format presented may be used by individual growers to budget costs and
returns, utilizing individual data on specific groves.

Key words: citrus, central Florida, budgeting, costs and returns.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Appreciation is extended to Mrs. Jane Wilson for typing the final
draft.

ABSTRACT

Estimated costs and returns of growing round oranges in the central
Florida citrus area are presented for the ninth consecutive year. The
format presented may be used by individual growers to budget costs and
returns, utilizing individual data on specific groves.

Key words: citrus, central Florida, budgeting, costs and returns.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Appreciation is extended to Mrs. Jane Wilson for typing the final
draft.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT . . .

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . .

INTRODUCTION ... ...

METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION ..

THE GROVE SITUATION ... ..

Age and Production Per Tree.

COSTS OF INPUTS . ..

SPRAY PROGRAM . . .

COSTS AND RETURNS . . .

REFERENCES. . ........

. 0 ... . *. 0

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* S *. S

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Page

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1

1

1

2

3

3

7

11

LIST OF TABLES

Table

1 Calculation of production per tree . . .

2 Costs of inputs supplied on a custom basis used in calcu-
lating costs o . .. . . *

3 Costs of chemicals used in calculating costs . .

4 Spray program used in budget based on custom rates and
application of two 500-gallon tanks per acre .

5 Estimated annual per acre costs and returns for a mature,
round orange grove producing citrus for processing in
central Florida. . . . .. *

6 Estimated annual per acre costs and returns and 5-year
average costs and returns for a mature, round orange
grove producing citrus for processing in central Florida,
1978-79--1982-83 . . . . . 9

7 Estimated annual per acre costs and returns and 5-year
average costs and returns (inflated to 1983 dollars) for
a mature, round orange grove producing citrus for pro-
cessing in central Florida, 1978-79--1982-83. . 9

8 Schedule of production practices in central Florida citrus
groves. .. . . . . 10

iii

BUDGETING COSTS AND RETURNS:
CENTRAL FLORIDA CITRUS PRODUCTION, 1982-83

Ronald P. Muraro

INTRODUCTION

Due to the manner in which data become available, there is always a
time lag between the collection of production costs and returns informa-
tion and when they are analyzed and published. Hence, production costs
in one year are understood to relate to the crop which is harvested the
following season.
In order to obtain current data for various decision making purposes,
a budget may be constructed by developing a list of production practices
and their costs. Budget analysis provides the basis for many grower
decisions. For example, budget analysis can be used to calculate poten-
tial profits from an operation, to determine cash requirements for an
operation, and to determine break-even prices. These data can then be
used as a basis for management decision making.

METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

The data presented here were developed from surveying custom opera-
tors, input suppliers, and from discussions with colleagues at the Agri-
cultural Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. This annual survey
is conducted in February and March.

THE GROVE SITUATION

It is difficult to define a "typical" grove; therefore, it is nec-
essary to state the assumptions under which a budget was constructed.

RONALD P. MURARO is assistant professor of food and resource economics
and area farm management economist. He is stationed at the Agricultural Re-
search and Education Center, Lake Alfred.

The assumptions made as to a particular grove situation are thought to be
typical of a healthy, mature, rough lemon-rooted round orange grove in the
ridge area, or central part of the state.
Specific production practices vary from grove to grove. Many combi-
nations of practices and various tree combinations accomplish the produc-
tion of acceptable yields and returns. The generation of costs and returns
data is designed to be applicable to any grove situation. A grower can
substitute his individual grove costs and expected returns into the budget
format and develop a budget for a particular grove. A "your cost" column
is provided for this purpose.
In the following budget, good management and cultural practices are
assumed. Beyond this general assumption, the following specifics are
assumed:

1. A 25-year-old grove, irrigated;
2. Type is round orange on rough lemon rootstock;
3. Tree loss is 2 percent annually;
4. Trees are pulled and replaced when production falls below
50 percent of expected yield;
5. Production is for processing only; and
6. Tree spacing is 70 trees per acre.

Age and Production Per Tree

Situation Boxes/tree

2% pulled and replanted 0.0
2% 1 year old 0.0
2% 2 years old 0.0
2% 3 years old 0.6
2% 4 years old 0.9
38% 5-24 years old 4.4
2% producing 50% of expected yield 4.0
50% 25 years old 8.0

Table l.--Calculation of production per tree

Boxes Total
Age of tree Trees /tree boxes

Total no. Proportion No. ea.
all ages ea. agea age ----No.-----
3 yrs. 70 x 0.02 = 1.4 x 0.6 = 0.84
4 yrs. 70 x 0.02 = 1.4 x 0.9 = 1.26
5-24 yrs. 70 x Q.38 = 26.6 x 4.4 = 117.04
Prod. 50% of
exp. yield 70 x 0.02 1.4 x 4.0 = 5.60
25 yrs. 70 x 0.50 = 35.0 x 8.0 = 280.00

Total boxes = 404.74

Proportion adds up to 0.94 (94 percent) as 6 percent of the trees
were non-bearing (see page 2).

COSTS OF INPUTS

Costs for various production inputs are the average of the data
obtained from this survey. These average costs are shown in Tables 2
and 3.
This table, as do the others, has a column reserved for the indivi-
dual grower to insert data from a particular grove. This will allow a
comparison of the grower's costs and returns with those of the hypothe-
tical case presented.

SPRAY PROGRAM

The spray program presented here is believed to be of the type
followed by a majority of growers. It is not the exact program outlined
in the Florida Citrus Spray Guide 1983, nor is it necessarily the most
economical spray program. Most growers of fruit for processing use at
least two sprays and one dust in their insect and disease control pro-
grams. These costs are presented in the budget.
Table 4 outlines this program as a post bloom, a summer oil, and a
fall miticide application. The first two are dilute sprays while the
third is a ground application of sulphur. Table 4 shows a supplemental
miticide application that may be used when additional control for rust
mite is needed.

Table 2.--Costs of inputs supplied on a custom basis used in calculating costs

Item Unit Low High Average Your cost

-----------------------Dollars--------------------

Dilute spray Tank 12.90 21.20 15.21
Dusting, ground Acre 5.00 8.75 6.46
Fertilizing (bulk) Acre 4.50 9.00 6.09
Dolomite application Ton 5.50 8.00 6.84
Chopping Acre 5.00 9.00 7.10
Discing (9'-10') Acre 5.00 8.45 7.06
Topping (single boom) Hour -- 235.00
Topping (double boom) Hour -- 335.00
Hedging, 2-sides-tractor drawn Hour 46.00 85.00 58.95
Hedging, 2-sides--self propelled Hour 200.00 225.00 213.50
Front-end loader Hour 32.00 49.00 38.68
Bulldozer Hour 34.00 45.00 40.85
Truck and driver Hour 14.50 22.00 16.41
Tractor and driver Hour 14.50 20.90 16.44
Power saw without operator Hour 3.00 8.00 4.93
Labor Hour 5.50 8.00 6.49
Herbicide Hour 14.00 25.00 18.61

__

Tah.b 3.--Costs of chemicals used in calculating costs

Item Unit Cost Your cost

---------------Dollars--------------
Chlorobenzilate Pint 3.11
Neutral copper, 53% Cu Lb. 0.92
Zinc, 36% Zn Lb. 0.32
Borates Lb. 0.45
Manganese, 24-27% Mg Lb. 0.15
Ethion Pint 2.19
Vendex Lb. 17.21
Oil Gal. 2.22
Kelthane Pint .1.35
Sulphur Lb. 0.14
Sticker Pint 1.17
Paraquat Gal. 43.00
Krovar II Lb. 7.00
16-0-16 Ton 137.48
8-2-8 Ton 96.93
Dolomite (delivered) Ton 23.63

Table 4.--Spray program used in budget based on custom rates and application of two 500-gallon tanks per acre

Item Amount/acre Cost Your cost

-----------Dollars-------------
Post bloom application
Kelthane 16 pints 23.76
Zinc 15 Ibs. 5.28
Borates 1.25 lbs. 0.62
Manganese 15 lbs. 2.48
Sticker 1 pint 1.29
Application (Dilute) 2 tanks 30.42
Total 63.85

Summer oil application
Ethion 6 pints 14.45
Oil 6 gals. 14.65
Copper, 53% Cu 3 lbs. 3.04
Application (Dilute) 2 tanks 30.42
Total 62.56
Fall miticide application
Sulphur 70 Ibs. 10.70
Application, ground $6.46/acre 6.46
Total 17.16
Grand total 143.57
Supplemental miticide application
Kelthane 6 pints 8.91
Sticker 1 pint 1.29
Application (Dilute) 2 tanks 30.42
Total 40.62

I

COSTS AND RETURNS

Table 5 shows the estimated cost and returns based on data presented
earlier, and with a custom-caretaker providing grove management. Several
items of cost were not included in Table 5. For instance, a supplemental
miticide (Table 4) would add $40.62 to operating costs.
Costs for freeze protection were not included. A crew standing by
to light heaters one night in one season would result in an extra cost of
approximately $25.00 per acre. The cost of setting up and removing heaters
and the amount of fuel necessary for one or two nights is not included in
this cost. In addition, a wide variation may exist in the cost of fuel
from one area to another. Individual growers are in a better position to
estimate these "firing" costs. Firing costs are a cost of production;
hence, if known, they should be included in the expense column in Table 5.
Fixed costs were not included in the budgeted costs since these costs
would vary from one grove operation to another. However, for guidelines,
ad valorem taxes in Polk County would add another $40 to $50 per acre.
Annual debt payment may cost as high as $400 per acre ($3,000 average debt
per acre @ 12 percent interest). Promotion and insurance are other costs
not included and will vary widely among different grove operations.
Estimated annual costs and returns for processed, round oranges in
central Florida have been collected and published the past four years.
Estimated cost and return histories for these years, 1982-83, and a five-
year average are presented in Table 6. These same costs and returns,
inflated to 1983 dollars, are presented in Table 7.
Shown in Table 8 are production practices for Florida citrus and a
range of times during the year when they would likely be performed. There
are two benefits to developing such a table for an individual grove.
First, it shows what work is needed and when, so that operations can be
planned well in advance. Second, it can be helpful if an annual cash
flow analysis is developed to plan financing. The individual grower can
achieve benefits by developing a plan for a particular grove.

Table 5.--Estimated annual per acre costs and returns for a mature, round orange grove producing citrus for processing
in central Florida

Item Description Amount Your cost

---------------Dollars-------------

I. Revenue 404 boxes @ $5.18a 2,092.72
II. Expenses
Weed control
Material 2 Ibs. of Krovar II 15.40
Application 1/3 treated acre 7.44 22.84
Discing Twice/year 14.12
Chopping Twice/year 14.20 51.16
Spray programb From Table 4 143.57
Fertilizer
Material 16-0-16, 1,125 Ibs. 84.69
Application 2 @ $6.09 12.18 96.87
Dolomite
Material 1/3 ton @ $23.63 7.88
Application $6.84/ton @ 1/3 2.28 10.16
Pruning (maintenance)
Topping ($235/hr. + 8.0 A/hr. $29.38) + 3 yrs. 9.79
Hedging ($213/hr. 11.0 A/hr. $19.32) 2 yrs. 9.66
Chopping brush Custom rate 5.50 24.95
Tree replacement and care
Pull trees and remove 1.4 trees/acre 16.95
Prepare site, plant and ring (Includes trees) .12.98
Water (Avg. 10 waterings) 10.29
Fertilizer (Includes appi: .t ion) 13.50
Tree wraps, sprout, etc. (Year of p. -. g)i. g 8.57 62.29
Irrigation (operating costs) 13.2 Inches/year 111.93c
Management 5% of gross sales 104.64
III. Total specified costs 605.75
IV. Return to land and trees 1___

aPrice per box is preliminary.
b
Assumes all material custom applied; therefore, a 10 percent handling and supervision charge is added to material
cost.

CDoes not include $59.54 per acre of fixed depreciation cost.

dOther methods to estimate a management cost are used in the industry. Other selected methods will give a
different return to land and trees than reported here.

Table 6.--Estimated annual per acre costs and returns and 5-year average
costs and returns for a mature, round orange grove producing
citrus for processing in central Florida, 1978-79--1982-83

Total Net return
Price Gross specified to land
Year /box Yield revenue costsc and trees

-------------- Dollars--------------
1978-79 $4.90 404 1,979.60 435.14 1,544.46
1979-80 3.90 404 1,575.60 494.30 1,081.30
1980-81 4.54 323b 1,466.42 539.53 926.89
1981-82 5.02 323b 1,621.46 568.22 1,053.24
1982-83 5.18a 404 2,092.72 605.75 1,486.97

5-yr. avg. 4.71 372 1,752.12 528.59 1,223.53

aEstimated at time of printing and is not a published price.

byield reduced due

to January freeze during 1981 and 1982.

CFixed costs such as taxes, debt payment, and insurance are not
included.

Table 7.--Estimated annual per acre costs and returns and 5-year average
costs and returns (inflated to 1983 dollars) for a mature,
round orange grove producing citrus for processing in central
Florida, 1978-79--1982-83

Consumer Total Net return
price Price Gross specified to land
Year indexa /box Yield revenue costs and trees

-------------Dollars------------
1978-79 137.1 $6.72 404 2,714.88 596.58 2,118.30
1979-80 120.8 4.71 404 1,902.84 597.11 1,305.73
1980-81 109.4 4.97 323 1,605.31 590.25 1,015.06
1981-82 103.1 5.18 323 1,673.14 585.83 1,087.31
1982-83 100.0 5.18 404 2,092.72 605.75 1,486.97

5-yr. avg. -- 5.35 372 1,990.20 595.30 1,394.90

aConsumer price index for each year inflated to 1983 price (1983 =
100). 1983 consumer price index estimated to be 298.1.

REFERENCES

Brooke, Donald L. and Ben Abbitt. Factors to Consider in Purchasing a
Citrus Grove. Univ. of Fla. Coop. Ext. Svc. Cir. 437. Gainesville:
1978.

DuCharme, E. P. "Tree Loss in Relation to Young Tree Decline and Sand
Hill Decline of Citrus in Florida," Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc.
84 (Oct. 1970), pp. 48-52.

Florida Citrus Spray Guide 1983. Univ. of Fla. Coop. Ext. Svc. Cir.
393-H. Gainesville: Jan. 1983.

Harrison, D. S. and R. C. J. Koo. Sprinkler Irrigation Systems for Citrus.
Univ. of Fla. Agr. Ext. Rpt. AE 73-15 (Rev.), Gainesville: Aug.
1974.

Muraro, Ronald P. "Comparative Citrus Budgets." Lake Alfred Agricultural
Research and Education Center AREC report. Lake Alfred, FL:
Apr. 1983.

"Cost for Establishing, Planting, and Maintaining a Citrus Grove
through Four Years of Age" Lake Alfred AREC report. Lake Alfred,
FL: Dec. 1981.

"Cost of Planting and Maintaining Reset Citrus Trees through
Four Years" Lake Alfred AREC report. Lake Alfred, FL: :Dec. 1981.

"Summary Custom Rate Survey for Interior Citrus Caretakers."
Lake Alfred AREC report. Lake Alfred, FL: Apr. 1983,

Muraro, Ronald P., and J. Fred Kurras. "Estimating the Damage to Citrus
Trees and Resulting Value Loss Due to the January, 1982 Freeze,"
Florida Food and Resource Economics No. 39 (Mar.-Apr. 1982). University
of Florida: Gainesville.

Reitz, H. J., C. D. Leonard, et al. Recommended Fertilizer and Nutri-
tional Sprays for Citrus. Univ. of Fla. Ag. Exp. Sta. Bull. 536C.
Gainesville: Dec. 1972.

Tilley, Daniel S., and Richard L. Kilmer. Growers' Returns and Marketing
Costs at Each Stage of the Vertical Marketing System for Citrus.
IFAS Econ. Info. Report 112. Gainesville: Apr. 1979.

This public document was promulgated at an annual cost of $412.51 or 27.5
per copy to furnish the citrus industry with current data on cost of
production for the Food and Resource Economics Department, Institute of
Food and Agricultural Sciences, and the University of Florida.

	Front Cover
	Abstract
	Acknowledgement
	Table of Contents
	Main
	Reference