-U-

Circular 1064

Production Cost for Selected Vegetables

in Florida, 1991-1992

Scott A. Smith and Timothy G. Taylor

central Scie

8193
Si~T4?

Florida Cooperative Extension Service
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
University of Florida
John T. Woeste, Dean

100
F637fe
no. 106*
1991/921

ABSTRACT

Costs of production are reported for thirteen vegetable crops produced in one or more of ten
production areas in Florida for the 1991-92 season. In all, twenty-seven crop-area combinations are
presented along with net return analyses. Labor and machinery cost breakdowns by operation are
detailed in appendix A.

Keywords: budgets, cost of production, vegetables.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This report is the outcome of work contributed by numerous individuals. In particular the
assistance of Ben Castro, Stephen Crnko, Jim Dilbeck, Anthony Drew, Phyllis Gilreath, Chip Hinton,
Bob Hochmuth, Dan Schrader, Tom Schueneman, Ken Shuler, George Talbott, Austin Tilton and
Charles Vavrina is greatfully acknowledged. In addition, the authors would like to express their
appreciation to the various state agencies, Florida growers, and agricultural associations who
contributed their technical knowledge of vegetable crop production. Thanks also to Janice Baisden
for her assistance in the processing of this document.

tIYVESIry OF FLORID.A LUBI~S i

ABSTRACT

Costs of production are reported for thirteen vegetable crops produced in one or more of ten
production areas in Florida for the 1991-92 season. In all, twenty-seven crop-area combinations are
presented along with net return analyses. Labor and machinery cost breakdowns by operation are
detailed in appendix A.

Keywords: budgets, cost of production, vegetables.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This report is the outcome of work contributed by numerous individuals. In particular the
assistance of Ben Castro, Stephen Crnko, Jim Dilbeck, Anthony Drew, Phyllis Gilreath, Chip Hinton,
Bob Hochmuth, Dan Schrader, Tom Schueneman, Ken Shuler, George Talbott, Austin Tilton and
Charles Vavrina is greatfully acknowledged. In addition, the authors would like to express their
appreciation to the various state agencies, Florida growers, and agricultural associations who
contributed their technical knowledge of vegetable crop production. Thanks also to Janice Baisden
for her assistance in the processing of this document.

tIYVESIry OF FLORID.A LUBI~S i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

A abstract .. . . . . .. .. . . .. .. .. . . .. .. . .
A cknow ledgem ents ............................................. ........... i
Table of Contents ......................................................... .
L ist of T ables ........................................................... 11
List of A ppendix Tables ................................................... vi
Principal Vegetable Producing Areas in Florida and Major Vegetables Produced ......... ix
K ey to Terms Used in Tables ............................................... xi
Introduction .............................. .............................. 1
Appendix A: Cultural Labor Costs by Activity and Machinery Costs by Operation. ....... 33

List of Tables
Table Page
1. Bush Beans: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92 .......... 5
2. Bush Beans: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1991-92 ....................................... 5
3. Cabbage: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92. ............... 6
4. Cabbage: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Hastings area, 1991-92. ........................................... 6
5. Celery: Estimated production costs in the central Florida area, 1991-92. ........... 7
6. Celery: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the central Florida area, 1991-92. ..................................... 7
7. Celery: Estimated production costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92. .............. 8
8. Celery: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Everglades area, 1991-92 ......................................... 8
9. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the central Florida area, 1991-92. ........ 9
10. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the central Florida area, 1991-92. ..................................... 9
11. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92. ....... 10
12. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1991-92. ..................................... 10
13. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92. ........ 11
14. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Everglades area, 1991-92 ........................................ 11
15. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1991-92 ... 12
16. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Palm Beach County area, 1991-92. ................................. 12

Table Pane
17. Cucumbers: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92. .... 13
18. Cucumbers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92. .................................. 13
19. Eggplant: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1991-92. ... 14
20. Eggplant: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the Palm Beach County area, 1991-92. .................................. 14
21. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1991-92. ........................................................ 15
22. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Palm Beach County area, 1991-92. ................................. 15
23. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area,
199 1-92. ........................................................ 16
24. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92. .................................. 16
25. Lettuce: Estimated production costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92. ........... 17
26. Lettuce: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Everglades area, 1991-92. ....................................... 17
27. Chip Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92. ........ 18
28. Chip Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Hastings area, 1991-92. ......................................... 18
29. Table Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92. .... 19
30. Table Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1991-92. ..................................... 19
31. Table Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92. ........ 20
32. Table Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Hastings area, 1991-92. ......................................... 20
33. Summer Squash: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92 ... 21
34. Summer Squash: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1991-92. ..................................... 21
35. Strawberries: Estimated production costs in the Plant City area, 1991-92. ........ 22
36. Strawberries: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Plant City area, 1991-92. ....................................... 22
37. Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92. ........ 23

Table Pane
38. Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1991-92. ..................................... 23
39. Fall Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
199 1-92. ........................................................ 24
40. Fall Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1991-92. .................................. 24
41. Spring Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1991-92. ........................................................ 25
42. Spring Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1991-92. .................................. 25
43. Tomatoes: Estimated Production costs in the north Florida area, 1991-92. ........ 26
44. Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
north Florida area, 1991-92. .......................................... 26
45. Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92. .... 27
46. Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
southwest Florida area, 1991-92. ....................................... 27
47. Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the Alachua/Levy County area,
1991-92. ........................................................ 28
48. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Alachua/Levy County area, 1991-92. .............................. 28
49. Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1991-92 ... 29
50. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1991-92. .................................. 29
51. Watermelons: Estimated Production costs in the north Florida area, 1991-92. ..... 30
52. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the north Florida area, 1991-92. ....................................... 30
53. Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92. .. 31
54. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the southwest Florida area, 1991-92. .................................... 31

List of Appendix Tables
Table Pane
A-i. Bush Beans: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area,
1991-92.......................................................... 35
A-2. Bush Beans: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area,
1991-92. ....................... .................................. 35
A-3. Cabbage: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92. ....... 36
A-4. Cabbage: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92. ...... 36
A-5. Celery: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the central Florida area,
1991-92.......................................................... 37
A-6. Celery: Summary of machine use and costs in the central Florida area,
1991-92.......................................................... 37
A-7. Celery: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92. ...... 38
A-8. Celery: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92. ...... 38
A-9. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the central Florida area,
1991-92. ........................................................ 39
A-10. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the central Florida area,
1991-92. ........................................................ 39
A- 1. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92. .. 40
A-12. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92. 40
A-13. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92. ... 41
A-14. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92. ... 41
A-15. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1991-92. ........................................................ 42
A-16. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1991-92. ....................................................... 42
A-17. Cucumbers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area,
1991-92. ........................................................ 43
A-18. Cucumbers: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area,
1991-92. ........................................................ 43
A-19. Eggplant: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1991-92. ....................................................... 44
A-20. Eggplant: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1991-92. ....................................................... 44

Table Page
A-21. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1991-92. ........................................................ 45
A-22. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1991-92.. ........................................................ 45
A-23. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area,
1991-92. ....................................................... 46
A-24. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area,
1991-92. ....................................................... 46
A-25. Lettuce: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92. ..... 47
A-26. Lettuce: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92. ..... 47
A-27. Chip Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92. .. 48
A-28. Chip Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92. .. 48
A-29. Table Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area,
1991-92. ........................................................ 49
A-30. Table Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area,
1991-92. ........................................................ 49
A-31. Table Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92 ... 50
A-32. Table Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92. .. 50
A-33. Summer Squash: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area,
199 1-92. ........................................................ 51
A-34. Summer Squash: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area,
199 1-92. ........................................................ 51
A-35. Strawberries: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Plant City area, 1991-92 ... 52
A-36. Strawberries: Summary of machine use and costs in the Plant City area, 1991-92. .. 52
A-37. Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92. .. 53
A-38. Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92. .. 53
A-39. Fall Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1991-92. ....................................................... 54
A-40. Fall Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1991-92. ........................................................ 54
A-41. Spring Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
199 1-92. ... .... .................... ... ...... .... ... .... ......... 55
A-42. Spring Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
199 1-92. ..... ... ..................... .. ............... .. .... .... 55

vii

Table Pane
A-43. Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the north Florida area, 1991-92. .. 56
A-44. Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the north Florida area, 1991-92. .. 56
A-45. Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area,
1991-92.......................................................... 57
A-46. Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area,
1991-92.. ........................................................ 57
A-47. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Alachua/Levy County area,
1991-92. ........................................................ 58
A-48. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the Alachua/Levy County area,
199 1-92. ........................................................ 58
A-49. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1991-92.......................................................... 59
A-50. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1991-92.. ........................................................ 59
A-51. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor cost in the north Florida area,
1991-92.......................................................... 60
A-52. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the north Florida area,
1991-92.......................................................... 60
A-53. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area,
1991-92.......................................................... 61
A-54. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area,
1991-92......................................................... .61

viii

PRINCIPAL VEGETABLE PRODUCING AREAS IN FLORIDA
AND MAJOR VEGETABLES PRODUCED

A H D C

2 E

1. West--tomatoes, watermelons
2. North
A. Alachua/Levy County--watermelons

B. Hastings area--potatoes, cabbage H -,

C. Jefferson County--watermelons 4

D. Quincy area--tomatoes t s
3. North Central
E. Lake/Sumter County--watermelons

F. Zellwood area--celery, sweet corn 6
4. West Central
G. Plant City area--strawberries

H. Manatee/Ruskin area--tomatoes, watermelons

5. East Central--tomatoes, watermelons a 6,^

6. Southwest--cucumbers, peppers, squash
tomatoes, watermelons

7. Everglades--celery, sweet corn, lettuce,
radishes, escarole

8. Southeast
I. Palm Beach County--cucumbers, sweet
corn, eggplant, squash

J. Dade County--beans, sweet corn, potatoes,
tomatoes, squash, Cuban vegetables

X

Bacterici

Bees:

Container

Crop insu

Custom w

Fertilizer:

Fungicide

General I

Harvestin

Hauling:

Herbicide

Insecticid

Interest c

Key to Terms Used in Tables

ie: Includes only the cost of bactericides applied.

Bee hive rental when used for pollination purposes.

rs: Includes cartons, crates, or baskets in which the product is transported to market.

rance: Represents crop hail and/or multiperil insurance.

'ork: Work performed on a contract or piece-rate basis.

Includes only the cost of fertilizer (and lime) applied.

: Includes only the cost of fungicides applied.

abor: Estimate of labor hours per acre necessary to perform various production tasks
during the growing period. Harvest labor is included in harvesting cost.

ig: Represents the cost of harvesting the crop and preparing it for movement to the
packinghouse on a per-packed-unit basis.

Moving the produce from the field to the packinghouse or storage area.

: Includes only the cost of herbicides applied.

e: Includes only the cost of insecticides applied.

ost: Interest charged on production capital only. An interest rate of 12.0 percent was
used in estimating this cost.

Includes field, tractor and supervisory labor used to produce the crop. Harvest
labor is included in harvesting cost.

t: An estimate of the prevailing rate charged for land utilized in each production
area and for each specific crop.

y cost: Represents the cost of using farm machinery and implements exclusive of labor.
This cost is reported in two subcategories:

Fixed: Includes depreciation, interest charged to capital expenditures, taxes, storage, and
insurance.

rating: Includes expenditures on fuel, oil, repair, and maintenance.

Includes indirect production costs, such as communications equipment, office
supplies, legal and audit fees, cost of regulatory compliance, administrative costs,
telephone, and incidental expenses. A range 10 to 25 percent of preharvest cost
was used to estimate overhead costs depending on the production characteristics
of major producers in an area.

Preparing the product for shipment either in the field or at the packinghouse.

material: Materials used to protect the produce whether containerized or shipped in bulk.

xi

Labor:

Land rent

Machiner

Ope

Overhead

Packing:

Packing n

Picking basket:

Plastic mulch:

Precooling:

Seed:

Selling:

Soil fumigants:

Supervision:

Transplants:

Transportation:

Wrapping paper:

Yield:

Baskets used by harvest laborers to move commodities from the field to trucks,
hauling carts, or field packing units.

Represents only the cost of materials.

The packinghouse charge for using one of a variety of methods to remove field
heat from the crop. Typically this is a charge to the buyer and not included in
F.O.B. values.

Represents only seed costs.

The packinghouse, market, sales organization, or dealer's charge for performing
the service of selling the crop.

Includes only the cost of fumigants applied.

Cost of salaried farm management. This value is based on a percent of preharvest
cost and does not include returns to management.

Includes cost of seed and/or nursery charges.

Moving the crop to market.

Thin paper used to prevent damage to product caused by contact within
containers. See also Packing Materials.

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 year
based on historical data and anticipated production.

PRODUCTION COSTS FOR SELECTED FLORIDA VEGETABLES,

1991-92

Scott A. Smith and Timothy G. Taylor'

This report presents estimated costs of production for 13 vegetable crops produced in one or more

of 10 producing areas in Florida for the 1991-92 season. In all, 27 crop-area combinations are

included. The budgets were constructed using a newly developed computerized budget generator

program, AGSYS. Major improvements include the algorithms used to calculate fixed and variable

machinery costs. Although the total cost per hour for most machines has not changed significantly,

differences in the proportion of total cost assigned as fixed and variable expenses may be noticeable

for some machinery items. Technical coefficients used in constructing the budgets were obtained by

consultation with individual growers, county agents, and IFAS researchers. The input prices used in

conjunction with the technical coefficients were obtained by survey and correspondence with farm

suppliers and growers.

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.

Three budgets reflecting double-crop production practices are included in this year's Cost of

Economic Analyst and Professor respectively, Food and Resource Economics
Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida,
Gainesville, Florida.

Production, Manatee/Ruskin watermelons, Southwest cucumbers and Southwest watermelons. Double-

crop production refers to the practice of planting a subsequent crop directly into the plastic mulch-

covered beds used to produce an initial crop. Most commonly, tomatoes or peppers are followed by

cucumbers or watermelons. The combination of crops produced is generally determined by grower

preference. This system of farming is practiced in an effort to recover costs incurred in the

production of the initial crop, reduce cost of production of the second crop and utilize residual inputs

from the initial crop. For this reason, actual production practices of the initial crop, either tomatoes

or peppers, are affected very little where production of the subsequent crop is affected significantly

relative to growing the crop independently.

Although growers in many areas of Florida are actively involved in this system of farming, it

should be noted that not all budgets contained in this report reflect this practice. In coming years, we

hope to increase the number of budgets, as applicable, which reflect double-crop production

practices.

It should be noted that pre-cooling charges no longer appear in a number of budgets. Response

from industry reviewers has indicated that these charges are incurred by the buyer, are not included

in F.O.B. values, and therefore should not be presented in production budgets.

For each crop contained in this report there are four tables that present various types of

information. Two tables for each crop are included in the text. The first reports estimated cost of

production per acre and per unit, and the second reports estimated net returns for various price and

yield combinations. The 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.

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 25 price and yield combinations. The ranges 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 following algorithm is used to estimate net returns per acre for five price yield combinations.

Net Return Per Acre = TR [TPC + (HC Yj)]
where;
TR = total revenue ( P,* Yj ).
TPC = total preharvest cost per acre.
HC = per unit harvest cost.
P, = range analysis price 1 to 5.
Yj= range analysis yield 1 to 5.

The appendix tables detail costs for both labor input and various types of machinery and

implements. For labor, the estimated hours per acre required to perform an operation, or total man

hours per acre where specific operations cannot be itemized, and the cost per acre are delineated.

Also included is the estimated cost per acre for salaried farm management. Machinery costs are

reported for tractors, implements, and a miscellaneous category. The total hours used per acre and

estimated fixed and variable costs per acre are reported for each machine or implement.

Fixed machinery costs include interest cost, taxes, insurance, and depreciation. Variable

machinery costs include the cost of fuel, 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 tractor driver labor is not included in the variable cost of machinery, but

reported as "tractor labor" in the labor cost table.

Finally, in some cases, the total cost figures for various subcategories will not exactly equal the

sum of individual cost components due to rounding errors. In all cases, this difference is no more than

a few cents.

4

Table 1. Bush Beans: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.
Average per
Category Acre Bushel

Yield (30 lb. bushels) 150

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 90.30
Fertilizer and lime 159.25
Fungicide 114.77
Herbicide 2.56
Insecticide 101.13
Labor 305.85
Machinery 159.08
Interest 43.15
Miscellaneous
Well maintenance 15.00
Farm vehicles 13.89
Total operating cost 1,004.98
FIXED COST
Land rent 200.00
Machinery 69.09
Overhead 134.28
Total fixed cost 403.38
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,408.35 9.39
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Mechanical harvest/haul/pack 727.50 4.85
Load 75.00 0.50
Selling 75.00 0.50
Total harvest and marketing cost 877.50 5.85
TOTAL COST 2,285.85 15.24

Table 2. Bush Beans: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Dade
County area, 1991-92.
Dollars per bushel

Yield (bushels) 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00 18.00

100 -993.00 -793.00 -593.00 -393.00 -193.00
125 -890.00 -640.00 -390.00 -140.00 110.00
150 -786.00 -486.00 -186.00 114.00 414.00
175 -682.00 -332.00 18.00 368.00 718.00
200 -578.00 -178.00 222.00 622.00 1,022.00

Table 3. Cabbage: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (50 lb. crates) 425

- Dollars- -

OPERATING COSTS
Transplants
Fertilizer and lime
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Nematicide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Set transplants
Cover crop seed
Farm Vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Overhead
Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Cut and pack
Haul
Containers
Selling
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

180.00
132.00
41.25
28.50
166.01
30.00
181.13
105.83
63.88
99.00
6.40
8.93
1,042.91

100.00
58.91
113.79
272.70
1,315.61

382.50
127.50
552.50
170.00
1,232.50
2,548.11

3.10

0.90
0.30
1.30
0.40
2.90
6.00

Table 4. Cabbage: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Hastings area, 1991-92.
Dollars per crate

Yield (crates) 4.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00

375 -903.00 -716.00 -528.00 -341.00 -153.00
400 -876.00 -676.00 -476.00 -276.00 -76.00
425 -848.00 -636.00 -423.00 -211.00 2.00
450 -821.00 -596.00 -371.00 -146.00 79.00
475 -793.00 -556.00 -318.00 -81.00 157.00

Table 5. Celery: Estimated production costs in the central Florida area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (60 lb. crate) 675

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 204.00
Fertilizer 131.16
Fungicide 156.85
Herbicide 22.66
Insecticide 182.45
Labor 322.43
Machinery 72.38
Interest 97.82
Miscellaneous
Hand weed 60.00
Crop insurance 65.00
Custom fertilizer application 3.50
Farm vehicles 20.83
Fertilizer loading 52.00
Aerial spraying 50.00
Ditch maintenance 8.00
Scouting 22.00
Total operating cost 1,471.07
FIXED COST
Land rent 150.00
Machinery 51.74
Overhead 214.77
Total fixed cost 416.51
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,887.58 2.80
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Cut, pack and close 877.50 1.30
Haul 202.50 0.30
Containers 621.00 0.92
Miscellaneous expenses 236.25 0.35
Organization fee 67.50 0.10
Total harvest and marketing cost 2,004.75 2.97
TOTAL COST 3,892.33 5.77

Table 6. Celery: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the central Florida
area, 1991-92.
Dollars per crate

Yield (crates) 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00
625 -619.00 6.00 631.00 1,256.00 1,881.00
650 -568.00 82.00 732.00 1,382.00 2,032.00
675 -517.00 158.00 833.00 1,508.00 2,183.00
700 -467.00 233.00 933.00 1,633.00 2,333.00
725 -416.00 309.00 1,034.00 1,759.00 2,484.00

Table 7. Celery: Estimated production costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92.'

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (60 lb. crate) 630

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 198.00
Fertilizer 159.63
Fungicide 158.54
Herbicide 57.74
Insecticide 386.19
Labor 401.70
Machinery 93.44
Interest 100.59
Miscellaneous
Land leveling 45.00
Hand weed 75.00
Contract fertilizer application 7.50
Aerial spraying 68.75
Scouting 22.00
Ditch maintenance 16.00
Farm vehicles 20.83
Total operating cost 1,810.92
FIXED COST
Land rent 150.00
Machinery 66.83
Overhead 430.17
Total fixed cost 647.00
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 2,457.92 3.90
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Cut, pack and close 850.50 1.35
Haul 189.00 0.30
Containers 579.60 0.92
Miscellaneous expenses 220.50 0.35
Assessments 63.00 0.10
Total harvest and marketing cost 1,902.60 3.02
TOTAL COST 4,360.52 6.92
SData reflects celery production following celery production.

Table 8. Celery: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Everglades
area, 1991-92.
Dollars per crate
Yield (crates) 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00
570 -1,329.00 -759.00 -189.00 381.00 951.00
600 -1,270.00 -670.00 -70.00 530.00 1,130.00
630 -1,211.00 -581.00 49.00 679.00 1,309.00
660 -1,151.00 -491.00 169.00 829.00 1,489.00
690 -1,092.00 -402.00 288.00 978.00 1,668.00

Table 9. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the central Florida area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (42 lb. crate) 345

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 65.00
Fertilizer 93.00
Fungicide 23.40
Herbicide 2.73
Insecticide 119.05
Labor 179.11
Machinery 51.98
Interest 28.82
Miscellaneous
Aerial spraying 52.50
Scouting 20.00
Fertilizer application 3.50
Farm vehicles 13.89
Total operating cost 652.96
FIXED COST
Land rent 150.00
Machinery 28.27
Overhead 87.54
Total fixed cost 265.81
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 918.77 2.66
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick, pack and haul 431.25 1.25
Crates 431.25 1.25
Total harvest and marketing cost 862.50 2.50
TOTAL COST 1,781.27 5.16

Table 10. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
central Florida area, 1991-92.
Dollars per crate

Yield (crates) 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00

295 -476.00 -181.00 114.00 409.00 704.00
320 -439.00 -119.00 201.00 521.00 841.00
345 -401.00 -56.00 289.00 634.00 979.00
370 -364.00 6.00 376.00 746.00 1,116.00
395 -326.00 69.00 464.00 859.00 1,254.00

Table 11. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (42 lb. crates) 300

OPERATING COSTS
Seed
Fertilizer
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Scouting
Custom fertilizer application
Well maintenance
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST

Land rent
Machinery
Overhead

Total fixed cost

TOTAL PREHARVEST COST

HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS

Pick, pack and haul
Containers

Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

- Dollars -

49.50
220.00
24.00
37.00
227.11
321.89
156.88
65.67
18.00
8.00
15.00
13.89
1,156.94

200.00
63.75
147.82
411.58
1,568.52

414.00
375.00
789.00
2,357.52

5.23

1.38
1.25
2.63
7.86

Table 12. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Dade County area, 1991-92.
Dollars per crate

Yield (crates) 5.50 7.00 8.50 10.00 11.50

250 -851.00 -476.00 -101.00 274.00 649.00
275 -779.00 -367.00 46.00 458.00 871.00
300 -708.00 -258.00 192.00 642.00 1,092.00
325 -636.00 -148.00 339.00 827.00 1,314.00
350 -564.00 -39.00 486.00 1,011.00 1,536.00

Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92.1

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (42 lb. crate) 325

- Dollars -

OPERATING COSTS
Seed 53.75
Fertilizer 98.58
Fungicide 72.12
Herbicide 3.88
Insecticide 156.70
Labor 172.58
Machinery 75.62
Interest 29.98
Miscellaneous
Level land 45.00
Contract fertilizer application 5.00
Contract rat bait application 2.50
Aerial spraying 46.75
Scouting 20.00
Clean ditches 8.00
Farm vehicles 13.89
Total operating cost 804.35
FIXED COST
Land rent 150.00
Machinery 36.59
Overhead 171.60
Total fixed cost 358.19
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,162.54
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick, pack and haul 325.00
Crates 406.25
Total harvest and marketing cost 731.25
TOTAL COST 1,893.79
' Data reflects sweet corn production following sweet corn production.

3.58

1.00
1.25
2.25
5.83

Table 14. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Everglades area, 1991-92.

Dollars per crate
Yield (crates) 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00

275 -681.00 -406.00 -131.00 144.00 419.00
300 -638.00 -338.00 -38.00 262.00 562.00
325 -594.00 -269.00 56.00 381.00 706.00
350 -550.00 -200.00 150.00 500.00 850.00
375 -506.00 -131.00 244.00 619.00 994.00

Table 13.

Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (42 lb. crate) 250

OPERATING COSTS
Seed
Fertilizer
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Ditch maintenance
Scouting
Aerial spraying
Contract fertilizer application
Crop insurance
Farm Vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Overhead

Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick, pack and haul
Crates
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

- Dollars -

49.00
195.87
14.88
27.25
152.83
308.46
268.17
40.75
17.50
18.00
52.25
3.25
25.00
13.90
1,186.91

300.00
109.86
169.75
579.60
1,766.51

312.50
312.50
625.00
2,391.51

7.07

1.25
1.25
2.50
9.57

Table 16. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Palm Beach County area, 1991-92.
Dollars per crate

Yield (crates) 5.25 6.75 8.25 9.75 11.25

200 -1,285.00 -1,023.00 -760.00 -498.00 -235.00
225 -1,217.00 -917.00 -617.00 -317.00 -17.00
250 -1,148.00 -810.00 -473.00 -135.00 202.00
275 -1,079.00 -704.00 -329.00 46.00 421.00
300 -1,010.00 -598.00 -185.00 227.00 640.00

Table 15.

Cucumbers: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre Bushel

Yield (55 lb. bushels) 600

---- Dollars ----

OPERATING COSTS
Seed
Fertilizer and lime
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Surfactant
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Clean ditches
Plastic disposal
Bees
String and stake removal
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Overhead
Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick and haul
Pack
Containers
Selling
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

73.00
220.00
96.87
21.28
118.07
25.33
272.07
98.82
56.08
17.00
156.82
30.00
123.42a
11.11
1,319.86

333.00
39.69
219.17
591.85

1,911.71b

1,080.00
1,110.00
456.00
150.00
2,796.00
4,707.71

3.19b

1.80
1.85
0.76
0.25
4.66
7.85

a Cost attributed to second crop as a result of double-crop production practices following Tomatoes.
b Costs exclude field and bed preparation, plastic mulch and fumigant.

Table 18. Cucumbers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
southwest Florida area, 1991-92.

Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 6.00 7.75 9.50 11.25 13.00

400 -1,376.00 -676.00 24.00 724.00 1,424.00
500 -1,242.00 -367.00 508.00 1,383.00 2,258.00
600 -1,108.00 -58.00 992.00 2,042.00 3,092.00
700 -974.00 251.00 1,476.00 2,701.00 3,926.00
800 -840.00 560.00 1,960.00 3,360.00 4,760.00

Table 17.

Eggplant: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre" Bushel
Yield (33 lb. bushels) 1,500

OPERATING COSTS - Dollars -
Transplants 200.00
Fertilizer and lime 717.85
Fumigant 186.00
Fungicide 112.99
Herbicide 31.04
Insecticide 475.06
Surfactant 16.72
Labor 788.94
Machinery 251.65
Interest 158.83
Miscellaneous
Replacement stakes 112.50
Place and drive stakes 110.35
String 35.20
Tie plants 162.62
Plastic mulch 378.33
Ditch maintenance 75.00
Scouting 20.00
Laser level 50.00
Remove string and stakes 126.32
Plastic disposal 80.59
Farm vehicles 34.72
Total operating cost 4,124.71
FIXED COST
Land rent 300.00
Machinery 145.60
Overhead 481.25
Total fixed cost 926.86
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 5,051.57 3.37
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick, pack and haul 1,755.00 1.17
Containers 1,200.00 0.80
Selling 750.00 0.50
Total harvest and marketing cost 3,705.00 2.47
TOTAL COST 8,756.57 5.84
a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 20. Eggplant: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Palm
Beach County area, 1991-92.
Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00

1,300 -3,063.00 -1,763.00 -463.00 837.00 2,137.00
1,400 -2,910.00 -1,510.00 -110.00 1,290.00 2,690.00
1,500 -2,757.00 -1,257.00 243.00 1,743.00 3,243.00
1,600 -2,604.00 -1,004.00 596.00 2,196.00 3,796.00
1,700 -2,451.00 -751.00 949.00 2,649.00 4,349.00

Table 19.

Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acrea Bushel

Yield (28 lb. bushels) 1,000

OPERATING COSTS -- Dollars -
Transplants 700.00
Fertilizer and lime 329.00
Fumigant 186.00
Fungicide 118.17
Herbicide 63.41
Insecticide 425.33
Surfactant 148.08
Labor 480.34
Machinery 262.10
Interest 131.13
Miscellaneous
Ditch maintenance 100.00
Level land 50.00
Plastic mulch 378.33
Place and drive stakes 61.71
Plastic string 27.50
Replacement stakes 72.00
Tie plants 26.14
Hand weed 24.68
Remove string and stakes 126.32
Plastic disposal 80.59
Scouting 25.00
Farm vehicles 20.83
Total operating cost 3,936.68
FIXED COST
Land rent 300.00
Machinery 120.20
Overhead 394.93
Total fixed cost 815.13
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 4,751.81 4.75
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest, pack and haul 1,600.00 1.60b
Containers 900.00 0.90
Selling 500.00 0.50
Total harvest and marketing cost 3,000.00 3.00
TOTAL COST 7,751.81 7.75

a 7,260 linear bed feet
b cost reflects in-field packing.
Table 22. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Palm Beach County area, 1991-92.
Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 6.00 6.75 7.50 8.25 9.00
600 -2,952.00 -2,502.00 -2,052.00 -1,602.00 -1,152.00
800 -2,352.00 -1,752.00 -1,152.00 -552.00 48.00
1,000 -1,752.00 -1,002.00 -252.00 498.00 1,248.00
1,200 -1,152.00 -252.00 648.00 1,548.00 2,448.00
1,400 -552.00 498.00 1,548.00 2,598.00 3,648.00

Table 21.

Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre" Bushel

Yield (28 lb. bushels) 1,000

OPERATING COSTS
Transplants
Fertilizer and lime
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Surfactant
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Level land
Plastic mulch
Remove and dispose of plastic
Scouting
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Overhead
Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest, pack and haul
Containers
Selling
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

- Dollars -

700.00
348.90
186.00
119.66
26.82
239.28
13.98
758.75
504.43
242.75
145.00
294.00
156.82
30.00
19.45
3,785.83

333.00
247.96
552.33
1,133.30
4,919.13

2,790.00
760.00
430.00
3,980.00
8,899.13

4.92

2.79
0.76
0.43
3.98
8.90

a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 24. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
southwest Florida area, 1991-92.
Dollars per bushel

Yield (bushels) 6.00 7.50 9.00 10.50 12.00

600 -3,707.00 -2,807.00 -1,907.00 -1,007.00 -107.00
800 -3,303.00 -2,103.00 -903.00 297.00 1,496.00
1,000 -2,899.00 -1,399.00 101.00 1,601.00 3,101.00
1,200 -2,495.00 -695.00 1,105.00 2,905.00 4,705.00
1,400 -2,091.00 9.00 2,109.00 4,209.00 6,309.00

Table 23.

Lettuce: Estimated production costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92.'

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (50 lb. crate) 575

OPERATING COSTS
Seed
Fertilizer
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Land level
Hand weed
Contract fertilizer application
Block
Aerial spraying
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST

Land rent
Machinery
Overhead

Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST

HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest, pack and haul
Containers
Assessments
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

- Dollars -

65.90
134.40
167.04
117.89
225.79
244.23
80.58
86.65
45.00
200.00
7.50
63.50
57.75
20.83
1,541.06

150.00
72.66
374.34

597.00
2,138.06

782.00
557.75
23.00
1,362.75
3,500.81

3.72

1.36
0.97
0.04
2.37
6.09

1 Data reflects lettuce production following lettuce production.
Table 26. Lettuce: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Everglades area, 1991-92.
Dollars per crate

Yield (crates) 7.50 8.50 9.50 10.50 11.50

525 555.00 1,080.00 1,605.00 2,130.00 2,655.00
550 683.00 1,233.00 1,783.00 2,333.00 2,883.00
575 812.00 1,387.00 1,962.00 2,537.00 3,112.00
600 940.00 1,540.00 2,140.00 2,740.00 3,340.00
625 1,068.00 1,693.00 2,318.00 2,943.00 3,568.00

Table 25.

Chip Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 225

---- Dollars --- -

OPERATING COSTS
Seed
Fertilizer
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Aerial spraying
Cover crop seed
Crop insurance
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Overhead
Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Dig and haul
Grading
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

308.62
156.51
128.70
88.18
18.43
40.72
205.64
132.88
91.83
12.10
6.40
21.00
22.17
1,233.18

100.00
81.57
132.29
313.86
1,547.04

135.00
67.50
202.50
1,749.54

6.88

0.60
0.30
0.90
7.78

Table 28. Chip Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Hastings area, 1991-92.
Dollars per cwt

Yield (cwts.) 6.00 6.75 7.50 8.25 9.00

175 -655.00 -523.00 -392.00 -261.00 -130.00
200 -527.00 -377.00 -227.00 -77.00 73.00
225 -400.00 -231.00 -62.00 107.00 275.00
250 -272.00 -85.00 103.00 290.00 478.00
275 -145.00 62.00 268.00 474.00 680.00

Table 27.

Table Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre Cwts.

Yield (cwts.) 200

OPERATING COSTS
Seed
Fertilizer and lime
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Well maintenance
Cover crop seed
Contract seed hauling
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Overhead
Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Dig and haul
Grade
Selling
Sacks
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

- Dollars -

480.00
176.60
23.70
28.68
104.11
201.57
88.64
76.27
15.00
10.00
24.15
34.72
1,263.44

200.00
78.49
159.89
438.38
1,701.82

148.00
280.00
140.00
176.00
744.00
2,445.82

Table 30. Table Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Dade County area, 1991-92.

Dollars per sack
Yield (cwts) 8.00 10.50 13.00 15.50 18.00

150 -1,060.00 -685.00 -310.00 65.00 440.00
175 -953.00 -515.00 -78.00 360.00 797.00
200 -846.00 -346.00 154.00 654.00 1,154.00
225 -739.00 -176.00 386.00 949.00 1,511.00
250 -632.00 -7.00 618.00 1,243.00 1,868.00

8.51

0.74
1.40
0.70
0.88
3.72
12.23

Table 29.

Table Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 200

- Dollars -

OPERATING COSTS
Seed
Fertilizer
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Aerial spraying
Cover crop seed
Crop insurance
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Overhead
Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Dig and haul
Grading
Sacks
Selling
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

250.32
156.51
128.70
80.38
36.74
59.92
205.64
132.89
89.71
12.10
6.40
21.00
22.17
1,202.48

100.00
81.59
129.44
311.03
1,513.51

120.00
280.00
152.00
120.00
672.00
2,185.51

7.57

0.60
1.40
0.76
0.60
3.36
10.93

Table 32. Table Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Hastings area, 1991-92.
Dollars per cwt

Yield ( cwts ) 6.00 7.50 9.00 10.50 12.00

150 -1,118.00 -893.00 -668.00 -443.00 -218.00
175 -1,052.00 -789.00 -527.00 -264.00 -2.00
200 -986.00 -686.00 -386.00 -86.00 214.00
225 -920.00 -582.00 -245.00 93.00 430.00
250 -854.00 -479.00 -104.00 271.00 646.00

Table 31.

Table 33. Summer Squash: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre Bushel

Yield (42 lb. bushels) 275

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 155.50
Fertilizer and lime 129.25
Fungicide 151.08
Insecticide 51.48
Labor 261.97
Machinery 133.07
Interest 56.82
Miscellaneous
Well maintenance 15.00
Farm vehicles 20.83
Total operating cost 975.00
FIXED COST
Land rent 200.00
Machinery 63.68
Overhead 128.93
Total fixed cost 392.62
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,367.62 4.97
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick and haul 536.25 1.95
Grade and load 275.00 1.00
Containers 343.75 1.25
Selling 137.50 0.50
Total harvest and marketing cost 1,292.50 4.70
TOTAL COST 2,660.11 9.67

Table 34. Summer Squash: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Dade County area, 1991-92.
Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 9.50 10.75 12.00 13.25 14.50
225 -288.00 -6.00 275.00 556.00 837.00
250 -168.00 145.00 457.00 770.00 1,082.00
275 -48.00 296.00 640.00 984.00 1,327.00
300 72.00 447.00 822.00 1,197.00 1,572.00
325 192.00 599.00 1,005.00 1,411.00 1,817.00

Strawberries: Estimated production costs in the Plant City area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre' Flat

Yield (12 lb. flats) 2,000

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 1,650.00
Fertilizer 301.50
Fumigant 241.80
Fungicide 857.73
Herbicide 107.06
Insecticide 624.04
Labor 209.76
Machinery 233.48
Interest 423.60
Miscellaneous
Plastic mulch 256.50
Remove and dispose plastic mulch 55.78
Cut runners Hoe and Weed 120.00
Set transplants 220.00
Cover crop seed 35.00
Irrigation tube 327.18
Farm vehicles 70.92
Total operating cost 5,734.34
FIXED COST
Land rent 1,000.00
Machinery 160.67
Overhead 647.14
Total fixed cost 1,807.81
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 7,542.15 3.77
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest 2,700.00 1.35
Pack, load and haul 640.00 0.32
Supervision 200.00 0.10
Boxes and cups 1,800.00 0.90
Sell 1,400.00 0.70b
Total harvest and marketing cost 6,740.00 3.37
TOTAL COST 14,282.15 7.14
a 11,100 linear bed feet
b Producer bears cost of selling berries. Generally 10 percent of FOB price. An average of $7.00 FOB is used in the budget.
Table 36. Strawberries: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Plant City area, 1991-92.
Dollars per flat

Yield (flats) 6.00 7.75 9.50 11.25 13.00
1,400 -3,860.00 -1,410.00 1,040.00 3,490.00 5,940.00
1,600 -3,334.00 -534.00 2,266.00 5,066.00 7,866.00
1,800 -2,808.00 342.00 3,492.00 6,642.00 9,792.00
2,000 -2,282.00 1,218.00 4,718.00 8,218.00 11,718.00
2,200 -1,756.00 2,094.00 5,944.00 9,794.00 13,644.00

Table 35.

Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre" Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,300

OPERATING COSTS
Seed
Fertilizer
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Surfactant
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Frost protection
Plastic mulch
Plastic string
Stake depreciation and maintenance
Plastic disposal
Tie plants
Well maintenance
Scouting
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST

Land rent
Machinery
Overhead

Total fixed cost

TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul
Packing
Containers
Selling
Organization fees
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

- Dollars -

201.70
339.50
209.25
189.24
85.53
315.99
10.72
694.23
235.97
187.25
100.00
330.00
82.50
128.00
75.00
130.68
15.00
35.00
20.83
3,386.38

200.00
125.66
384.52
710.18
4,096.56

1,079.00
2,405.00
988.00
195.00
65.00
4,732.00
8,828.56

3.15

0.83
1.85
0.76
0.15
0.05
3.64
6.79

a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 38. Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Dade
County area, 1991-92.
Dollars per carton
Yield (cartons) 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00

1,100 -1,501.00 -401.00 699.00 1,799.00 2,899.00
1,200 -1,265.00 -65.00 1,135.00 2,335.00 3,535.00
1,300 -1,029.00 271.00 1,571.00 2,871.00 4,171.00
1,400 -793.00 607.00 2,007.00 3,407.00 4,807.00
1,500 -557.00 943.00 2,443.00 3,943.00 5,443.00

Table 37.

Fall Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre' Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,100

- Dollars --
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 192.00
Fertilizer and lime 368.56
Fumigant 255.75
Fungicide 335.60
Herbicide 40.18
Insecticide 351.28
Surfactant 162.08
Labor 797.71
Machinery 394.64
Interest 208.25
Miscellaneous
Plastic mulch 297.00
Plastic string 110.00
Replacement stakes 38.40
Scouting 35.00
Farm vehicles 16.67
Tie plants 101.64
Remove string and stakes 123.42
Remove and dispose of plastic 75.00
Total operating cost 3,903.17
FIXED COST
Land rent 205.00
Machinery 290.28
Overhead 571.39
Total fixed cost 1,066.67
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 4,969.84 4.52
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul 814.00 0.74
Packing 2,035.00 1.85
Containers 825.00 0.75
Selling 165.00 0.15
Organization fee 55.00 0.05
Total harvest and marketing cost 3,894.00 3.54
TOTAL COST 8,863.84 8.06

a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 40. Fall Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Manatee/ Ruskin area, 1991-92.
Dollars per carton

Yield (cartons) 7.00 7.50 8.00 8.50 9.00

900 -1,856.00 -1,406.00 -956.00 -506.00 -56.00
1,000 -1,510.00 -1,010.00 -510.00 -10.00 490.00
1,100 -1,164.00 -614.00 -64.00 486.00 1,036.00
1,200 -818.00 -218.00 382.00 982.00 1,582.00
1,300 -472.00 178.00 828.00 1,478.00 2,128.00

Table 39.

Table 41. Spring Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acrea Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,400

OPERATING COSTS
Transplants
Fertilizer and lime
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Surfactant
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Plastic mulch
Plastic string
Replacement stakes
Tie plants
Remove string and stakes
Remove and dispose of plastic
Scouting
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST

Land rent
Machinery
Overhead

Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST

HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul
Packing
Containers
Selling
Organization fee
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

-Dollars -

192.00
376.56
255.75
200.84
28.10
386.21
81.04
722.85
338.41
174.48
297.00
110.00
38.40
101.64
123.42
75.00
35.00
16.67
3,553.38

205.00
242.14
521.73
968.88
4,522.26

952.00
2,590.00
1,050.00
210.00
70.00
4,872.00
9,394.26

3.23

0.68
1.85
0.75
0.15
0.05
3.48
6.71

a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 42. Spring Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1991-92.
Dollars per carton
Yield (cartons) 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 7.00

1,200 -2,698.00 -2,098.00 -1,498.00 -898.00 -298.00
1,300 -2,546.00 -1,896.00 -1,246.00 -596.00 54.00
1,400 -2,394.00 -1,694.00 -994.00 -294.00 406.00
1,500 -2,242.00 -1,492.00 -742.00 8.00 758.00
1,600 -2,090.00 -1,290.00 -490.00 310.00 1,110.00

Table 43. Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the north Florida area, 1991-92.
Average per
Category Acre" Carton
Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,600

OPERATING COSTS - Dollars -
Transplants 270.00
Fertilizer and lime 201.25
Fumigant 218.55
Fungicide 294.47
Herbicide 44.12
Insecticide 283.74
Surfactant 47.56
Labor 763.92
Machinery 246.94
Interest 221.46
Miscellaneous
Plastic mulch 327.24
Plastic string 140.00
Replacement stakes 112.50
Remove string and stakes 123.42
Remove and dispose of plastic 75.00
Trickle tube 290.40
Trickle tube maintenance 7.00
Scouting 38.00
Tie plants 130.68
Prune plants 32.67
Set and drive stakes 98.01
Crop insurance 230.00
Farm vehicles 16.67
Total operating cost 4,213.54
FIXED COST
Land rent 200.00
Machinery 136.67
Overhead 389.98
Total fixed cost 726.66
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 4,940.25 3.09
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul 1,280.00 0.80
Packing 2,560.00 1.60
Containers 1,200.00 0.75
Selling 240.00 0.15
Assessments 80.00 0.05
Total harvest and marketing cost 5,360.00 3.35
TOTAL COST 10,300.25 6.44
a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 44. Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the north
Florida area, 1991-92.
Dollars per carton
Yield (cartons) 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 7.00

1,400 -2,630.00 -1,930.00 -1,230.00 -530.00 170.00
1,500 -2,465.00 -1,715.00 -965.00 -215.00 535.00
1,600 -2,300.00 -1,500.00 -700.00 100.00 900.00
1,700 -2,135.00 -1,285.00 -435.00 415.00 1,265.00
1,800 -1,970.00 -1,070.00 -170.00 730.00 1,630.00

Table 45. Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92.
Average per
Category Acre' Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,400
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 330.00
Fertilizer and lime 267.30
Fumigant 186.00
Fungicide 178.39
Herbicide 22.84
Insecticide 262.01
Labor 728.12
Machinery 444.84
Interest 233.66
Miscellaneous
Level land 145.00
Plastic mulch 294.00
Cross ditch 27.20
Trickle tube 254.10
Plastic string 107.00
Replacement stakes 105.00
Remove string and stakes 123.42
Remove and dispose of plastic 156.82
Tie plants 145.20
Prune plants 78.41
Set and drive stakes 81.31
Scouting 39.00
Farm vehicles 16.67
Total operating cost 4,226.30
FIXED COST
Land rent 333.00
Machinery 191.29
Overhead 604.94
Total fixed cost 1,129.23
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 5,355.52 3.83
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul 1,302.00 0.93
Packing 2,590.00 1.85
Containers 1,050.00 0.75
Selling 210.00 0.15
Assessments 70.00 0.05
Total harvest and marketing cost 5,222.00 3.73
TOTAL COST 10,577.52 7.56
a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 46. Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
southwest Florida area, 1991-92.

Dollars per carton
Yield (cartons) 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00

1,000 -3,086.00 -2,086.00 -1,086.00 -86.00 914.00
1,200 -2,632.00 -1,432.00 -232.00 968.00 2,168.00
1,400 -2,178.00 -778.00 622.00 2,022.00 3,422.00
1,600 -1,724.00 -124.00 1,476.00 3,076.00 4,676.00
1,800 -1,270.00 530.00 2,330.00 4,130.00 5,930.00

Table 47. Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the Alachua/Levy County area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 300

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 25.18
Fertilizer and lime 117.50
Fungicide 85.98
Labor 71.41
Machinery 85.86
Interest 28.26
Miscellaneous
Aerial spraying 21.00
Bee rental 4.00
Farm vehicles 16.67
Total operating cost 455.86
FIXED COST
Land rent 50.00
Machinery 44.54
Overhead 52.21
Total fixed cost 146.75
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 602.61 2.01
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and pack 375.00 1.25
Packing material 9.00 0.03
Selling 300.00 1.00
Research assessment 6.00 0.02
Total harvest and marketing cost 690.00 2.30
TOTAL COST 1,292.61 4.31

Table 48. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Alachua/ Levy County area, 1991-92.
Dollars per cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 4.00 4.75 5.50 6.25 7.00
250 -178.00 10.00 197.00 385.00 572.00
275 -135.00 71.00 277.00 484.00 690.00
300 -93.00 132.00 357.00 582.00 807.00
325 -50.00 194.00 437.00 681.00 925.00
350 -8.00 255.00 517.00 780.00 1,042.00

Table 49. Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 320

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 24.44
Fertilizer and lime 84.00
Fungicide 60.66
Herbicide 32.16
Insecticide 57.07
Labor 381.34
Machinery 131.13
Interest 65.33
Miscellaneous
Scouting 25.00
Bee rental 3.60
Farm vehicles 16.67
Plastic removal and disposal 75.00"
Remove string and stakes 123.42'
Total operating cost 1,079.82
FIXED COST
Land rent 205.00
Machinery 51.64
Overhead 138.67
Total fixed cost 395.30
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,475.12b 4.61b
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and pack 480.00 1.50
Packing material 9.60 0.03
Selling 320.00 1.00
Research Assessment 6.40 0.02
Total harvest and marketing cost 816.00 2.55
TOTAL COST 2,291.12 7.16
a Cost attributed to second crop as a result of double-crop production practices following Tomatoes.
b Costs exclude field and bed preparation, plastic mulch and fumigant.
Table 50. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Manatee/ Ruskin area, 1991-92.

Dollars per cwt.
Yield (cwts.) 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00

280 -789.00 -509.00 -229.00 51.00 331.00
300 -740.00 -440.00 -140.00 160.00 460.00
320 -691.00 -371.00 -51.00 269.00 589.00
340 -642.00 -302.00 38.00 378.00 718.00
360 -593.00 -233.00 127.00 487.00 847.00

Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the north Florida area, 1991-92. *

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 325

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 65.06
Fertilizer and lime 120.25
Fumigant 65.10
Fungicide 110.25
Insecticide 8.05
Labor 104.91
Machinery 133.11
Interest 54.34
Miscellaneous
Plastic mulch 127.16
Frost protection 62.68
Well 50.00
Farm vehicles 16.67
Total operating cost 922.58
FIXED COST
Land rent 50.00
Machinery 77.19
Overhead 99.54
Total fixed cost 226.73
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,149.31 3.54
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and pack 406.25 1.25
Packing materials 9.75 0.03
Selling 325.00 1.00
Research assessment 6.50 0.02
Total harvest and marketing cost 747.50 2.30
TOTAL COST 1,896.81 5.84
a Production using plastic mulch and overhead irrigation.

Table 52. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
north Florida area, 1991-92.
Dollars per cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 4.00 4.75 5.50 6.25 7.00
275 -682.00 -476.00 -269.00 -63.00 143.00
300 -639.00 -414.00 -189.00 36.00 261.00
325 -597.00 -353.00 -109.00 134.00 378.00
350 -554.00 -292.00 -29.00 233.00 496.00
375 -512.00 -231.00 51.00 332.00 613.00

Table 51.

Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92.

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 340

OPERATING COSTS
Transplants
Fertilizer and lime
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Ditch maintenance
Plastic removal and disposal
Remove string and stakes
Bees
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST

Land rent
Machinery
Overhead

Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST

HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and pack
Research assessment
Selling
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

----Dollars----

105.00
120.00
156.12
21.28
111.28
564.30
205.29
68.51
17.00
156.82
123.42'
30.00
13.90
1,692.92

333.00
104.53
276.15

713.69
2,406.61b

656.20
6.80
340.00

1,003.00
3,409.61

7.08b

1.93
0.02
1.00
2.95
10.03

a Cost attributed to second crop as a result of double-crop production practices following Tomatoes.
b Costs exclude field and bed preparation, plastic mulch and fumigant.

Table 54. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
southwest Florida area, 1991-92.
Dollars per cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 8.00 9.00 10.00 11.00 12.00

300 -892.00 -592.00 -292.00 8.00 308.00
320 -791.00 -471.00 -151.00 169.00 489.00
340 -690.00 -350.00 -10.00 330.00 670.00
360 -589.00 -229.00 131.00 491.00 851.00
380 -488.00 -108.00 272.00 652.00 1,032.00

Table 53.

32

Appendix

Cultural Labor Costs by Activity and Machinery Costs by Operation

34

Table A-1. Bush Beans: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Seed and fertilize 0.50 3.00
Water control 25.60 153.60
Total cultural labor 26.10 156.60
Total tractor labor 4.15 37.35
Supervision 111.90
TOTAL LABOR COST 305.85

Table A-2. Bush Beans: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 0.75 3.04 4.80 7.84
100 hp 1.00 5.98 9.19 15.17
160 hp 1.58 13.98 22.75 36.73
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. heavy disc 1.33 4.16 2.33 6.49
14 ft. bottom plow 0.25 0.94 1.32 2.26
4 row fertilizer appl. 0.67 10.82 6.76 17.58
4 row planter 0.33 1.89 3.15 5.04
Boom sprayer 0.75 5.76 4.01 9.77
4 row cultivator 0.67 0.89 0.71 1.60
MISCELLANEOUS
117 hp truck mounted pump 12.80 21.63 104.05 125.68
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .69.09 159.08 228.17

Table A-3. Cabbage: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Part Time Labor 2.08 16.22
Full Time Labor 6.64 75.70
Total cultural labor 8.72 91.92
Total tractor labor 7.83 89.20
TOTAL LABOR COST 181.13

Table A-4. Cabbage: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 0.63 2.38 4.08 6.46
125 hp 4.61 29.52 52.33 81.85
140 hp 1.02 7.08 12.82 19.90
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. harrow 0.60 1.51 0.46 1.97
V-ditcher 1.60 1.48 1.14 2.62
8 row chopper 0.42 1.85 0.62 2.47
Lister 0.10 0.57 0.28 0.85
8 row bedder 0.47 1.54 0.47 2.01
8 row cross ditcher 0.17 1.09 0.18 1.27
Boom Sprayer 0.63 4.60 3.40 8.00
Side mower 1.33 2.23 1.75 3.98
Bulk spreader 0.41 0.71 0.63 1.34
4 row transplanter 0.50 0.94 1.73 2.67
MISCELLANEOUS
10 hp electric pump 24.10 3.40 25.94 29.34
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .58.91 105.83 164.73

Table A-5. Celery: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the central Florida area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Planting labor 16.75 85.42
Water control 6.00 30.60
Total cultural labor 22.75 116.02
Total tractor labor 4.75 42.75
Supervision 143.18
TOTAL LABOR COST 322.43

Table A-6. Celery: Summary of machine use and costs in the central Florida area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 2.33 9.45 14.92 24.37
180 hp 1.46 14.23 23.58 37.80
IMPLEMENTS
20 ft. disc 0.43 1.54 0.43 1.97
Moldboard plow 0.17 0.65 0.46 1.11
20 ft. leveler 0.20 0.53 0.25 0.78
Rolling cultivator 0.25 0.58 0.26 0.84
Boom sprayer 1.08 8.29 5.77 14.06
8 row herbicide sprayer 1.00 5.58 3.89 9.47
12 row transplanter 0.67 9.59 15.98 25.57
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 1.00 1.30 6.84 8.14
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .51.74 72.38 124.11

Table A-7. Celery: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Planting labor 16.75 120.60
Water control 2.68 19.30
Total cultural labor 19.43 139.90
Total tractor labor 5.76 55.32
Supervision 206.48
TOTAL LABOR COST 401.70

Table A-8. Celery: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 3.55 14.40 22.73 37.13
225 hp 1.06 14.16 20.68 34.84
IMPLEMENTS
16 ft. disc 0.08 0.27 0.08 0.35
20 ft. disc 0.21 0.75 0.21 0.96
Moldboard plow 0.10 0.38 0.27 0.65
Cross ditcher 0.05 0.57 0.09 0.66
Rolling cultivator 0.25 0.58 0.26 0.84
Boom sprayer 2.25 17.27 12.03 29.30
8 row herbicide sprayer 1.00 5.58 3.89 9.47
12 row transplanter 0.67 9.59 15.98 25.57
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 1.18 1.53 8.07 9.61
200 hp diesel pump 0.67 1.74 9.17 10.91
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .66.83 93.44 160.27

Table A-9. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the central Florida area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Planting labor 0.33 1.98
General farm labor 13.50 81.00
Total cultural labor 13.83 82.98
Total tractor labor 2.58 23.18
Supervision 72.95
TOTAL LABOR COST 179.11

Table A-10. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the central Florida area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 0.85 3.45 5.44 8.89
180 hp 0.99 9.58 15.88 25.46
IMPLEMENTS
20 ft. disc 0.60 2.15 0.60 2.75
Moldboard plow 0.22 0.85 0.60 1.44
20 ft. leveler 0.17 0.45 0.21 0.66
Rolling cultivator 0.43 1.00 0.45 1.45
Granular hopper 0.43 0.26 0.11 0.37
8 row herbicide sprayer 0.20 1.12 0.78 1.90
Pneumatic corn planter 0.22 6.02 9.96 15.98
MISCELLANEOUS
175 hp diesel pump 1.50 3.41 17.96 21.37
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .28.27 51.98 80.25

Table A-11. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Plant 0.60 3.60
Water control 25.60 153.60
Total cultural labor 26.20 157.20
Total tractor labor 4.61 41.51
Supervision 123.18
TOTAL LABOR COST 321.89

Table A-12. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
85 hp 2.36 11.05 18.02 29.07
125 hp 0.67 4.60 7.52 12.11
180 hp 0.66 6.39 10.59 16.97
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. heavy disc 0.50 1.57 0.88 2.44
25 ft. disc 0.16 1.32 0.74 2.05
14 ft. bottom plow 0.50 1.88 2.65 4.52
4 row bedder w/hoppers 0.17 0.72 0.40 1.13
Boom sprayer 1.52 11.66 8.13 19.79
4 row cultivator 0.55 1.28 1.15 2.43
4 row corn planter/fert. 0.29 1.66 2.77 4.43
MISCELLANEOUS
117 hp mounted pump 12.80 21.63 104.05 125.68
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .63.75 156.88 220.63

Table A-13. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Planting labor 0.30 2.16
Water control 2.25 16.20
Total cultural labor 2.55 18.36
Total tractor labor 6.16 51.26
Supervision 102.96
TOTAL LABOR COST 172.58

Table A-14. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
60 hp 3.95 13.73 22.76 36.49
80 hp 0.18 0.80 1.30 2.10
225 hp 0.33 4.41 6.44 10.85
Highboy 0.29 0.16 0.69 0.85
IMPLEMENTS
20 ft. disc 0.20 0.72 0.20 0.92
12 ft. chisel plow 0.13 0.47 0.24 0.71
Cross ditcher 0.05 0.34 0.05 0.39
Rolling cultivator 0.50 1.16 0.52 1.68
Granular hopper 3.20 1.91 0.78 2.69
8 ft. mower 0.29 0.52 0.37 0.89
8 row herbicide sprayer 0.20 1.12 0.78 1.90
Pneumatic corn planter 0.18 4.92 8.15 13.07
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 2.26 2.92 15.39 18.32
175 hp diesel pump 1.50 3.41 17.96 21.37
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .36.59 75.62 112.21

Table A-15. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Cultivate and fertilize 1.88 11.28
Cross ditch 1.23 7.38
Miscellaneous general labor 14.39 86.34
Total cultural labor 17.50 105.00
Total tractor labor 7.73 61.80
Supervision -141.46
TOTAL LABOR COST 308.46

Table A-16. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 0.33 1.38 2.18 3.56
80 hp 0.40 1.87 3.05 4.93
100 hp 3.88 23.44 36.03 59.47
180 hp 1.25 12.10 20.05 32.15
IMPLEMENTS
Rolling cultivator 0.33 0.79 0.36 1.15
12 ft. disc 0.75 2.01 0.56 2.58
20 ft. disc 0.50 1.79 0.50 2.29
Pneumatic corn planter 0.31 8.48 14.03 22.51
Band fert. distributor 0.40 3.76 4.55 8.30
Boom sprayer 3.57 27.40 19.09 46.48
MISCELLANEOUS
30 hp electric pump 35.00 16.45 113.05 129.50
100 hp diesel pump 8.00 10.40 54.72 65.12
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .109.86 268.17 378.03

Table A-17. Cucumbers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Plant 3.33 19.98
Water control 2.33 13.98
Fertilize 2.00 12.00
Water in plants 2.73 16.38
Total cultural labor 10.39 62.34
Total tractor labor 3.28 34.39
Supervision 175.34
TOTAL LABOR COST 272.07

Table A-18. Cucumbers: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.33 0.89 1.28 2.17
70 hp 2.29 9.29 14.66 23.95
IMPLEMENTS
1 row mower 0.33 0.59 0.42 1.01
3 row herbicide sprayer 0.67 2.76 1.92 4.69
Boom sprayer 1.63 12.51 8.71 21.22

MISCELLANEOUS
20 hp diesel pump 30.00 7.80 41.04 48.84
60 hp diesel pump 7.50 5.85 30.78 36.63
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .39.69 98.82 138.51

Table A-19. Eggplant: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Fertilize 3.20 19.20
Bed, fumigate and press bed 1.60 9.60
Lay plastic 1.60 9.60
Make cross ditches 10.00 60.00
Set plants 20.00 120.00
Water control 6.00 36.00
Total cultural labor 42.40 254.40
Total tractor labor 16.69 133.50
Supervision 401.04
TOTAL LABOR COST 788.94

Table A-20. Eggplant: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1991-92.
Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.90 2.42 3.48 5.91
70 hp 9.00 36.50 57.62 94.12
100 hp 3.45 20.84 32.04 52.88
IMPLEMENTS
1 row mower 0.40 0.72 0.51 1.23
12 ft. disc 1.65 4.43 1.24 5.67
1 row bedder 0.80 1.61 0.45 2.06
1 row bed presser 0.80 0.54 0.11 0.65
1 row fertilizer distributor 0.80 5.94 7.19 13.13
1 row plastic machine 0.80 2.72 1.89 4.60
1 row fumigator 0.80 1.67 1.60 3.27
1 row hole puncher 0.40 0.29 0.15 0.44
2 row herbicide sprayer 2.40 5.02 3.50 8.52
Boom Sprayer 5.40 41.44 28.87 70.31
1 row burner 0.50 1.79 1.25 3.04
Broadcast spreader 0.20 0.36 0.30 0.66
MISCELLANEOUS
30 hp electric pump 13.97 6.57 45.12 51.69
100 hp diesel pump 8.51 11.06 58.21 69.27
117 hp truck mounted pump 1.00 1.69 8.13 9.82
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .145.60 251.65 397.26

Table A-21. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the
1991-92.

Palm Beach County area,

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Fertilize 3.20 19.20
Bed and fumigate 1.60 9.60
Lay plastic 1.60 9.60
Cross ditch 10.00 60.00
Plant 11.50 69.00
Water control 3.50 21.00
Total cultural labor 31.40 188.40
Total tractor labor 14.71 115.49
Supervision 276.45
TOTAL LABOR COST 480.34

Table A-22. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1991-92.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.80 2.01 3.17 5.18
70 hp 3.77 14.27 24.70 38.97
100 hp 7.20 40.60 68.44 109.04
IMPLEMENTS
1 row mower 0.40 0.67 0.52 1.19
12 ft. disc 1.65 4.16 1.27 5.43
1 row bedder 0.80 1.51 0.46 1.97
1 row bed presser 0.80 0.50 0.11 0.61
1 row plastic machine 0.80 2.60 1.92 4.52
1 row cross ditcher 0.50 1.43 0.23 1.66
2 row transplanter 2.00 2.02 3.71 5.73
1 row fumigator 0.80 1.59 1.61 3.20
Boom Sprayer 2.75 20.09 14.83 34.92
2 row herbicide sprayer 0.60 1.20 0.88 2.08
Stake wagon 0.80 0.85 0.22 1.07
Broadcast spreader 0.67 1.13 1.01 2.14
2 row fertilizer distributor 0.80 5.58 7.28 12.86
MISCELLANEOUS
30 hp electric pump 21.13 8.96 68.25 77.21
100 hp diesel pump 9.10 11.04 63.47 74.51
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .120.20 262.10 382.30

Table A-23. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area,
1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Prepare beds and cross ditch 0.92 5.52
Lay plastic 1.18 7.08
Transplant 9.50 57.00
Replant 2.00 12.00
Water control 4.50 27.00
Total cultural labor 18.10 108.60
Total tractor labor 19.84 208.29
Supervision 441.86
TOTAL LABOR COST 758.75

Table A-24. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area,
1991-92.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.35 0.94 1.35 2.29
85 hp 11.21 52.48 85.61 138.09
125 hp 2.13 14.61 23.89 38.51
150 hp 0.81 6.41 10.84 17.25
210 hp 1.36 16.05 25.84 41.89
IMPLEMENTS
18 ft disc 0.81 3.03 0.85 3.88
Row marker 0.10 0.15 0.03 0.18
Field cultivator 0.31 0.70 0.31 1.01
V-ditcher 0.60 2.15 1.51 3.66
Ditch plow 0.36 0.35 0.25 0.60
3 row superbedder 0.40 6.08 1.70 7.78
3 row fumigator 0.31 1.46 1.39 2.85
3 row plastic machine 0.31 2.63 1.83 4.46
3 row transplanter 1.52 1.63 2.72 4.35
3 row herbicide sprayer 0.25 1.05 0.73 1.78
Boom sprayer 10.90 83.65 58.28 141.92
MISCELLANEOUS
20 hp diesel pump 120.00 31.20 164.16 195.36
60 hp diesel pump 30.00 23.40 123.12 146.52
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .247.96 504.43 752.40

Table A-25. Lettuce: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Planting labor 1.50 10.80
Water control 2.50 18.00
Total cultural labor 4.00 28.80
Total tractor labor 3.78 35.74
Supervision 179.69
TOTAL LABOR COST 244.23

Table A-26. Lettuce: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
25 hp 0.30 0.43 0.68 1.11
40 hp 0.05 0.13 0.19 0.32
60 hp 0.25 0.87 1.44 2.31
225 hp 0.75 10.02 14.63 24.65
D-4 Catapiller 1.67 19.68 18.10 37.78
IMPLEMENTS
24 ft. disc 0.50 2.68 0.75 3.43
12 ft. chisel plow 0.05 0.18 0.09 0.27
Moldboard plow 0.10 0.38 0.27 0.65
12 ft. mole drain 0.10 0.16 0.11 0.27
Cross ditcher 0.05 0.34 0.05 0.39
Side mower 0.10 0.45 0.32 0.77
Boom sprayer 0.25 1.92 1.34 3.26
8 row herbicide sprayer 0.20 1.12 0.78 1.90
Lettuce planter 1.67 27.95 8.47 36.42
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 2.25 2.92 15.39 18.32
175 hp diesel pump 1.50 3.41 17.96 21.37
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .72.66 80.58 153.23

Table A-27. Chip Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Full time labor 6.64 75.70
Part time labor 2.08 16.22
Total cultural labor 8.72 91.92
Total tractor labor 9.98 113.72
TOTAL LABOR COST 205.64

Table A-28. Chip Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
125 hp 7.19 46.04 81.62 127.66
140 hp 0.79 5.48 9.93 15.41
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. harrow 0.37 0.78 0.24 1.02
V-ditcher 2.40 2.22 1.71 3.93
8 row chopper 0.47 2.07 0.69 2.76
Lister 0.10 0.57 0.28 0.86
8 row bedder 0.55 4.37 1.33 5.70
8 row cross ditcher 0.21 2.26 0.37 2.63
4 row potato planter 0.14 1.69 3.12 4.81
Boom sprayer 0.40 2.92 2.16 5.08
Potato cutter 0.23 3.68 0.47 4.15
Side mower 2.67 4.49 3.50 7.99
Bulk spreader 0.50 0.84 0.75 1.59
3 row fumigator 0.17 0.76 0.77 1.53
MISCELLANEOUS
10 hp electric pump 24.10 3.40 25.94 29.34
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .81.57 132.58 214.45

Table A-29. Table Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Seed cutting labor 1.50 9.00
Water control 2.00 12.00
Hoe 0.15 0.90
Planting labor 2.00 12.00
Total cultural labor 5.65 33.90
Total tractor labor 3.83 34.43
Supervision 133.24
TOTAL LABOR COST 201.57

Table A-30. Table Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
85 hp 0.53 2.48 4.05 6.53
125 hp 0.67 4.60 7.52 12.11
160 hp 1.86 16.46 26.78 43.24
IMPLEMENTS
10 ft. weed chopper 0.17 0.61 0.37 0.98
16 ft. disc 0.88 2.95 1.65 4.60
14 ft. bottom plow 0.31 1.16 1.64 2.81
4 row bedder w/hoppers 0.17 0.72 0.40 1.12
4 row herbicide sprayer 0.18 1.05 0.55 1.60
Boom Sprayer 0.90 6.91 4.81 11.72
4 row cultivator 0.67 1.56 1.40 2.96
4 row potato planter 0.50 6.44 10.73 17.17
Potato cutter 1.50 26.31 3.92 30.23
Elevator 0.33 2.17 0.44 2.61
MISCELLANEOUS
117 hp mounted pump 3.00 5.07 24.39 29.46
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .78.49 88.64 167.13

Table A-31. Table Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Full time labor 6.64 75.70
Part time labor 2.08 16.22
Total cultural labor 8.72 91.92
Total tractor labor 9.98 113.72
TOTAL LABOR COST 205.64

Table A-32. Table Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
125 hp 7.19 46.04 81.62 127.66
140 hp 0.79 5.48 9.93 15.41
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. harrow 0.37 0.78 0.24 1.02
V-ditcher 2.40 2.22 1.71 3.93
8 row chopper 0.47 2.07 0.69 2.76
Lister 0.10 0.57 0.28 0.86
8 row bedder 0.55 4.37 1.33 5.70
8 row cross ditcher 0.21 2.26 0.37 2.63
4 row potato planter 0.14 1.69 3.12 4.81
Boom sprayer 0.40 2.92 2.16 5.08
Potato cutter 0.23 3.68 0.47 4.15
Span piler 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.03
Side mower 2.67 4.49 3.50 7.99
Bulk spreader 0.50 0.84 0.75 1.59
3 row fumigator 0.17 0.76 0.77 1.53
MISCELLANEOUS
10 hp electric pump 24.10 3.40 25.94 29.34
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .81.59 132.89 214.49

Table A-33. Summer Squash: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Seed and fertilize
Water control
Total cultural labor
Total tractor labor
Supervision
TOTAL LABOR COST

0.33
19.20
19.53
4.15

1.98
115.20
117.18
37.35
107.44
261.97

Table A-34. Summer Squash: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 0.75 3.04 4.80 7.84
100 hp 1.00 5.98 9.19 15.17
160 hp 1.58 13.98 22.75 36.73
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. heavy disc 1.33 4.16 2.33 6.49
14 ft. bottom plow 0.25 0.94 1.32 2.26
4 row fertilizer appl. 0.67 10.82 6.76 17.58
4 row planter 0.33 1.89 3.15 5.04
Boom sprayer 0.75 5.76 4.01 9.77
4 row cultivator 0.67 0.89 0.71 1.60
MISCELLANEOUS
117 hp truck mounted pump 9.60 16.22 78.04 94.26
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .63.68 133.07 196.75

Table A-35. Strawberries: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Plant City area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Lay plastic 7.20 39.60
Total cultural labor 7.20 39.60
Total tractor labor 22.69 170.16
TOTAL LABOR COST 209.76

Table A-36. Strawberries: Summary of machine use and costs in the Plant City area, 1991-92.
Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
35 hp 10.37 17.94 32.92 50.86
75 hp 4.78 18.49 33.00 51.48
110 hp 3.00 17.22 30.50 47.72
IMPLEMENTS
12 ft. disc 2.00 5.04 1.54 6.58
Roterra 0.66 7.76 2.58 10.34
Broadcast spreader 0.31 0.52 0.47 0.99
Row marker 0.14 0.19 0.05 0.24
Boom sprayer 9.40 68.67 50.69 119.36
2 row bed presser 1.00 0.84 0.18 1.02
2 row herb sprayer 1.32 2.63 1.94 4.57
1 row fumigator 1.00 1.99 2.01 4.00
1 row hole puncher 0.66 0.44 0.26 0.70
Band fertilizer distributor 0.66 3.99 5.21 9.20
1 row plastic layer 1.00 3.25 2.40 5.65
MISCELLANEOUS
10 hp electric pump 9.38 1.32 10.09 11.41
100 hp diesel pump 8.55 10.37 59.63 70.01
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .160.67 233.48 394.15

Table A-37. Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Lay plastic/fumigate 0.50 3.00
Prepare plug mix 0.13 0.78
Plant 0.30 1.80
Thin plants 3.00 18.00
Prune plants 3.00 18.00
Fertilize 0.90 5.40
Water control 28.80 172.80
Drive stakes 8.25 49.50
Pull stakes 1.20 7.20
Total cultural labor 46.08 276.48
Total tractor labor 10.81 97.31
Supervision 320.44
TOTAL LABOR COST 694.23

Table A-38. Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 0.73 1.97 2.83 4.79
70 hp 3.79 15.33 24.20 39.53
100 hp 1.60 9.67 14.86 24.53
160 hp 3.78 19.56 31.82 51.38
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. heavy disc 0.83 2.60 1.45 4.05
14 ft. bottom plow 0.25 0.94 1.32 2.26
3 row middle buster 0.33 1.03 0.58 1.61
3 row bedder/presser 0.40 1.70 0.95 2.65
3 row fumigator 0.40 1.88 1.79 3.67
3 row fert. distributor 1.00 9.30 11.26 20.56
3 row plastic machine 0.40 3.40 2.36 5.76
3 row Tomato planter 0.29 2.91 4.84 7.75
6 row herbicide sprayer 0.50 3.36 1.75 5.11
Boom sprayer 2.00 15.35 10.69 26.04
6 row stake driver 0.80 8.01 3.55 11.56
3 row stake puller 0.40 2.93 12.77 15.70
Stake wagon 0.40 0.47 0.11 0.58
Fertilizer tender 0.33 2.25 0.52 2.77
MISCELLANEOUS
Mixer 0.13 0.54 0.20 0.74
117 hp mounted pump 13.33 22.48 108.12 130.59
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .125.66 235.97 361.63

Table A-39. Fall Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Set plants 3.00 18.00
Replant 1.00 6.00
Drive stakes 12.80 76.80
Prune plants 4.50 27.00
Water control 2.50 15.00
Total cultural labor 23.80 142.80
Total tractor labor 32.81 273.98
Supervision 380.93
TOTAL LABOR COST 797.71

Table A-40. Fall Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1991-92.
Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 4.17 16.91 26.70 43.61
100 hp 14.03 84.76 130.29 215.05
125 hp 2.93 20.10 32.87 52.97
180 hp 3.52 34.07 56.46 90.53
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. disc 1.82 5.70 1.59 7.29
14 ft. leveler 1.00 4.09 0.79 4.88
Row marker 0.29 0.42 0.09 0.52
Ditch plow 0.36 0.35 0.25 0.60
V-ditcher 1.33 4.76 3.35 8.11
3 row bedder/fert. distrib. 0.33 1.11 0.31 1.42
1 row bed presser 0.36 0.24 0.05 0.29
1 row fumigator 0.80 1.67 1.60 3.27
1 row fert. distributor 0.80 5.94 7.19 13.13
Fertilizer tender 1.60 10.91 2.52 13.44
1 row plastic machine 0.80 2.72 1.89 4.60
1 row hole puncher 0.29 0.21 0.11 0.32
1 row plant setter 1.52 3.26 5.44 8.70
Herbicide sprayer 2.00 7.97 5.88 13.85
6 row stake driver 1.52 15.23 6.74 21.97
3 row burner 0.14 0.55 0.38 0.94
Stake wagon 1.52 1.78 0.41 2.19
Boom sprayer 7.40 54.06 39.90 93.96
Broadcast spreader 0.13 0.23 0.19 0.43
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 10.18 13.23 69.63 82.87
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .290.28 394.64 684.92

Table A-41. Spring Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Set plants 3.00 18.00
Replant 1.00 6.00
Drive stakes 12.80 76.80
Prune plants 4.50 27.00
Water control 2.50 15.00
Total cultural labor 23.80 142.80
Total tractor labor 32.81 232.23
Supervision 347.82
TOTAL LABOR COST 722.85

Table A-42. Spring Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1991-92.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 4.04 16.38 25.87 42.25
100 hp 10.16 61.38 94.35 155.73
125 hp 2.93 20.10 32.87 52.97
180 hp 3.52 34.07 56.46 90.53
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. disc 1.82 5.70 1.59 7.29
14 ft. leveler 1.00 4.09 0.79 4.88
Row marker 0.29 0.42 0.09 0.52
Ditch plow 0.36 0.35 0.25 0.60
V-ditcher 1.33 4.76 3.35 8.11
3 row bedder/fert. distrib. 0.33 1.11 0.31 1.42
1 row bed presser 0.36 0.24 0.05 0.29
1 row fumigator 0.80 1.67 1.60 3.27
1 row fert. distributor 0.80 5.94 7.19 13.13
Fertilizer tender 1.60 10.91 2.52 13.44
1 row plastic machine 0.80 2.72 1.89 4.60
1 row hole puncher 0.29 0.21 0.11 0.32
1 row plant setter 1.52 3.26 5.44 8.70
Herbicide sprayer 1.33 5.57 3.88 9.45
6 row stake driver 1.52 15.23 6.74 21.97
3 row burner 0.14 0.55 0.38 0.94
Stake wagon 1.52 1.78 0.41 2.19
Boom sprayer 4.20 32.23 22.46 54.69
Broadcast spreader 0.13 0.23 0.19 0.43
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 10.18 13.23 69.63 82.87
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 242.14 338.41 580.56

Table A-43. Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the north Florida area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Soil prep/bedding 4.50 26.32
Lay plastic 3.20 18.72
Transplant and reset 5.50 32.17
Water control 25.00 146.25
Total cultural labor 38.20 223.47
Total tractor labor 14.86 111.47
Supervision 428.98
TOTAL LABOR COST 763.92

Table A-44. Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the north Florida area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 6.35 17.10 24.58 41.68
70 hp 2.13 8.64 13.64 22.28
125 hp 3.41 23.40 38.25 61.65
IMPLEMENTS
16 ft. disc 1.34 4.49 1.26 5.75
14 ft leveler 0.27 1.10 0.21 1.31
1 row bedder/presser 1.00 2.68 0.75 3.43
1 row plastic machine 0.80 2.72 1.89 4.61
1 row plant setter 1.33 2.86 4.76 7.62
3 row herbicide sprayer 0.52 2.18 1.52 3.70
Boom sprayer 5.50 42.21 29.41 71.62
6 row stake driver 0.33 3.31 1.46 4.77
Stake wagon 0.33 0.39 0.09 0.48
Moldboard plow 0.80 3.08 2.17 5.25
MISCELLANEOUS
40 hp diesel pump 33.30 17.31 91.11 108.42
30 hp electric pump 11.10 5.22 35.85 41.07
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .136.67 246.94 383.61

Table A-45. Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Lay plastic 2.40 14.40
Transplant and reset 9.60 57.60
Water control 4.50 27.00
Total cultural labor 16.50 99.00
Total tractor labor 14.22 145.16
Supervision 483.96
TOTAL LABOR COST 728.12

Table A-46. Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 4.58 18.57 29.32 47.90
100 hp 0.41 2.48 3.81 6.29
125 hp 3.11 21.27 34.77 56.04
180 hp 1.28 12.39 20.53 32.92
210 hp 1.69 19.94 32.11 52.05
IMPLEMENTS
18 ft. disc 1.28 4.29 1.20 5.49
Row marker 0.10 0.15 0.03 0.18
V-ditcher 0.92 3.33 2.34 5.67
Ditch plow 0.36 0.35 0.25 0.60
3 row bedder 0.40 6.08 1.70 7.78
3 row fumigator 0.31 1.46 1.39 2.85
3 row plastic machine 0.44 3.73 2.59 6.33
3 row transplanter 1.33 1.43 2.38 3.81
6 row herbicide sprayer 0.67 2.76 1.92 4.69
Boom sprayer 3.25 24.94 17.38 42.32
6 row stake driver 1.33 12.73 5.64 18.36
Stake wagon 0.67 0.78 0.18 0.96
MISCELLANEOUS
20 hp diesel pump 120.00 31.20 164.16 195.36
60 hp diesel pump 30.00 23.40 123.12 146.52
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 191.29 444.84 636.13

Table A-47. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Alachua/Levy County area,
1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
General labor 10.34 52.73
Total cultural labor 10.34 52.73
Total tractor labor 3.11 18.68
TOTAL LABOR COST 71.41

Table A-48. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the Alachua/Levy County area,
1991-92.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
60 hp 0.89 3.09 5.34 8.44
125 hp 1.60 10.98 17.95 28.93
IMPLEMENTS
12 ft. disc 0.60 1.51 0.46 1.97
Sub-soil shank 0.40 0.67 0.37 1.04
1 row middle buster 0.20 0.59 0.18 0.77
1 row bedder 0.20 0.38 0.12 0.50
1 row fert. distributor 0.20 1.39 1.82 3.21
Broadcast spreader 0.20 0.34 0.30 0.64
Bottom plow 0.40 1.34 1.04 2.38
1 row planter 0.29 1.56 2.87 4.43
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 3.00 3.64 20.62 24.26
Hose reel/gun/trailer 3.00 19.04 34.79 53.83
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .44.54 85.86 130.40

Table A-49. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Planting labor 8.00 48.00
Turn vines 30.00 180.00
Water control 2.33 17.98
Total cultural labor 40.33 241.98
Total tractor labor 3.24 23.80
Supervision 115.56
TOTAL LABOR COST 381.34

Table A-50. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
85 hp 2.59 12.13 19.78 31.91
IMPLEMENTS
Liquid fertilizer rig 0.33 3.59 1.52 5.11
Boom sprayer 2.26 17.34 12.08 29.43
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 14.29 18.58 97.75 116.32
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .51.64 131.13 182.77

Table A-51. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the north Florida area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
General farm labor 8.60 50.31
Total cultural labor 8.60 50.31
Total tractor labor 9.10 54.60
TOTAL LABOR COST 104.91

Table A-52. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the north Florida area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
85 hp 5.33 21.34 34.89 56.23
125 hp 1.95 13.38 21.87 35.25
IMPLEMENTS
16 ft. disc 0.95 3.19 0.89 4.08
Sub-soil shank 0.40 0.72 0.36 1.08
1 Row bedder 0.20 0.40 0.11 0.52
1 Row fert. distributor 0.17 1.09 1.33 2.42
1 row plastic machine 0.40 1.63 0.99 2.62
Boom Sprayer 0.50 3.84 2.67 6.51
Bottom plow 0.40 1.43 1.01 2.44
Chisel plow 0.57 2.04 1.04 3.07
1 row planter 0.29 1.66 2.77 4.43
Hose reel/gun/trailer 3.00 20.63 34.38 55.01
MISCELLANEOUS
150 hp diesel pump 3.00 5.85 30.78 36.63
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .77.19 133.11 210.30

Table A-53. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Plant 3.33 19.98
Water-in plants 2.73 16.38
Fertilize 2.74 16.44
Turn vines 30.00 180.00
Water control 2.33 13.98
Total cultural labor 41.13 246.78
Total tractor labor 9.20 96.60
Supervision 220.92
TOTAL LABOR COST 564.30

Table A-54. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area, 1991-92.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 2.70 7.27 10.45 17.72
70 hp 4.66 18.90 29.84 48.73
IMPLEMENTS
Boom sprayer 6.70 51.42 35.82 87.24
3 row herbicide sprayer 0.66 2.76 1.92 4.69
MISCELLANEOUS
20 hp diesel pump 46.52 12.09 63.61 75.73
100 hp diesel pump 15.50 12.09 63.64 75.70
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .104.53 205.29 309.82

	Front Cover
	Abstract
	Acknowledgement
	Table of Contents
	Map: principal vegetable producing...
	Key terms used in tables
	Main
	Tables
	Appendix