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 Front Cover
 Abstract
 Acknowledgement
 Table of Contents
 Map: principal vegetable producing...
 Definitions
 Introduction
 Tables
 Appendix














Production costs for selected Florida vegetables
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Permanent Link: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00026159/00003
 Material Information
Title: Production costs for selected Florida vegetables
Series Title: Economic information report
Physical Description: v. : ; 28 cm.
Language: English
Creator: University of Florida -- Food and Resource Economics Dept
Publisher: Food & Resource Economics Dept., Agricultural Experiment Stations, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida
Place of Publication: Gainesville Fla
Creation Date: 1987
Publication Date: 1987-1989
Frequency: annual
regular
 Subjects
Subjects / Keywords: Vegetable trade -- Costs -- Statistics -- Florida   ( lcsh )
Genre: government publication (state, provincial, terriorial, dependent)   ( marcgt )
statistics   ( marcgt )
serial   ( sobekcm )
 Notes
Dates or Sequential Designation: --1988-89.
General Note: Description based on 1986-87; title from cover.
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Source Institution: University of Florida
Rights Management: All rights reserved by the source institution and holding location.
Resource Identifier: aleph - 001596387
oclc - 22248266
notis - AHM0488
lccn - sn 91022496
System ID: UF00026159:00003
 Related Items
Succeeded by: Production costs for selected vegetables

Table of Contents
    Front Cover
        Front Cover
    Abstract
        Page i
    Acknowledgement
        Page ii
    Table of Contents
        Page iii
        Page iv
        Page v
        Page vi
        Page vii
        Page viii
    Map: principal vegetable producing areas in Florida
        Page ix
    Definitions
        Page x
        Page xi
    Introduction
        Page 1
        Page 2
    Tables
        Page 3
        Page 4
        Page 5
        Page 6
        Page 7
        Page 8
        Page 9
        Page 10
        Page 11
        Page 12
        Page 13
        Page 14
        Page 15
        Page 16
        Page 17
        Page 18
        Page 19
        Page 20
        Page 21
        Page 22
        Page 23
        Page 24
        Page 25
        Page 26
    Appendix
        Page 27
        Page 28
        Page 29
        Page 30
        Page 31
        Page 32
        Page 33
        Page 34
        Page 35
        Page 36
        Page 37
        Page 38
        Page 39
        Page 40
        Page 41
        Page 42
        Page 43
        Page 44
        Page 45
        Page 46
        Page 47
        Page 48
        Page 49
        Page 50
        Page 51
Full Text


Timothy G. Taylor
Scott A. Smith


Economic Information
Report 245


Production Costs for Selected
Florida Vegetables, 1987-88


Central Science
Library


,JUN Fi 9oS
University of Florida



Food & Resource Economics Department
Agricultural Experiment Stations
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
University of Florida, Gainesville 32611


May 1988


00o

2,4s







ABSTRACT


Costs of production are reported for twelve vegetable crops produced in one or more of

eleven production areas in Florida for the 1987-88 season. In all, twenty-three crop-area

combinations are presented along with net return range 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 Gary Brinen, Reggie Brown, Wayne Crain, Jim Crall, Harold Dee, Jim Dilbeck,

Anthony Drew, Gary Elstrom, Paul Everett, Phyllis Gilreath, Larry Halsey, Tim Hewitt, Chip

Hinton, George Hochmuth, Bill Llewellyn, Chris Meline, Rick Mitchell, Cathy Neal, Steve

Olson, Tom Schueneman, Ken Shuler, Bill Stall, Alto Straughn, George Talbott, Austin Tilton,

and Dave Zimet 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.








TABLE OF CONTENTS


Page

Abstract i

Acknowledgements ii

Table of Contents iii

List of Tables iii

Map of Florida Vegetable Producing Areas ix

Definitions x

Introduction 1

Appendix A: Cultural Labor Costs by Activity and Machinery Costs by Operation 27



List of Tables

Table Page

1. Bush Beans: Estimated production costs in the Dade County Area, 1987-88. 3

2. Bush Beans: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County Area, 1987-88. 3

3. Cabbage: Estimated production costs in the Hastings Area, 1987-88. 4

4. Cabbage: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Hastings Area, 1987-88. 4

5. Celery: Estimated production costs in the Central Florida Area, 1987-88. 5

6. Celery: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Central Florida Area, 1987-88. 5

7. Celery: Estimated production costs in the Everglades Area, 1987-88. 6

8. Celery: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Everglades Area, 1987-88. 6

9. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Central Florida Area, 1987-88. 7

10. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Central Florida Area, 1987-88. 7

11. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Everglades Area, 1987-88. 8

iii









Table Page

12. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Everglades Area, 1987-88. 8

13. Cucumbers: Estimated production costs in the Southwest Florida Area, 1987-88. 9

14. Cucumbers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Southwest Florida area, 1987-88. 9

15. Eggplant: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1987-88. 10

16. Eggplant: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the Palm Beach County area, 1987-88. 10

17. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1987-88. 11

18. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Palm Beach County area, 1987-88. 11

19. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1987-88. 12

20. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Southwest Florida area, 1987-88. 12

21. Chip Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1987-88. 13

22. Chip Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Hastings area, 1987-88. 13

23. Table Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1987-88. 14

24. Table Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Hastings area, 1987-88. 14

25. Summer Squash: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1987-88. 15

26. Summer Squash: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1987-88. 15

27. Strawberries: Estimated production costs in the Plant City area, 1987-88. 16

28. Strawberries: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Plant City area, 1987-88. 16

29. Ground Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1987-88. 17

30. Ground Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1987-88. 17








Table Pane

31. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1987-88. 18

32. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1987-88. 18

33. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated Production costs in the North Florida area, 1987-88. 19

34. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the North Florida area, 1987-88. 19

35. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1987-88. 20

36. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Southwest Florida area, 1987-88. 20

37. Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the Alachua/Levy County Area,
1987-88. 21

38. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Alachua/Levy County area, 1987-88. 21

39. Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1987-88. 22

40. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1987-88. 22

41. Watermelons: Estimated Production costs in the North Central Florida area,
1987-88. 23

42. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the North Central Florida area, 1987-88. 23

43. Watermelons: Estimated Production costs in the North Florida area, 1987-88. 24

44. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the North Florida area, 1987-88. 24

45. Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the Southwest Florida area, 1987-88. 25

46. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Southwest Florida area, 1987-88. 25








Appendix Tables


Table Page

A-i. Bush Beans: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area,
1987-88. 29

A-2. Bush Beans: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area,
1987-88. 29

A-3. Cabbage: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area,
1987-88. 30

A-4. Cabbage: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area,
1987-88. 30

A-5. Celery: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Central Florida area,
1987-88. 31

A-6. Celery: Summary of machine use and costs in the Central Florida area,
1987-88. 31

A-7. Celery: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Everglades area, 1987-88. 32

A-8. Celery: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area, 1987-88. 32

A-9. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Central Florida area,
1987-88. 33

A-10. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Central Florida area,
1987-88. 33

A-11. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Everglades area,
1987-88. 34

A-12. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area,
1987-88. 34

A-13. Cucumbers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1987-88. 35

A-14. Cucumbers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1987-88. 35

A-15. Eggplant: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1987-88. 36

A-16. Eggplant: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1987-88. 36









Table Page

A-17. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County
area, 1987-88. 37

A-18. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County
area, 1987-88. 37

A-19. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Southwest Florida
area, 1987-88. 38

A-20. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida
area, 1987-88. 38

A-21. Chip Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area,
1987-88. 39

A-22. Chip Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area,
1987-88. 39

A-23. Table Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area,
1987-88. 40

A-24. Table Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area,
1987-88. 40

A-25. Summer Squash: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area,
1987-88. 41

A-26. Summer Squash: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area,
1987-88. 41

A-27. Strawberries: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Plant City area,
1987-88. 42

A-28. Strawberries: Summary of machine use and costs in the Plant City area,
1987-88. 42

A-29. Ground Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County
area, 1987-88. 43

A-30. Ground Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County
area, 1987-88. 43

A-31. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin
area, 1987-88. 44

A-32. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin
area, 1987-88. 44

A-33. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the North Florida
area, 1987-88. 45

vii







Table

A-34.


A-35.


A-36.


area, 1987-88.


A-37. Watermelons: Summary
County area, 1987-88.

A-38. Watermelons: Summary
area, 1987-88.

A-39. Watermelons: Summary
area, 1987-88.

A-40. Watermelons: Summary
area, 1987-88.

A-41. Watermelons: Summary
area, 1987-88.

A-42. Watermelons: Summary
area, 1987-88.

A-43. Watermelons: Summary
1987-88.

A-44. Watermelons: Summary
1987-88.

A-45. Watermelons: Summary
area, 1987-88.

A-46. Watermelons: Summary
area, 1987-88.


of preharvest labor costs in the Alachua/Levy


of machine use and costs in the Alachua/Levy County


of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin


of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin


of preharvest labor cost in the North Central Florida


of machine use and costs in the North Central Florida


of preharvest labor cost in the North Florida area,


of machine use and costs in the North Florida area,


of preharvest labor costs in the Southwest Florida


of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida


Staked Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the North Florida
area, 1987-88.

Staked Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Southwest Florida
area, 1987-88.

Staked Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida


Page


45


46


46





PRINCIPAL VEGETABLE PRODUCING AREAS IN FLORIDA
AND MAJOR VEGETABLES PRODUCED


1. West--tomatoes, watermelons
2. North

A. Alachua/Levy County--watermelons

B. Hastings area--potatoes, cabbage

C. Jefferson County--watermelons

D. Quincy area--tomatoes
3. North Central

E. Lake/Sumter County--watermelons

F. Zellwood area--celery, sweet corn

4. West Central

G. Plant City area--strawberries

H. Manatee/Ruskin area--tomatoes, watermelons

5. East Central--tomatoes, watermelons

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

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

8. Southeast

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

J. Dade County--beans, potatoes,
tomatoes, Cuban vegetables


-V








DEFINITIONS


Bactericide: includes only the cost of bactericides applied.

Bees: bee hive rental when used for pollination purposes.

Containers: includes cartons, crates or baskets in which the product is transported to market.

Crop insurance: represents crop hail and/or multi-peril insurance.

Custom work: work performed on a contract or piece rate basis.

Fertilizer: includes only the cost of fertilizer (and lime) applied.

Fungicide: includes only the cost of fungicides applied.

Harvesting: represents the cost of harvesting the crop and preparing it for movement to the

packinghouse on a per packed unit basis.

Hauling: moving the produce from the field to the packinghouse or storage area.

Herbicide: includes only the cost of herbicide applied.

Insecticide: includes only the cost of insecticides applied.

Interest cost: interest charged on production capital only. An interest rate between 11 and 12

percent was used in estimating this cost.

Labor: includes field labor, tractor labor and supervisory labor used to produce the crop. Labor

used for harvesting the crop is included in harvesting cost.

Land rent: an estimate of the prevailing rate charged for land utilized in each production area

and for each specific crop.

Machinery cost: represents the cost of using farm machinery and implements exclusive of

labor. This cost is reported in two subcategories:

Fixed: this component includes depreciation, interest charged to capital expenditures,

taxes, storage and insurance.

Operating: this component includes expenditures on fuel, oil, repair and maintenance.

Mobile/Moveable shed: represents all machinery costs associated with field packing a

commodity.









Overhead: includes indirect production costs such as office supplies, legal and audit fees,

administrative costs, telephone and incidental expenses. Typically, 5 to 10

percent of preharvest cost was used to estimate overhead costs.

Packing: preparing the product for shipment either in the field or at the packinghouse.

Packing material: hay used in packing watermelons.

Picking basket: baskets used by harvest laborers to move commodities from the field to trucks,

hauling carts, or field packing units.

Plastic mulch: represents only the cost of materials. Labor and machinery costs are not

included.

Seed: represents only seed costs.

Selling: the packinghouse, market, sales organization or dealer's charge for performing the

service of selling the crop.

Soil fumigants: includes only the cost of fumigants applied.

Supervision: cost of hired farm management. This value is based on a percent of preharvest

cost and does not include returns to the owner/management.

Surfactant: includes crop oils and sticker/spreaders.

Transplants: includes seed and/or nursery charges. This value does not include transplanting

labor or machinery.

Transportation: moving the crop to a local market for sale.

Wrapping paper: thin paper used to prevent damage to product caused by contact within

containers.

Yield: 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 other relevant information as available.










INTRODUCTION


This report presents estimated costs of production for twelve vegetable crops produced in

one or more of eleven producing areas in Florida for the 1987-88 season. In all, twenty-three

crop-area combinations are included. The budgets were constructed using the VEG-BUD fresh

vegetable budget generator. 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 telephone

survey of farm suppliers.

The budgets presented in this report are intended to reflect the cost of production

incurred when production practices that are considered typical for any given crop in a given

area are followed. What constitutes a typical production practice for each crop was defined

by a consensus of opinion between IFAS personnel and various producers in each production

area. It should be emphasized that cost estimates resulting from this process should not be

considered as representing the average cost of production in a statistical sense nor should

they be considered as necessarily relating to recommended production practices. Rather, the

cost of production estimates presented are representative of what costs would be realized if

production practices typical for a given crop and area were followed.

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

information. Two tables for each crop are presented 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.

In constructing the net return range tables, the mean yield and price around which

ranges are formed correspond to the yield and breakeven price (total per unit cost of

production), respectively, reported on the corresponding budget. Thus the "middle" entry in

each range table should be 0.00. However, due to rounding errors, this entry will sometimes

differ from 0.00 by as much as a few dollars. It should also be noted that all estimated net

returns have been rounded to the nearest dollar.

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 and the

cost per acre are delineated. Also included is the estimated cost per acre for supervision.

Machinery costs are reported for tractors, implements and a miscellaneous category. For each

machine or implement, the total hours used per acre and estimated fixed and variable costs

per acre are reported.

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

machinery costs include the cost of fuel and oil, and repair and maintenance. Both fixed and

variable machinery costs are calculated on the basis of hours of use per acre for each

machine or implement. It should be noted that 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.









Average per
Category Acre Bushel

Yield (30 lb. bushels) 140

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 88.40
Fertilizer 135.77
Fungicide 44.34
Insecticide 52.23
Surfactant 8.07
Labor 99.50
Machinery 57.80
Interest 14.96
Miscellaneous
Wells 23.60
Total operating cost 524.67
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 150.00
Machinery 45.59
Overhead 49.37
Total fixed cost 244.96
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 769.63 5.50
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Picking and packing 546.00 3.90
Containers 175.00 1.25
Cooling 175.00 0.50
Selling 70.00 0.50
Total harvest and marketing cost 861.00 6.15
TOTAL COST 1,630.63 11.65


Table 2. Bush Beans: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the Dade County area, 1987-88.

Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 10.15 10.90 11.65 12.40 13.15

100 -370.00 -295.00 -220.00 -145.00 -70.00
120 -290.00 -200.00 -110.00 -20.00 70.00
140 -210.00 -105.00 0.00 105.00 210.00
160 -130.00 -10.00 110.00 230.00 350.00
180 -50.00 85.00 220.00 355.00 490.00


Table 1. Bush Beans: Estimated production costs in


the Dade County area, 1987-88.









Table 3. Cabbage: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1987-88.
Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (53 lb. crates) 400
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 90.00
Fertilizer and lime 152.40
Fungicide 6.75
Herbicide 24.25
Insecticide 29.96
Labor 150.46
Machinery 43.81
Interest 20.01
Miscellaneous
Aerial spray 12.50
Cover crop (seed) 7.00
Irrigation 25.00
Total operating cost 562.14
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 75.00
Machinery 49.71
Overhead 50.01
Total fixed cost 172.72
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 736.86 1.84
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Cut and Pack 260.00 0.65
Hauling 120.00 0.30
Selling 160.00 0.40
Containers 500.00 1.25
Total harvest and marketing cost 1,040.00 2.60
TOTAL COST 1,776.86 4.44


Table 4. Cabbage: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the Hastings area, 1987-88.

Dollars per crate

Yield (crates) 3.94 4.19 4.44 4.69 4.94

350 -268.00 -180.00 -93.00 -5.00 82.00
375 -234.00 -141.00 -47.00 47.00 141.00
400 -201.00 -101.00 -1.00 99.00 199.00
425 -167.00 -61.00 45.00 151.00 258.00
450 -134.00 -21.00 91.00 204.00 316.00








Table 5. Celery: Estimated production costs in the Central Florida area, 1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (60 lb. crates) 675

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 360.00
Fertilizer and lime 70.69
Fungicide 114.38
Herbicide 19.51
Insecticide 164.65
Labor 301.09
Machinery 68.08
Interest 65.78
Miscellaneous
Crop insurance 65.00
Custom work 50.50
Scouting 22.00
Total operating cost 1,301.68
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 175.00
Machinery 73.23
Overhead 148.41
Total fixed cost 396.64
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,698.32 2.52
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick pack and close 877.50 1.30
Haul 202.50 0.30
Containers 648.00 0.96
Miscellaneous 236.25 0.35
Total harvest and marketing cost 1,964.25 2.91
TOTAL COST 3,662.57 5.43



Table 6. Celery: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combination in the
Central Florida area, 1987-88.

Dollars per crate
Yield (crates) 4.43 4.93 5.43 5.93 6.43

625 -748.00 -436.00 -123.00 189.00 502.00
650 -710.00 -385.00 -60.00 265.00 590.00
675 -672.00 -335.00 3.00 340.00 678.00
700 -634.00 -284.00 66.00 416.00 766.00
725 -596.00 -234.00 129.00 491.00 854.00








Table 7. Celery: Estimated production costs in the Everglades area, 1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (60 lb. crates) 675
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 330.00
Fertilizer and lime 230.44
Fungicide 176.06
Herbicide 56.01
Insecticide 203.05
Labor 250.32
Machinery 91.47
Interest 80.97
Miscellaneous
Crop insurance 93.00
Custom work 84.00
Scouting 22.00
Total operating cost 1,617.32
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 200.00
Machinery 92.69
Overhead 182.90
Total fixed cost 475.59
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 2,092.91 3.10
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick, pack and close 877.50 1.30
Haul 202.50 0.30
Containers 648.00 0.96
Miscellaneous 236.25 0.35
Total harvest and marketing cost 1,964.25 2.91
TOTAL COST 4,057.16 6.01



Table 8. Celery: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combination
in the Everglades area, 1987-88.

Dollars per crate
Yield (crates) 5.01 5.51 6.01 6.51 7.01

625 -780.00 -468.00 -155.00 157.00 470.00
650 -728.00 -403.00 -78.00 247.00 572.00
675 -675.00 -338.00 0.00 337.00 675.00
700 -623.00 -273.00 77.00 427.00 777.00
725 -570.00 -208.00 155.00 517.00 880.00







Table 9. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Central Florida area, 1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (42 lb. crates) 250

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 60.00
Fertilizer and lime 62.75
Fungicide 15.00
Herbicide 6.64
Insecticide 154.31
Labor 61.81
Machinery 28.68
Interest 29.83
Miscellaneous
Crop insurance 15.00
Custom work 48.50
Scouting 12.50
Total operating cost 495.02
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 175.00
Machinery 29.74
Overhead 66.99
Total fixed cost 271.73
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 766.75 3.07
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick and pack labor 267.50 1.07
Containers 262.50 1.05
Miscellaneous 37.50 0.15
Total harvest and marketing cost 567.50 2.27
TOTAL COST 1,334.25 5.34



Table 10. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combination in the
Central Florida area, 1987-88.

Dollars per crate
Yield (crates) 4.34 4.84 5.34 5.84 6.34

200 -353.00 -253.00 -153.00 -53.00 47.00
225 -301.00 -189.00 -76.00 36.00 149.00
250 -249.00 -124.00 1.00 126.00 251.00
275 -198.00 -60.00 77.00 215.00 353.00
300 -146.00 4.00 154.00 304.00 454.00








Table 11. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Everglades area, 1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (42 lb. crates) 250
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 56.00
Fertilizer and lime 77.64
Fungicide 20.40
Herbicide 3.12
Insecticide 97.76
Labor 91.46
Machinery 50.93
Interest 30.34
Miscellaneous
Crop insurance 15.50
Custom work 51.25
Scouting 10.00
Total operating cost 504.40
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 175.00
Machinery 51.37
Overhead 70.04
Total fixed cost 296.41
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 800.81 3.20
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick and pack labor 375.00 1.50
Containers 225.00 0.90
Miscellaneous 50.00 0.20
Total harvest and marketing cost 650.00 2.60
TOTAL COST 1,450.81 5.80



Table 12. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combination
in the Everglades area, 1987-88.

Dollars per crate
Yield (crates) 4.80 5.30 5.80 6.30 6.80

200 -361.00 -261.00 -161.00 -61.00 39.00
225 -306.00 -193.00 -81.00 32.00 144.00
250 -251.00 -126.00 -1.00 124.00 249.00
275 -196.00 -58.00 79.00 217.00 354.00
300 -141.00 9.00 159.00 309.00 459.00







Table 13. Cucumbers: Estimated production costs in the Southwest Florida area, 1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Bushel

Yield (55 lb. bushels) 725

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 90.00
Fertilizer and lime 315.60
Fumigant 180.00
Fungicide 94.79
Herbicide 10.15
Insecticide 37.61
Labor 470.93
Machinery 169.87
Interest 58.33
Miscellaneous
Bees 6.00
Plastic mulch 195.00
Total operating cost 1,628.28
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 300.00
Machinery 170.30
Overhead 204.02
Total fixed cost 674.32
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 2,302.60 3.18
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick 855.50 1.18
Haul 174.00 0.24
Pack 1,225.25 1.69
Containers 551.00 0.76
Selling 181.25 0.25
Total harvest and marketing cost 2,987.00 4.12
TOTAL COST 5,289.60 7.30


Table 14. Cucumbers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the Southwest Florida area, 1987-88.

Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 6.30 6.80 7.30 7.80 8.30

575 -1049.00 -762.00 -474.00 -187.00 101.00
650 -886.00 -561.00 -236.00 89.00 414.00
725 -722.00 -360.00 3.00 365.00 728.00
800 -559.00 -159.00 241.00 641.00 1041.00
875 -395.00 42.00 480.00 917.00 1355.00









Table 15. Eggplant: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1987-88.
Average per
Category Acre Bushel

Yield (33 lb. bushels) 2250
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 160.00
Fertilizer and lime 632.14
Fumigant 186.00
Fungicide 105.80
Herbicide 53.82
Insecticide 187.65
Surfactant 13.69
Labor 597.61
Machinery 209.80
Interest 167.27
Miscellaneous
Crop insurance 203.00
Custom work 227.00
Plastic mulch 270.00
Scouting 22.00
Total operating cost 3,034.98
FIXED COST
Land rent 200.00
Machinery 240.87
Overhead 330.36
Total fixed cost 771.73
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 3,806.71 1.69
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvesting 1,192.50 0.53
Mobile shed 157.50 0.07
Wrapping paper 337.50 0.15
Containers 1,687.50 0.75
Selling 787.50 0.35
Transportation 450.00 0.20
Total harvest and marketing cost 4,612.50 2.05
TOTAL COST 8,419.21 3.74


Table 16. Eggplant: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Palm Beach County area, 1987-88.

Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 2.74 3.24 3.74 4.24 4.74

1750 -2596.00 -1721.00 -846.00 29.00 904.00
2000 -2423.00 -1423.00 -423.00 577.00 1577.00
2250 -2250.00 -1125.00 0.00 1125.00 2250.00
2500 -2077.00 -827.00 423.00 1673.00 2923.00
2750 -1904.00 -529.00 846.00 2221.00 3596.00







Table 17. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in
1987-88.


the Palm Beach County area,


Average per
Category Acre Bushel

Yield (25 lb. bushels) 875

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 86.00
Fertilizer and lime 342.00
Fungicide 124.10
Herbicide 28.50
Insecticide 449.41
Soil fumigant 186.00
Surfactant 47.40
Labor 725.64
Machinery 179.06
Interest 145.28
Miscellaneous
Crop insurance 296.00
Custom work 150.00
Plastic mulch 270.00
Scouting 30.00
Total operating cost 3,059.39
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 200.00
Machinery 182.24
Overhead 329.64
Total fixed cost 711.88
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 3,771.27 4.31
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick and pack labor 1,006.25 1.15
Mobile shed 131.25 0.15
Containers 638.75 0.73
Selling 350.00 0.40
Transportation 175.00 0.20
Total harvest and marketing cost 2,301.25 2.63
TOTAL COST 6,072.52 6.94


Table 18. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combination
in the Palm Beach County area, 1987-88.

Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 5.94 6.44 6.94 7.44 7.94

725 -1372.00 -1009.00 -647.00 -284.00 78.00
800 -1123.00 -723.00 -323.00 77.00 477.00
875 -875.00 -438.00 0.00 437.00 875.00
950 -627.00 -152.00 323.00 798.00 1273.00
1025 -379.00 134.00 646.00 1159.00 1671.00








Table 19. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Bushel

Yield (25 lb. bushels) 900
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 425.00
Fertilizer and lime 334.00
Fumigant 180.00
Fungicide 161.78
Herbicide 20.30
Insecticide 133.74
Surfactant 4.77
Labor 459.43
Machinery 186.13
Interest 140.24
Miscellaneous
Crop insurance 280.00
Land leveling 300.00
Plastic mulch 195.00
Scouting 25.00
Total operating cost 2,845.39
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 300.00
Machinery 184.29
Overhead 318.94
Total fixed cost 803.23
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 3,648.62 4.05
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvesting 729.00 0.81
Hauling 198.00 0.22
Packing 1,260.00 1.40
Containers 657.00 0.73
Selling 270.00 0.30
Total harvest and marketing cost 3,114.00 3.46
TOTAL COST 6,762.62 7.51


Table 20. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Southwest Florida area, 1987-88.

Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 6.51 7.01 7.51 8.01 8.51

750 -1361.00 -986.00 -611.00 -236.00 139.00
825 -1132.00 -720.00 -307.00 105.00 518.00
900 -904.00 -454.00 -4.00 446.00 896.00
975 -675.00 -187.00 300.00 788.00 1275.00
1050 -446.00 79.00 604.00 1129.00 1654.00








Table 21. Chip Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Sack

Yield (100 lb. sacks) 225
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 260.00
Fertilizer and lime 170.25
Fungicide 15.00
Herbicide 12.49
Insecticide 8.82
Nematicide 49.20
Labor 87.00
Machinery 47.86
Interest 41.41
Miscellaneous
Aerial spray 12.50
Crop insurance 44.00
Cover crop (seed) 7.00
Irrigation 25.00
Seed treatment 32.50
Total operating cost 813.03
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 80.00
Machinery 63.66
Overhead 68.65
Total fixed cost 212.31
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,025.34 4.56
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Digging 135.00 0.60
Grading 90.00 0.40
Hauling 33.75 0.15
Selling 56.25 0.25
Total harvest and marketing cost 315.00 1.40
TOTAL COST 1,340.34 5.96


Table 22. Chip Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the Hastings area, 1987-88.

Dollars per sack
Yield (sacks) 5.46 5.71 5.96 6.21 6.46

175 -315.00 -271.00 -227.00 -184.00 -140.00
200 -213.00 -163.00 -113.00 -63.00 -13.00
225 -112.00 -56.00 1.00 57.00 113.00
250 -10.00 52.00 115.00 177.00 240.00
275 91.00 160.00 229.00 297.00 366.00








Table 23. Table Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Sack

Yield (100 lb. sacks) 200
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 210.00
Fertilizer and lime 170.25
Fumigant 49.50
Fungicide 15.00
Herbicide 28.50
Nematicide 49.20
Labor 87.00
Machinery 47.98
Interest 41.23
Miscellaneous
Aerial spray 12.50
Crop insurance 40.00
Cover crop (seed) 7.00
Irrigation 25.00
Seed treatment 25.83
Total operating cost 808.99
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 80.00
Machinery 65.01
Overhead 68.46
Total fixed cost 213.47
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,022.46 5.11
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Digging 120.00 0.60
Grading 268.00 1.34
Hauling 30.00 0.15
Selling 50.00 0.25
Containers 132.00 0.66
Total harvest and marketing cost 600.00 3.00
TOTAL COST 1,622.46 8.11


Table 24. Table Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the Hastings area, 1987-88.

Dollars per sack
Yield (sacks) 7.61 7.86 8.11 8.36 8.61

150 -331.00 -293.00 -256.00 -218.00 -181.00
175 -216.00 -172.00 -128.00 -84.00 -41.00
200 -100.00 -50.00 0.00 50.00 100.00
225 15.00 71.00 127.00 184.00 240.00
250 130.00 193.00 255.00 318.00 380.00







Table 25. Summer Squash: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Bushel

Yield (42 lb. bushels) 200

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 98.00
Fertilizer 158.80
Fungicide 163.93
Insecticide 56.41
Labor 113.40
Machinery 53.69
Interest 26.17
Miscellaneous
Custom work 48.40
Wells 23.60
Total operating cost 742.40
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 150.00
Machinery 50.56
Overhead 64.17
Total fixed costs 264.73
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,007.13 5.04
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvesting 370.00 1.85
Picking baskets 20.00 0.10
Hauling 30.00 0.15
Packing 150.00 0.75
Containers 250.00 1.25
Selling 100.00 0.50
Transportation 30.00 0.15
Total harvest and marketing cost 950.00 4.75
TOTAL COST 1,957.13 9.79


Table 26. Summer Squash: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1987-88.

Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 8.29 9.04 9.79 10.54 11.29

160 -441.00 -321.00 -202.00 -81.00 39.00
180 -370.00 -235.00 -101.00 35.00 170.00
200 -299.00 -149.00 0.00 151.00 301.00
220 -228.00 -63.00 101.00 267.00 432.00
240 -158.00 22.00 201.00 382.00 562.00









Table 27. Strawberries: Estimated costs of production in the Plant City area, 1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Flat

Yield (12 lb. flats) 2,000

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 1,320.00
Fertilizer and lime 293.00
Fumigant 189.80
Fungicide 492.50
Herbicide 97.38
Insecticide 451.64
Labor 149.88
Machinery 174.90
Interest 279.44
Miscellaneous
Cover crop seed 35.00
Cut runners 61.00
Dump fee 20.00
Plastic mulch 324.00
Remove plastic 37.00
Transplant labor 165.00
Total operating costs 4,090.54
FIXED COSTS
Land Rent 485.00
Machinery 181.75
Overhead 671.68
Total fixed costs 1,338.43
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 5,428.97 2.71
HARVEST and MARKETING COSTS
Harvest labor 2,600.00 1.30
Packing shed labor 320.00 0.16
Haul 300.00 0.15
Supervision 200.00 0.10
Boxes & cups 1,600.00 0.80
Pre-cool & sell 2,600.00 1.30
Total harvest and marketing costs 7,620.00 3.81
TOTAL COST 13,048.97 6.52



Table 28. Strawberries: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the Plant City area, 1987-88.

Dollars per flat
Yield (flats) 5.52 6.02 6.52 7.02 7.52

1600 -2693.00 -1893.00 -1086.00 -293.00 507.00
1800 -2351.00 -1451.00 -543.00 349.00 1249.00
2000 -2009.00 -1009.00 0.00 991.00 1991.00
2200 -1667.00 -567.00 543.00 1633.00 2733.00
2400 -1325.00 -125.00 1086.00 2275.00 3475.00








Table 29. Ground Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,000

- Dollars -


OPERATING COSTS
Seed
Fertilizer
Bactericide
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Surfactant
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Crop insurance
Custom work
Plastic mulch
Wells
Total operating cost
FIXED COSTS
Land rent
Machinery
Overhead
Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvesting
Hauling
Packing
Containers
Selling
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST


200.55
298.75
73.78
202.50
118.40
45.34
201.39
36.86
610.65
154.08
127.92
235.00
115.03
183.00
23.60
2,626.85


325.00
151.99
208.31
685.30
3,312.15


630.00
70.00
1,740.00
580.00
150.00
3,170.00
6,482.15


3.31


0.63
0.07
1.74
0.58
0.15
3.17
6.48


Table 30. Ground Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1987-88.

Dollars per carton
Yield (cartons) 5.48 5.98 6.48 6.98 7.48

600 -1926.00 -1626.00 -1325.00 -1026.00 -726.00
800 -1464.00 -1064.00 -663.00 -264.00 136.00
1000 -1002.00 -502.00 0.00 498.00 998.00
1200 -540.00 60.00 662.00 1260.00 1860.00
1400 -78.00 622.00 1325.00 2022.00 2722.00








Table 31. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1987-88.

Average per

Category Acre Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,200
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 150.00
Fertilizer and lime 310.00
Fumigant 115.00
Fungicide 133.61
Herbicide 27.20
Insecticide 244.95
Surfactant 3.23
Labor 644.62
Machinery 214.46
Interest 111.19
Micellaneous
Crop insurance 215.00
Irrigation pipe 27.74
Plastic mulch 130.00
Plastic string 25.20
Replacement stakes 36.00
Total operating cost 2,388.20
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 100.00
Machinery 209.15
Overhead 258.62
Total fixed cost 567.77
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 2,955.97 2.46
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul 996.00 0.83
Packing 1,704.00 1.42
Containers 636.00 0.53
Selling 180.00 0.15
Total harvest and marketing cost 3,516.00 2.93
TOTAL COST 6,471.97 5.39


Table 32. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1987-88.

Dollars per carton

Yield (cartons) 3.89 4.64 5.39 6.14 6.89

800 -2188.00 -1588.00 -986.00 -388.00 212.00
1000 -1996.00 -1246.00 -493.00 254.00 1004.00
1200 -1804.00 -904.00 0.00 896.00 1796.00
1400 -1612.00 -562.00 492.00 1538.00 2588.00
1600 -1420.00 -220.00 985.00 2180.00 3380.00







Table 33. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the North Florida area, 1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,200

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 165.60
Fertilizer and Lime 462.50
Fumigant 267.75
Fungicide 175.78
Herbicide 27.93
Insecticide 63.07
Surfactant 11.54
Labor 271.80
Machinery 86.45
Interest 114.38
Miscellanous
Custom work 173.50
Irrigation 206.00
Plastic mulch 180.00
Replacement stakes 180.00
Twine 100.00
Total Operating Cost 2,486.30
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 155.00
Machinery 92.98
Overhead 183.39
Total Fixed Cost 431.37
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 2,917.67 2.43
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul 948.00 0.79
Packing 2,820.00 2.35
Containers 660.00 0.55
Selling 180.00 0.15
Total harvest and marketing cost 4,608.00 3.84
TOTAL COST 7,525.67 6.27


Table 34. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the North Florida area, 1987-88.

Dollars per carton
Yield (cartons) 5.27 5.77 6.27 6.77 7.27

800 -1774.00 -1374.00 -973.00 -574.00 -174.00
1000 -1488.00 -988.00 -487.00 12.00 512.00
1200 -1202.00 -602.00 0.00 598.00 1198.00
1400 -916.00 -216.00 486.00 1184.00 1884.00
1600 -630.00 170.00 972.00 1770.00 2570.00









Table 35. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,200
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 225.00
Fertilizer and lime 320.80
Fumigant 180.00
Fungicide 169.64
Herbicide 48.87
Insecticide 111.42
Labor 776.50
Machinery 257.54
Interest 156.72
Micellaneous
Crop insurance 330.00
Level land 300.00
Plastic mulch 195.00
Plastic string 25.00
Remove stakes/plastic 75.00
Replacement stakes 6.00
Scouting 32.50
Total operating cost 3,209.99
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 300.00
Machinery 263.08
Overhead 361.63
Total fixed cost 924.71
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 4,134.70 3.45
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul 636.00 0.53
Packing 1,200.00 1.00
Containers 840.00 0.70
Selling 900.00 0.75
Transportation 60.00 0.05
Total harvest and marketing cost 3,636.00 3.03
TOTAL COST 7,770.70 6.48


Table 36. Staked Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Southwest Florida area, 1987-88.

Dollars per carton
Yield (cartons) 5.48 5.98 6.48 6.98 7.48

800 -2175.00 -1775.00 -1378.00 -975.00 -575.00
1000 -1685.00 -1185.00 -689.00 -185.00 315.00
1200 -1195.00 -595.00 0.00 605.00 1205.00
1400 -705.00 -5.00 690.00 1395.00 2095.00
1600 -215.00 585.00 1379.00 2185.00 2985.00








Table 37. Watermelons: Estimated costs of
1987-88.


production in the Alachua/Levy County area,


Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 300

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 10.00
Fertilizer and Lime 110.50
Fungicide 32.44
Labor 165.36
Machinery 87.76
Interest 61.17
Miscellanous
Aerial spray 15.00
Bees 4.00
Total operating cost 486.23
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 75.00
Machinery 123.63
Overhead 43.66
Total fixed cost 242.29
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 728.52 2.43
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and Haul 375.00 1.25
Total harvest and marketing cost 375.00 1.25
TOTAL COST 1,103.52 3.68


Table 38. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the Alachua/Levy County area, 1987-88.

Dollars per cwt.
Yield (cwts.) 3.18 3.43 3.68 3.93 4.18

250 -246.00 -184.00 -121.00 -59.00 4.00
275 -198.00 -129.00 -60.00 8.00 77.00
300 -150.00 -75.00 0.00 75.00 150.00
325 -101.00 -20.00 61.00 142.00 224.00
350 -53.00 34.00 122.00 209.00 297.00








Table 39. Watermelons: Estimated costs of production in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 320
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 24.44
Fertilizer and Lime 360.00
Fungicide 105.48
Insecticide 23.25
Labor 65.56
Machinery 158.22
Interest 102.19
Miscellaneous
Bees 3.60
Total operating cost 842.74
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 100.00
Machinery 128.06
Overhead 67.80
Total fixed cost 295.86
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,138.60 3.56
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and pack 480.00 1.50
Packing material 9.60 0.03
Selling 320.00 1.00
Total harvest and marketing cost 809.60 2.53
TOTAL COST 1,948.20 6.09


Table 40. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1987-88.

Dollars per cwt.
Yield (cwts.) 5.09 5.59 6.09 6.59 7.09

270 -447.00 -312.00 -178.00 -42.00 93.00
295 -383.00 -236.00 -89.00 59.00 207.00
320 -319.00 -159.00 0.00 161.00 321.00
345 -255.00 -83.00 89.00 262.00 435.00
370 -191.00 -6.00 177.00 364.00 549.00







Table 41. Watermelons: Estimated costs of production in the North Central Florida area,
1987-88.

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 300

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 15.13
Fertilizer and Lime 143.75
Fungicide 25.10
Insecticide 6.19
Labor 154.23
Machinery 98.60
Interest 68.91
Total operating cost 511.91
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 100.00
Machinery 152.48
Overhead 69.55
Total fixed costs 322.03
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 833.94 2.78
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and Haul 375.00 1.25
Total harvest and marketing cost 375.00 1.25
TOTAL COST 1,208.94 4.03


Table 42. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the North Central Florida area, 1987-88.

Dollars per cwt.
Yield (cwts.) 3.03 3.53 4.03 4.53 5.03

250 -389.00 -264.00 -139.00 -14.00 111.00
275 -344.00 -207.00 -69.00 68.00 206.00
300 -300.00 -150.00 0.00 150.00 300.00
325 -255.00 -93.00 70.00 232.00 395.00
350 -211.00 -36.00 139.00 314.00 489.00









Table 43. Watermelons: Estimated costs of production in the North Florida area, 1987-88.

Average per

Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 350
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 6.69
Fertilizer and Lime 134.09
Fungicide 75.57
Insecticide 13.97
Nematicide 4.23
Labor 87.00
Machinery 55.83
Interest 53.75
Miscellaneous
Air compressor 44.70
Plastic mulch 75.81
Well 50.00
Total operating cost 601.64
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 55.00
Machinery 79.80
Overhead 34.13
Total fixed cost 168.93
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 770.57 2.20
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest 612.50 1.75
Total harvest and marketing cost 612.50 1.75
TOTAL COST 1,383.07 3.95


Table 44. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the North Florida area, 1987-88.

Dollars per cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 2.95 3.45 3.95 4.45 4.95

250 -470.00 -345.00 -220.00 -95.00 30.00
300 -410.00 -260.00 -110.00 40.00 190.00
350 -350.00 -175.00 0.00 175.00 350.00
400 -290.00 -90.00 110.00 310.00 510.00
450 -230.00 -5.00 220.00 445.00 670.00








Table 45. Watermelons: Estimated costs of
1987-88.


production in the Southwest Florida area,


Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 340
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 39.00
Fertilizer and Lime 213.70
Fungicide 72.40
Insecticide 67.08
Labor 161.15
Machinery 85.25
Interest 34.58
Miscellanous
Bees 6.00
Irrigation 20.10
Plastic mulch 195.00
Total operating cost 894.26
FIXED COSTS
Land rent 250.00
Machinery 89.92
Overhead 119.96
Total fixed cost 459.88
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,354.14 3.98
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest, haul and pack 510.00 1.50
Packing material 6.80 0.02
Selling 255.00 0.75
Total harvest and marketing cost 771.80 2.27
TOTAL COST 2,125.94 6.25


Table 46. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the Southwest Florida area, 1987-88.

Dollars per cwt.
Yield (cwts.) 5.25 5.75 6.25 6.75 7.25

240 -639.00 -519.00 -399.00 -279.00 -159.00
290 -490.00 -345.00 -200.00 -55.00 90.00
340 -341.00 -171.00 -1.00 169.00 339.00
390 -192.00 3.00 198.00 393.00 588.00
440 -43.00 177.00 397.00 617.00 837.00
















APPENDICES





Appendix A: Cultural Labor Costs by Activity and Machinery Costs by Operation











Table A-1. Bush Beans: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Irrigation 4.68 25.74
Other cultural labor 1.25 6.88
Total cultural labor 5.93 32.62
Total tractor labor 2.96 20.74
Supervision 46.14
TOTAL LABOR COST 99.50





Table A-2. Bush Beans: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.70 1.68 2.09 3.76
70 hp 0.87 3.16 4.21 7.37
160 hp 0.80 8.26 9.95 18.22
IMPLEMENTS
13-ft Heavy disk 0.80 9.86 10.08 19.94
4-Row fert. applicator 0.27 0.83 0.51 1.34
4-Row planter 0.27 2.40 2.88 5.28
4-Row cultivator 0.60 1.37 2.34 3.71
Sprayer 0.70 8.69 4.57 13.26
MISCELLANEOUS
117-hp Pump (truck mounted) 3.75 9.35 21.16 30.51
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 45.59 57.80 103.39









Table A-3. Cabbage: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Transplant (contract rate) 0.00 90.00
Total cultural labor 0.00 90.00
Total tractor labor 6.54 60.46
TOTAL LABOR COST 150.46


Table A-4. Cabbage: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
55 hp 0.03 0.07 0.10 0.17
70 hp 2.10 7.62 10.02 17.64
125 hp 1.98 14.84 18.26 33.10
140 hp 1.13 9.15 11.41 20.55
IMPLEMENTS
2-row harrow 0.47 0.46 0.16 0.61
V-ditcher 1.60 4.53 1.92 6.45
8-row chopper 0.40 1.85 0.21 2.06
Lister 0.10 0.66 0.02 0.67
8-row bedder 0.40 2.78 0.19 2.97
8-row cross ditcher 0.17 1.62 0.55 2.17
16-row sprayer 0.03 0.07 0.05 0.13
13-ft harrow 0.13 0.22 0.10 0.32
Nurse tank 0.03 0.03 0.00 0.03
8-row single disk bedder 0.07 0.46 0.03 0.50
Sidemower 1.33 3.49 0.13 3.63
Bulk spreader 0.41 0.54 0.20 0.74
4-row transplanter 0.50 1.32 0.47 1.79
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 49.71 43.81 93.52







Table A-5. Celery: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Central Florida area, 1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Transplant 16.75 80.40
Move irrigation pipe 6.00 28.80
Total cultural labor 22.75 109.20
Total tractor labor 4.64 34.80
Supervision 97.09
TOTAL LABOR COST 241.09





Table A-6. Celery: Summary of machine use and costs in the Central Florida area, 1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
60 hp 1.00 3.21 4.04 7.25
70 hp 1.25 4.26 5.59 9.85
180 hp 1.46 15.38 18.68 34.05
IMPLEMENTS
20-ft disk 0.43 5.48 5.98 11.46
Moldboard plow 0.17 0.59 0.54 1.13
20-ft leveler 0.20 0.86 0.29 1.15
Rolling cultivator 0.25 0.54 0.33 0.86
Overhead sprayer 1.00 12.75 7.00 19.75
Herbicide sprayer 1.00 6.80 3.73 10.53
Celery transplanter 0.67 12.80 4.27 17.07
MISCELLANEOUS
100-hp pump 1.00 3.44 5.35 8.78
2-ton truck 1.00 7.13 12.30 19.43
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 73.23 68.08 141.31








Table A-7. Celery: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Everglades area, 1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Transplant 16.75 79.56
Move irrigation pipe 2.68 12.73
Total cultural labor 19.43 92.29
Total tractor labor 4.93 28.37
Supervision 119.66
TOTAL LABOR COST 240.32





Table A-8. Celery: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area, 1987-88.
Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
60 hp 1.00 3.21 4.04 7.25
70 hp 1.30 4.43 5.81 10.24
225 hp 1.65 26.00 29.46 55.46
IMPLEMENTS
16-ft disk 0.38 4.12 4.50 8.63
20-ft disk 0.43 5.48 5.98 11.46
Moldboard plow 0.17 0.59 0.54 1.13
Cross ditcher 0.05 0.24 0.11 0.36
Rolling cultivator 0.25 0.54 0.33 0.86
Overhead sprayer 1.00 12.75 7.00 19.75
Herbicide sprayer 1.00 6.80 3.73 10.53
Celery transplanter 0.67 12.80 4.27 17.07
MISCELLANEOUS
100-hp pump 0.50 4.04 6.26 10.28
200-hp pump 0.67 4.58 7.15 11.73
2-ton truck 1.00 7.13 12.30 19.43
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 92.69 91.47 184.16








Table A-9. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Central Florida area,
1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Planting 0.30 1.44
Total cultural labor 0.30 1.44
Total tractor labor 2.21 16.54
Supervision 43.83
TOTAL LABOR COST 61.81





Table A-10. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Central Florida area,
1987-88.
Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
60 hp 0.13 0.40 0.51 0.91
70 hp 0.43 1.46 1.92 3.38
80 hp 0.22 1.01 1.24 2.26
180 hp 0.99 10.40 12.63 23.03
IMPLEMENTS
20-ft disk 0.60 7.67 8.37 16.04
Moldboard plow 0.22 0.79 0.72 1.51
20-ft leveler 0.17 0.72 0.24 0.96
Rolling cultivator 0.43 0.92 0.56 1.48
Granular hopper 0.43 0.71 0.43 1.14
8-row herbicide sprayer 0.13 0.85 0.47 1.32
Corn planter 0.22 4.80 1.60 6.40
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 29.74 28.68 58.41








Table A-11. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Everglades area, 1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Planting 0.30 1.43
Total cultural labor 0.30 1.43
Total tractor labor 6.98 40.14
Supervision 45.02
TOTAL LABOR COST 86.59





Table A-12. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area, 1987-88.
Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
60 hp 3.97 12.73 16.03 28.76
80 hp 0.18 0.83 1.02 1.85
180 hp 0.33 3.51 4.26 7.76
210 hp 0.82 11.39 13.16 24.55
Highboy 0.29 0.19 0.34 0.53
IMPLEMENTS
20-ft disk 0.33 4.26 4.65 8.91
24-ft disk 0.25 3.71 4.05 7.76
12-ft Chisel plow 0.40 1.32 0.80 2.12
20-ft leveler 0.17 0.72 0.24 0.96
Cross ditcher 0.07 0.32 0.15 0.48
Rolling cultivator 0.50 1.07 0.65 1.72
Granular hopper 3.20 5.28 3.20 8.48
8-ft mower 0.29 0.75 0.31 1.07
8-row herbicide sprayer 0.20 1.36 0.75 2.11
Corn planter 0.18 3.93 1.31 5.24
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 51.37 50.93 102.30








Table A-13. Cucumbers:


Summary of
1987-88.


preharvest labor costs in the Southwest Florida area,


Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Remove plastic mulch 20.00 85.00
Mark off ditches 1.33 5.65
Mark off rows 1.33 5.65
Bed and fumigate 0.67 2.85
Apply top fertilizer 0.67 2.85
Lay plastic 2.00 8.50
Make cross-ditches 7.50 31.88
Set plants 14.40 61.20
Thin plants 7.20 30.60
Water control 1.50 6.63
Other 4.00 17.00
Total cultural labor 60.60 257.81
Total tractor labor 12.74 79.65
Supervision 133.47
TOTAL LABOR COST 470.93


Table A-14. Cucumbers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
100 hp 6.94 36.40 48.35 84.76
125 hp 1.13 7.92 10.21 18.12
180 hp 2.13 22.40 28.37 50.77
IMPLEMENTS
12-ft disc 0.80 7.26 2.64 9.90
16-ft disc 1.20 12.87 4.68 17.55
14-ft leveler 0.40 1.34 0.45 1.79
Row marker 0.54 0.65 0.03 0.68
V-ditcher 0.53 1.43 0.63 2.06
14-ft reverse plow 0.60 1.19 0.43 1.62
3-Row bedder 0.53 1.35 1.06 2.41
3-Row fumigator 0.53 3.04 2.38 5.42
3-Row fert. distributor 1.06 12.50 11.11 23.61
3-Row plastic layer 0.53 4.10 3.22 7.32
1-Row hole puncher 0.70 0.39 0.16 0.55
3-Row herbicide sprayer 0.27 0.92 0.50 1.42
Sprayer 2.77 32.96 18.10 51.06
1-Row plastic lifter 0.27 0.98 0.36 1.34
MISCELLANEOUS
20-hp Diesel engine pump 8.28 5.69 9.39 15.08
100-hp Diesel engine pump 4.92 16.91 27.80 44.71
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 170.30 169.87 340.17









Table A-15. Eggplant: Summary of preharvest labor costs
1987-88.


in the Palm Beach County area,


Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Place plastic in rows 5.33 25.32
Bed and fumigate 0.40 1.90
Apply fertilizer 0.67 3.18
Make cross ditches 13.33 63.32
Lay plastic 1.34 6.37
Set plants 20.00 95.00
Replant 1.00 4.75
Water control 3.00 14.25
Other 12.00 57.00
Total cultural labor 57.07 271.08
Total tractor labor 19.14 110.08
Supervision 214.60
TOTAL LABOR COST -595.76


Table A-16. Eggplant: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area,
1987-88.
Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.40 0.90 1.11 2.01
70 hp 10.53 35.87 47.07 82.94
100 hp 4.39 23.02 29.23 52.25
IMPLEMENTS
1-Row mower 0.40 0.96 0.60 1.56
12-ft Disc 2.24 20.33 7.39 27.72
1-Row middle buster 0.40 0.58 0.14 0.72
1-Row bedder 0.53 0.59 0.36 0.95
1-Row bed presser 0.53 0.20 0.16 0.36
1-Row fumigator 0.53 1.35 1.06 2.41
1-Row fert. distributor 1.06 8.57 7.61 16.19
I-Row cross ditcher 0.53 1.15 0.54 1.69
I-Row plactic layer 0.53 1.98 1.32 3.31
1-Row hole puncher 0.40 0.23 0.09 0.32
2-Row herbicide sprayer 0.80 2.04 1.12 3.16
Sprayer 8.00 95.20 52.27 147.47
1-Row plastic lifter 0.27 0.98 0.36 1.34
Baler 0.16 2.30 0.77 3.07
MISCELLANEOUS
100-hp Diesel engine pump 8.51 29.26 45.51 74.76
30-hp Electric pump 13.97 15.36 8.61 23.98
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 240.87 205.32 446.19








Table A-17. Green Peppers:


Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County
area, 1987-88.


Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Pull plastic 5.33 25.32
Bed and fumigate 0.40 1.90
Fertilize 1.00 4.75
Lay plastic 1.00 4.75
Prepare plug mix 3.00 14.25
Plant 30.00 142.50
Thin plants 20.00 95.00
Water control 2.50 11.88
Other 25.00 118.75
Total cultural labor 88.23 419.09
Total tractor labor 15.81 90.90
Supervision 213.23
TOTAL LABOR COST 723.22


Table A-18. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County
area,1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 1.60 3.59 4.43 8.02
70 hp 8.81 30.01 39.38 69.38
100 hp 2.24 11.75 14.93 26.68
IMPLEMENTS
I-Row mower 0.40 0.96 0.60 1.56
12-ft Disc 1.28 11.62 4.22 15.84
1-Row middle buster 0.40 0.58 0.14 0.72
1-Row bedder 0.80 0.90 0.54 1.44
1-Row fumigator 0.80 2.04 1.60 3.64
1-Row fert. distributor 0.80 6.03 5.36 11.39
I-Row cross-ditcher 0.80 1.73 0.82 2.55
I-Row plastic layer 0.80 3.00 2.00 5.00
1-Row hole puncher 0.80 0.45 0.18 0.63
2-Row herbicide sprayer 0.80 2.04 1.12 3.16
Sprayer 5.08 60.43 33.18 93.61
1-Row plastic lifter 0.53 1.92 0.70 2.62
Baler 0.16 2.30 0.77 3.07
MISCELLANEOUS
100-hp Diesel engine pump 7.27 25.00 38.89 63.89
Mixer 1.00 4.73 18.25 22.98
30-hp Electric pump 11.97 13.17 7.38 20.55
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 182.24 174.49 356.73









Table A-19. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Remove plastic 9.00 38.25
Bed, fumig. and top fert. 0.40 1.70
Make cross ditches 3.50 14.88
Lay plastic 1.20 5.10
Set plants 12.00 51.00
Replant 2.00 8.50
Water control 2.50 10.63
Other 10.00 42.50
Total cultural labor 40.60 172.55
Total tractor labor 12.52 78.23
Supervision 208.65
TOTAL LABOR COST 459.43


Table A-20. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1987-88.

Dollars per acre

Desciption Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
100 hp 7.29 38.27 50.83 89.10
125 hp 0.80 5.62 7.24 12.86
180 hp 1.92 20.20 25.59 45.78
IMPLEMENTS
1-Row mower 0.40 0.96 0.60 1.56
16-ft Disk 0.96 10.30 3.74 14.04
V-Ditcher 0.32 0.86 0.38 1.25
14-ft Reverse plow 0.32 0.63 0.23 0.86
3-Row bed fertilizer 0.32 1.78 1.40 3.17
3-Row fumigator 0.32 1.83 1.44 3.27
3-Row fert. distributor 0.32 3.78 3.36 7.14
3-Row cross-ditcher 0.32 1.55 0.73 2.28
3-Row plastic layer 0.32 2.48 1.95 4.43
3-Row plant setter 0.80 2.02 0.60 2.61
2-Row herbicide sprayer 0.64 1.63 0.90 2.53
Sprayer 4.79 57.04 31.31 88.35
I-Row plastic lifter 0.50 1.82 0.66 2.48
MISCELLANEOUS
20-hp Diesel engine pump 12.41 8.53 14.07 22.60
100-hp Diesel engine pump 7.27 25.00 41.12 66.12
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 184.29 186.13 370.42








Table A-21. Chip Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Cut seed 0.50 2.50
Total cultural labor 0.50 2.50
Total tractor labor 9.14 84.50
TOTAL LABOR COST 87.00





Table A-22. Chip Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
55 hp 0.20 0.56 0.75 1.31
70 hp 5.48 19.93 26.20 46.13
125 hp 0.79 5.92 7.28 13.20
140 hp 0.83 6.78 8.46 15.25
IMPLEMENTS
2-row harrow 0.24 0.23 0.08 0.31
V-ditcher 2.40 6.80 2.88 9.68
8-row chopper 0.47 2.16 0.25 2.40
Lister 0.10 0.66 0.02 0.67
8-row bedder 0.47 3.24 0.22 3.47
8-row cross ditcher 0.21 1.94 0.66 2.60
4-row potato planter 0.14 2.61 0.04 2.66
8-row boom sprayer 0.16 0.22 0.16 0.38
16-row sprayer 0.03 0.07 0.05 0.13
Bulk spreader 0.50 0.66 0.25 0.91
13-ft harrow 0.13 0.22 0.10 0.32
Elevator 0.03 0.33 0.02 0.34
Nurse tank 0.17 0.22 0.01 0.23
8-row single disk bedder 0.08 0.58 0.04 0.62
Potato cutter 0.23 3.54 0.14 3.68
Sidemower 2.67 6.99 0.27 7.25
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 63.66 47.86 111.51









Table A-23. Table Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Cut seed 0.50 2.50
Total cultural labor 0.50 2.50
Total tractor labor 9.14 84.50
TOTAL LABOR COST 87.00





Table A-24. Table Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1987-88.
Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
55 hp 0.20 0.56 0.75 1.31
70 hp 5.48 19.93 26.20 46.13
125 hp 0.79 5.92 7.28 13.20
140 hp 0.83 6.78 8.46 15.25
IMPLEMENTS
2-row harrow 0.24 0.23 0.08 0.31
V-ditcher 2.40 6.80 2.88 9.68
8-row chopper 0.47 2.16 0.25 2.40
Lister 0.10 0.66 0.02 0.67
8-row bedder 0.47 3.24 0.22 3.47
8-row cross ditcher 0.21 1.94 0.66 2.60
4-row potato planter 0.14 2.61 0.04 2.66
8-row boom sprayer 0.16 0.22 0.16 0.38
16-row sprayer 0.03 0.07 0.05 0.13
Bulk spreader 0.50 0.66 0.25 0.91
13-ft harrow 0.13 0.22 0.10 0.32
4-row fumigator 0.17 0.51 0.06 0.57
Span piler 0.01 0.84 0.07 0.91
Elevator 0.03 0.33 0.02 0.34
Nurse tank 0.17 0.22 0.01 0.23
8-row single disk bedder 0.08 0.58 0.04 0.62
Potato cutter 0.23 3.54 0.14 3.68
Sidemower 2.67 6.99 0.27 7.25
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 65.01 47.98 112.99







Table A-25. Summer Squash: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area,
1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Seed and fertilize 0.22 1.21
Cultivate 0.99 5.45
Irrigate 3.76 20.68
Total cultural labor 4.97 27.34
Total tractor labor 3.73 26.08
Supervision 59.98
TOTAL LABOR COST 113.40





Table A-26. Summer Squash: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area,
1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 1.20 2.87 3.58 6.45
70 hp 0.98 3.56 4.74 8.31
160 hp 0.80 8.26 9.95 18.22
IMPLEMENTS
13-ft Heavy disc 0.80 9.86 10.08 19.94
4-Row fert. applicator 0.98 3.00 1.86 4.86
4-Row planter 0.18 1.59 1.92 3.51
Sprayer 1.20 14.90 7.84 22.12
4-Row cultivator 0.80 1.83 3.12 4.95
MISCELLANEOUS
117-hp Pump (truck mounted) 1.88 4.68 10.60 15.28
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 50.56 53.69 104.25









Table A-27. Strawberries: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Plant City area,
1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Lay plastic 4.00 19.00
Total cultural labor 4.00 19.00
Total tractor labor 21.81 130.88
TOTAL LABOR COST 149.88





Table A-28. Strawberries: Summary of machine use and costs in the Plant City area,
1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
35 hp 8.64 18.25 22.38 40.63
75 hp 5.81 33.05 36.85 69.90
110 hp 3.00 19.70 24.28 43.98

IMPLEMENTS
12-ft disk 2.00 19.36 6.60 25.96
Roterra 0.67 16.43 7.47 23.89
Broadcast spreader 0.31 0.40 0.15 0.56
Row marker 0.14 0.18 0.01 0.19
Boom sprayer 8.00 11.33 8.00 19.33
Sprayer 1.00 12.41 6.53 18.95
2-row bed presser 1.00 0.53 0.40 0.93
2-row herbicide sprayer 1.33 3.55 1.87 5.41
1-row fumigator 1.00 2.66 2.00 4.66
1-row hole puncher 0.33 0.22 0.14 0.36
Band fertilizer distributor 0.67 9.44 8.00 17.44
1-row plastic layer 1.00 3.97 2.50 6.47

MISCELLANEOUS
100-hp Diesel engine pump 8.25 30.25 47.73 77.98

TOTAL MACHINERY COST -181.75 174.90 356.65







Table A-29. Ground Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area,
1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Frost protection 1.50 8.25
Fumigate and lay plastic 2.50 13.75
Haul plastic 1.00 5.50
Pull plastic 6.25 34.38
Other cultural 15.00 82.50
Plant 2.00 11.00
Prepare plug mix 0.50 2.75
Prune plants 25.00 137.50
Supplemental fertilizer 0.33 1.82
Thin plants 6.25 34.38
Total cultural labor 60.33 331.82
Total tractor labor 12.02 84.14
Supervision 194.69
TOTAL LABOR COST 610.65


Table A-30. Ground Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area,
1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 6.26 14.98 18.66 33.64
70 hp 2.03 7.38 9.82 17.20
160 hp 1.33 13.71 16.50 30.21
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. Heavy disk 1.07 13.14 13.44 26.58
1-Row mower 0.20 0.52 0.60 1.12
1-Row plastic cutter 0.20 0.08 0.01 0.09
2-Row herbicide sprayer 1.20 3.19 1.68 4.87
3-Row bedder 0.13 0.69 1.56 2.25
3-Row fert. distributor 0.40 4.96 4.20 9.16
3-Row fumigator 0.20 1.20 1.80 3.00
3-Row middle buster 0.13 0.31 0.35 0.66
3-Row scrapper 0.20 0.26 0.45 0.71
3-Row shanks 0.10 0.26 0.12 0.38
3-Row tomato planter 0.80 19.95 24.00 43.95
Sprayer 4.26 52.86 27.82 80.69
Baler 0.13 2.04 0.62 2.67
Fertilizer tender 0.40 3.54 3.00 6.54
Side hole puncher 0.20 0.40 0.45 0.85
MISCELLANEOUS
117-hp Pump (truck mounted) 4.22 10.53 23.82 34.35
2-Ton truck 0.20 1.35 2.48 3.83
Mixer 0.13 0.64 2.69 3.33
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 151.99 154.08 306.07








Table A-31. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Apply cricket bait 1.00 4.50
Drive stakes 4.00 18.00
Irrigate 2.50 11.25
Prune plants 3.50 15.75
Remove plastic 10.00 45.00
Remove stakes 8.00 36.00
Replant 1.00 4.50
Set plants 3.00 13.50
Set stakes 8.80 39.60
Tie plants 18.00 81.00
Other 25.00 112.50
Total cultural labor 84.80 381.60
Total tractor labor 17.06 93.83
Supervision 169.19
TOTAL LABOR COST -644.62


Table A-32. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 0.82 2.79 3.79 6.59
100 hp 10.83 56.81 74.51 131.33
150 hp 2.00 16.01 20.84 36.84
IMPLEMENTS
13-ft Heavy disk 1.60 18.48 6.72 25.20
14-ft Leveler 0.40 1.34 0.45 1.79
1-Row bedder 0.32 0.36 0.22 0.58
1-Row fert. distributor 0.64 5.18 4.60 9.80
1-Row fumigator 0.32 0.82 0.64 1.46
1-Row plastic layer 0.32 1.20 0.80 2.00
1-Row plant setter 0.80 0.94 0.28 1.22
2-Row gas burner 0.80 3.82 2.83 6.65
2-Row herbicide sprayer 0.72 2.62 1.44 4.06
2-Row hiller 0.32 0.77 0.19 0.96
4-Row stake drivers 0.80 7.39 3.58 10.97
Ditch plow 0.32 0.29 0.11 0.40
Row marker 0.32 0.38 0.02 0.40
Sprayer 3.84 45.70 25.09 70.79
Stake wagon 0.50 0.48 0.16 0.64
V-Board 0.32 0.38 0.10 0.48
V-Ditcher 1.00 2.70 1.20 3.90
MISCELLANEOUS
100-hp Diesel engine pump 10.18 34.99 56.66 91.65
2-Ton truck 0.80 5.70 10.24 15.94
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 209.15 214.46 423.61







Table A-33. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the North Florida area,
1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Pump operator 3.30 14.85
Soil preparation and bedding 4.80 21.60
Staking and driving 6.40 28.80
Transplanting 4.80 21.60
Total cultural labor 19.30 86.85
Total tractor labor 13.38 60.19
Supervision 124.76
TOTAL LABOR COST 271.80


Table A-34. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the North Florida area,
1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 9.90 23.70 29.17 52.86
85 hp 0.80 3.94 4.92 8.86
IMPLEMENTS
1-Row bedder 0.80 0.96 0.54 1.50
1-Row bed presser 1.59 0.63 0.48 1.11
1-Row fumigator 0.80 2.13 1.60 3.73
1-Row fert. distributor 1.59 12.55 10.63 23.18
1-Row plastic layer 1.59 6.30 3.97 10.27
3-Row plant setter 0.80 2.11 0.60 2.71
3-Row herb. sprayer 7.50 26.60 14.00 40.60
Stake wagon 0.80 0.84 0.26 1.09
MISCELLANEOUS
100-hp Diesel engine pump 3.33 12.22 19.28 31.51
Truck 10.00 1.00 1.00 2.00
TOTAL MACHINERY COST -- 92.98 86.45 179.43









Table A-35. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Southwest Florida
area, 1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Lay plastic/cross ditch 20.00 85.00
Transplant and reset 13.43 57.08
Staking 17.91 76.12
Prune 14.94 63.50
Tieing 23.88 101.49
Hand cultivate 5.97 25.37
Total cultural labor 96.13 408.55
Total tractor labor 21.02 131.37
Supervision 236.58
TOTAL LABOR COST -776.50


Table A-36. Staked Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida
area, 1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
100 hp 13.22 69.34 92.10 161.44
125 hp 2.00 14.04 18.10 32.14
180 hp 1.60 16.83 21.32 38.15
IMPLEMENTS
12-ft Disk 1.60 14.52 5.28 19.80
3-Row bedder 0.32 0.81 0.64 1.45
3-Row fert. distributor 0.32 3.77 3.35 7.13
3-Row fumigator 0.80 4.59 3.60 8.19
3-Row middle buster 0.40 0.90 0.36 1.26
3-Row plant setter 1.59 4.00 1.19 5.19
3-Row plastic layer 0.80 6.21 4.87 11.07
6-Row herbicide sprayer 2.13 10.85 5.96 16.81
6-Row stake driver 1.59 14.67 7.11 21.78
Sprayer 5.27 62.76 34.46 97.21
Stake wagon 0.80 0.77 0.26 1.02
V-Ditcher 1.20 3.24 1.44 4.68
MISCELLANEOUS
20-hp Diesel engine pump 12.41 8.53 14.07 22.60
100-hp Diesel engine pump 7.27 25.00 41.12 66.12
1-Ton truck 0.40 2.25 2.33 4.58
TOTAL MACHINERY COST --- 263.08 257.54 520.62







Table A-37. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Alachua/Levy County
area, 1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Hoe 3.00 13.50
Irrigation operator 20.00 90.00
Turn vines 3.00 13.50
Total cultural labor 26.00 117.00
Total tractor labor 9.67 48.36
TOTAL LABOR COST 165.36





Table A-38. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the Alachua/Levy County area,
1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 1.78 4.26 5.08 9.34
70 hp 5.00 18.17 23.12 41.29
125 hp 0.96 7.18 8.57 15.74
IMPLEMENTS
1-Row bedder 0.25 0.30 0.17 0.47
1-Row fert. distributor 0.39 3.39 2.87 6.26
1-Row planter 0.29 3.55 1.41 4.95
1-Row cultivator 0.86 4.27 1.95 6.21
Chisel plow 0.25 0.88 0.50 1.38
12-ft disc 0.29 2.77 0.94 3.71
Tandem disk harrow 0.25 2.64 0.90 3.54
Spring tooth harrow 0.13 1.10 0.50 1.60
Moldboard plow 0.33 1.26 1.08 2.34
MISCELLANEOUS
100-hp diesel engine pump 5.00 18.33 27.83 46.16
Traveling gun rig 5.00 47.23 12.22 59.45
PTO pump 5.00 8.31 0.63 8.94
TOTAL MACHINERY COST -- 123.63 87.76 211.39









Table A-39. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Hoe 2.00 8.00
Replant 4.00 16.00
Total cultural labor 6.00 24.00
Total tractor labor 7.56 41.56
TOTAL LABOR COST -65.56





Table A-40. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area,
1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.20 0.45 0.57 1.02
85 hp 2.40 11.09 14.32 25.41
100 hp 2.78 14.58 19.12 33.69
320 hp 0.67 15.81 18.04 33.84
IMPLEMENTS
6-ft Weed chopper 0.67 1.84 1.15 2.99
12-ft Disc 1.60 14.52 5.28 19.80
14-ft Leveler 0.20 0.67 0.22 0.89
V-ditcher 0.20 0.54 0.24 0.78
1-Row bedder 0.33 0.37 0.23 0.60
1-Row fert. distributor 1.00 7.76 6.90 14.66
6-Row herbicide sprayer 1.60 8.16 4.48 12.64
1-Row planter 0.44 5.13 2.19 7.32
MISCELLANEOUS
100-hp Diesel engine pump 14.29 47.14 85.49 132.63
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 128.06 158.22 286.28







Table A-41. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the North Central Florida
area, 1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Hoe 8.00 35.04
Irrigation operator 2.24 9.81
Move irrigation 1.36 5.96
Turn vines 2.00 8.76
Total cultural labor 13.60 59.57
Total tractor labor 15.15 94.66
TOTAL LABOR COST 112.57





Table A-42. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the North Central Florida
area, 1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 2.00 4.79 5.82 10.61
70 hp 5.33 19.38 25.15 44.54
100 hp 4.78 26.77 33.55 60.32
IMPLEMENTS
1-Row bedder 0.33 0.40 0.23 0.63
Broadcast spreader 1.50 1.97 0.75 2.72
1-Row planter 1.00 12.42 4.92 17.34
I-Row riding cultivator 1.00 0.44 0.02 0.46
16-ft disc 0.45 5.15 1.76 6.91
12-ft disc 0.50 4.84 1.65 6.49
6-Row herb sprayer 2.50 13.30 7.00 20.30
Moldboard plow 1.00 3.78 3.23 7.01
MISCELLANEOUS
Cable tow traveling gun 5.33 50.38 13.04 63.41
PTO pump 5.33 8.87 0.67 9.53
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 152.48 97.78 250.26









Table A-43. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the North Florida area,
1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Move irrigation 4.00 18.00
Pull mulch 3.00 13.50
Thin 2.00 9.00
Turn vines 2.00 9.00
Total cultural labor 11.00 49.50
Total tractor labor 7.50 37.50
TOTAL LABOR COST -87.00






Table A-44. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the North Florida area,
1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.35 0.84 1.06 1.90
70 hp 2.00 7.27 9.86 17.13
85 hp 1.70 8.38 10.78 19.15
125 hp 1.95 14.60 18.50 33.10
IMPLEMENTS
1-Row plastic layer 0.45 1.79 1.13 2.91
1-Row planter 0.35 4.34 1.72 6.06
1-Row cultivator 0.50 2.49 1.14 3.63
8-Row sprayer 0.75 0.99 0.39 1.38
Chisel plow 0.45 1.59 0.90 2.49
12-ft disc 1.05 10.15 3.46 13.62
16-ft disc 0.45 5.15 1.76 6.91
Hose reel/gun/trailer 2.00 18.89 4.89 23.78
PTO pump 2.00 3.33 0.25 3.58
TOTAL MACHINERY COST -79.80 55.83 135.63








Table A-45. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1987-88.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Thin and Hoe 5.00 21.25
Total cultural labor 5.00 21.25
Total tractor labor 9.83 61.42
Supervision 78.48
TOTAL LABOR COST 161.15





Table A-46. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the Southwest Florida area,
1987-88.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 2.27 7.72 10.62 18.34
100 hp 3.76 19.74 26.22 45.96
160 hp 1.83 17.76 22.16 39.92
IMPLEMENTS
12-ft disc 1.33 12.10 4.40 16.50
Row marker 0.40 0.48 0.02 0.50
1-row bedder 0.67 0.75 0.45 1.20
1-row bed presser 0.33 0.13 0.10 0.23
1-row fumigator 0.33 0.85 0.67 1.52
1-row fertilizer distributor 1.20 9.50 8.44 17.94
1-row plastic layer 0.33 1.25 0.83 2.08
1-row plant setter 0.33 0.39 0.12 0.51
6-row herbicide sprayer 3.43 17.49 9.60 27.09
Moldboard plow 0.50 1.77 1.61 3.39
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 89.92 85.25 175.16