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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES . . . . ........
ECONOMIC SUMMARY OF FLORIDA AGRICULTURE . .. .
Farm Income, Finance and Trade . .. .
Acreage, Units, and Values of
Field crops . .
Vegetables . .
Citrus . . .
Tropical fruit crops .
Livestock . .
Crops and
. .
. .
. -
. .
. .
Livestock
* .
. -
- -
. -
-
Product Prices . . .
Corn and soybeans .. ....
Snapbeans, sweet corn and tomatoes
Oranges and grapefruit . .
Beef cattle and calves . .
Milk . . . ..
Broilers and eggs .. .. .
Input Prices . .
Fuels . .
Feeds . .
Fertilizers .... .
Pesticides .......
Vehicles and machinery .
Supplies ...... .
Wage rates ......
Real estate . .
Tables . . .
COMMODITY GROUPS
Field Crops . . .
Corn . . .
Peanuts . .
Soybeans . . .
Wheat, oats, and other small
Tobacco . . .
Sugarcane . . .
Cotton . . .
grains
. .
. .
. .
ii
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10
10
12
12
13
14
15
15
S . . 16
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Continued
Page
Vegetables . . . . . . 54
Snapbeans . . . . . .. .55
Cabbage . . . . . .. .56
Celery . . 0. . . .. 57
Cucumbers . . . . ... 57
Eggplants . . . . . .. .58
Escarole and lettuce ........ .... .. 58
Green peppers . . . .. .. .59
Potatoes . . . . . .. .60
Radishes . . . . . .. .60
Squash . . . . . .. .61
Strawberries .. . . . .. .61
Sweet corn ..... .......... .. ... 62
Tomatoes . . . . . .. .62
Watermelons . . . . . 63
Fruit Crops . ............. ... .. .64
Citrus . . . . . .. .64
All round oranges .............. .64
Grapefruit ........... ..... 65
Temples and tangelos . ......... .65
Tangerines and honey tangerines ....... .66
Cost of producing citrus ......... . 66
Tropical fruit crops ............... .67
Lemons . . . . .. .. .67
Limes . . . . .. .. .67
Avocados . . . . .. .67
Mangos . . . . . 68
Animal Industries .. ............. 68
Beef cattle .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .68
Dairy .......... .......... 69
Poultry . . . . . .. .70
Swine . . . ...... . 70
Bees . . . . . ... .71
Ornamentals . . . . . .. .71
Forestry . . . . . ... .72
The Marine Industry .................. .72
Tables . . . . . . 74
REFERENCES . . . . . ... 150
iii
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
Farm Income, Finance and Trade
1 Gross and net income from farming, Florida, 1970-79 .. 16
2 Per farm gross and net income before inventory adjustment,
Florida and U.S., 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970-79 ... .17
3 Florida, cash farm receipts from marketing by commodities,
average by five-year periods, 1955-59 to 1975-79, annual
1975 through 1979 . .. . . .. .. 18
4 Estimated aggregate cash marketing of primary products
marketing margins and value of end products of Florida
agriculture, forestry and commerical fisheries, 1975-1978 19
5 States ranked by cash receipts, 1979 .......... 20
6 Balance sheet of the farming sector, Florida, January 1,
1970-80 . .. . . . .. 21
7 U.S. and Florida agricultural exports for fiscal 1975 and
1979 . . . . . . 22
Acreage, Production and Value
8 Florida farms: Number of farms, land in farms and land
use, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, !974 and 1979 ....... 23
9 Harvested acreage and value of production for selected
field crops, Florida 1975-79 .. . . ... .24
10 Harvested acreage and value of production for vegetables,
potatoes, strawberries, and watermelons, Florida, crop
years 1974-75 through 1978-79 .. . . ..... 25
11 Bearing acreage and value of production for citrus,
Florida, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 ... .... 26
12 Bearing acreage and value of production, tropical fruit
citrus, Florida, crop years 1975-76 through 1979-80 27
iv
LIST OF TABLES Continued
Table Page
13 Number of units of livestock products sold or produced
and cash receipts from livestock marketing, Florida,
1975-1979 ............ .. .. . 28
Prices for Major Products
14 Corn and soybeans: Monthly average price per bushel
received by farmers, Georgia, 1975-1980 ......... 29
15 Snapbeans, sweet corn and tomatoes: Average value per
unit for fresh market sales, monthly, Florida, crop years
1974-75 through 1978-79 . . . ... 30
16 Oranges and grapefruit: On-tree price per box, monthly
and season average, Florida, crop years 1974-75 through
1979-80 . . . . . . 31
17 Beef cattle and calves: Monthly and annual average prices
received by farmers, by months, Florida, 1975-80 ... 32
18 Milk sold to plants eligible, for fresh market: Average
price received by farmers, by months, Florida 1975-80 33
19 Broilers and eggs: Monthly and market year average price
received by farmers, Florida, 1974-75 to 1979-80 . .34
Input Prices
20 Index numbers of prices paid by farmers for production
items, interest, taxes, and wage rates, United States,
1975 through 1979 (1910 14 = 100) ... ... . 35
21 Index numbers of prices paid by farmers for production
items, interest, taxes and wage rates, United States,
1975 through 1979 (1967 = 100) .. . ....... 36
22 Diesel fuel and regular leaded gasoline bulk delivery:
Average price per gallon paid by farmers, Florida,
monthly, 1975 1980 . . . . 37
23 Laying feed and egg feed ratios: Average price per ton
paid by farmers for laying feed and egg-feed ratios,
Florida, monthly,1975-1980 . . . .. 38
24 Broiler grower feed and broiler feed ratios: Average
price per ton paid by farmers for broiler grower feed
and broiler-feed ratios, Florida, monthly, 1975-1980 39
LIST OF TABLES Continued
Table Page
25 Cottonseed meal, soybean meal and dairy feed: Average
price paid by farmers for cottonseed meal, soybean meal
and dairy feed, Florida, monthly, 1975-1980 .. ... 40
26 Fertilizer: Average price per ton paid by farmers for
selected fertilizers, Florida or Southeastern states,
selected dates, 1975-1980 . . . .... 41
27 Pesticide materials: Price paid by farmers for specified
materials, United States, March 15, May 15, 1975-1980 42
28 New automobile and truck: Average price paid by farmers,
United States, May 15, November 15, 1975-1980 .. ..... 44
29 Tractors: Average price paid by farmers, United States,
March 15, September 15, 1975-1980 .. . ..... 45
30 Farm machinery: Average price paid by farmers, United
States, March 15, September 15, 1975-1980 . .... 46
31 Farm supplies and marketing containers: Average price
paid by farmers, United States, February 15, November 15,
1975-1980 . . . . . . 47
32 Florida wage rates: Florida wage rates for hired labor
and piece work, including agricultural service firms,
January 1975 to July 1980 .. . . ....... 48
33 Florida real estate values: Average value per acre of
land and buildings and indexes of average value per acre,
1975-1980 . . . .. . ... 49
Field Crops
Corn
34 Acreage yield, production and value of corn in Florida,
1975-1978 . . . . . . 74
35 Estimated cost of producing one acre of corn, North
Florida, 1975-1979 . . . . 75
Peanuts
36 Acreage, yield, productiu~n and value of peanuts in Florida,
1975-1979 . . . . . . .
vi
LIST OF TABLES Continued
Table Page
37 Estimated cost of producing one acre of peanuts, North
Florida, 1976-1979 ... .... ....... 77
Soybeans
38 Acreage, yield, production and value of soybeans in
Florida, 1975-1979 . . . . .78
39 Estimated cost of producing one acre of soybeans, North
Florida, 1975-1979 . . . . .. 79
Wheat, Oats, and Other Small Grains
40 Acreage, yield, production and value of wheat and oats in
Florida, 1975-1979 ........ ......... .. 80
41 Estimated cost of producing one acre of wheat, North
Florida, 1976-1979 . . . .. . .81
Tobacco
42 Acres, yield, production and value of tobacco in Florida,
1975-1979 . . . . . . 82
43 Estimated cost of producing one acre of tobacco, North
Florida, 1976, 1977, and 1979 ............. 83
Sugarcane
44 Acreage, yield, production and value of sugarcane for
sugar and seed in Florida, 1975-1979 .. ...... 84
45 Cost of producing sugarcane per net acre harvested, 19
South Florida growers, 1975-76 season . . .. 85
46 Estimated cost of producing sugarcane, per net acre
harvested South Florida, 1978-79 .. ........ 86
Cotton
47 Acreage, yield, production and value of cotton in
Florida, 1975-1979 .. . ... .. ......... 87
Hay
48 Acreage, yield, production and value of all hay in
Florida, 1975-1979 . . . . . 88
vii
LIST OF TABLES Continued
Table Page
Vegetable Crops
Snapbeans
49 Snapbeans: Acreage and yield of snapbeans in Florida,
crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 ............ 89
50 Production and value of snapbeans in Florida, crop years
1974-75 through 1978-79 . .......... 9.0
51 Snapbeans: Costs per acre of producing snapbeans in
the Palm Beach -- Broward area, crop years 1974-75
through 1978-79 . . . . . 91
52 Pole beans: Costs per acre of producing pole beans
in Dade County, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 92
Cabbage
53 Cabbage: Acreage, yield, production and value of cabbage
in Florida, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 ..... 93
54 Cabbage: Cost per acre of producing cabbage in the
Hastings area, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 94
Celery
55 Celery: Acreage, yield, production and value of celery
in Florida, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 ...... 9.5
56 Celery: Cost per acre of producing celery in the
Everglades area, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 96
Cucumbers
57 Cucumbers: Acres and yield per acre for cucumbers in
Florida, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 .. .... 97
58 Cucumbers: Production and value of cucumbers in Florida,
crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 ........... 98
59 Cucumbers: Cost per acre of producing cucumbers in the
Immokalee--Lee area, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 99
Eggplants
60 Eggplants: Acreage, yield, production and value of
eggplants in Florida, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 100
viii
LIST OF TABLES Contir'ied
Table Page
61 Eggplants: Cost per acre of producing eggplants in the
Palm Beach--Broward area, crop years 1974-75 through
1978-79 . . . .. . . .. 101
Escarole and Lettuce
62 Escarole and lettuce: Acreage, yield, production and
value of escarole and lettuce in Florida, crop years
1974-75 through 1978-79 ................. 102
63 Leaf crops: Cost per acre of producing leaf crops in
the Everglades area, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 103
Green Peppers
64 Green peppers: Acreage, yield, production and value of
green peppers in Florida, crop years 1974-75 through
1978-79 . . . . . ... 04
65 Green peppers: Cost per acre of producing green peppers
in the Palm Beach--Broward area, crop years 1974-75
through 1978-79 .. .. .... .. ...... ... .. 105
Potatoes
66 Potatoes: Acreage, yield, production and value of potatoes
in Florida, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 ....... 106
67 Irish potatoes: Cost per acre of producing Irish potatoes
in Dade County, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 .. 107
68 Irish potatoes: Cost per acre of producing Irish potatoes
in the Hastings area, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 108
Radishes
69 Radishes: Acreage, yield, production and value of
radishes in Florida, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 109
70 Radishes: Cost per acre of producing radishes in the
Everglades area, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 110
Squash
71 Squash: Acreage, yield, production and value of squash
in Florida, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 . 111
ix
LIST OF TABLES Continued
Table Page
72 Squash: Cost per acre of producing squash in Dade
County, crop years, 1974-75 through 1978-79 .. .... 112
Strawberries
73 Strawberries: Acreage, yields, production and value of
strawberries in Florida, crop years 1974-75 through
1978-79 . . . . . . 113
Sweet Corn
74 Sweet corn: Acreage, yield,. production and value of
sweet corn in Florida, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 114
75 Sweet corn: Cost per acre of producing sweet corn in the
Everglades area, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 115
Tomatoes
76 Tomatoes: Acreage and yield of tomatoes in Florida, crop
years 1974-75 through 1978-79 .. . ......... 116
77 Tomatoes: Production and value of tomatoesin Florida,
crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 ........... 117
78 Tomatoes: Cost per acre of producing tomatoes in
Dade County, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 .. ... 118
79 Staked tomatoes: Cost per acre of producing staked
tomatoes in the Immokalee area, crop years 1974-75
through 1978-79 . . . . . 119
Watermelons
80 Watermelons: Acreage, yield, production and value of
watermelons in Florida, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79. 120
81 Watermelons: Cost per acre of producing watermelons in
the Immokalee-Lee area, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79. 121
82 Watermelons: Estimated costs of producing one acre of
watermelons in North Florida, 1976, 1978, and 1979 122
x
LIST OF TABLES Continued
Table Pag
Fruit
Citrus
83 Oranges- Acreage, yield, production utilization and
season average price of oranges in Florida, crop years
1974-75 through 1978-79 ....... .... .... 123
84 Grapefruit: Acreage, yield, production utilization,
season average price, and value of grapefruit in Florida,
crop years 1974-75 .through 1978-79 .......... 124
85 Temples and tangelos: Acreage, yield, production
utilization, season average price of Temples and tangelos
in Florida, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 ..... 126
86 Tangerines and honey tangerines: Acreage, yield,
production utilization, season average price and value
of tangerines and honey tangerines in Florida, crop
years 1974-75 through 1978-79 .............. 127
87 Citrus: Cost per acre of producing citrus in Florida,
crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79 .. .. .. ... 128
88 Lemons: Acres, production and value, Florida 1974-1979 129
Tropical Fruit Crops
89 Limes: Acres, production and value, Florida 1975-76
through 1979-80 .. ................ 130
90 Avocados: Bearing acreage utilization, production,
season average price per 50 pound bushel and value of
production at packinghouse door, Florida, crop years
1975-76 through 1979-80 .. . . . .. 131
91 Mangos: Acres, production and value, Florida 1975-79 132
Animal Industries
92 Cash receipts from livestock marketing in Florida,
1975-1979 . . . . . . 133
Beef Cattle
93 Beef cattle and calves: Number of beef cattle and
calves on farms by classes, Florida,.January 1, 1975-79 134
xi
LIST OF TABLES Continued
Table Page
94 Beef cattle and calves: Marketings, cash receipts and
gross income for beef cattle and calves, Florida 1975-79 .135
95 Estimated cash expenses and fixed costs for a 100 cow
herd on 200 acres of permanent pasture, flatwoods soils
of South Florida, 1976, 1977, and 1979 ........ .136
Dairy
96 Cows, heifers, and calves kept for milk: Number of cows,
heifers and calves kept for milk by classes, Florida
1975-1979 . . . . .. 137
97 Milk: Production, utilization and cash receipts in
Florida 1975-1979 . .137
Poultry
98 Eggs: Number of layers, eggs produced, cash receipts
and gross receipts. Florida 1975-1979 ........ .138
99 Broilers: Number and pounds of broilers produced and
cash receipts, Florida 1975-1979 .............. 139
100 Poultry and eggs: Cash receipts from poultry and eggs
in Florida, 1975-1979 ................. .139
Swine
101 Hogs and pigs: Inventory numbers of hogs and pigs, pig
crop and disposition, Florida 1975-1979 ......... 140
102 Hogs: Marketings, cash receipts and gross income,
Florida 1975-1979 . . . . . .141
Bees
103 Bees and honey: Number of colonies of bees and
production and value of honey and beeswax, Florida
1975-1979 . . . . . 142
Ornamentals
104 Selected floriculture crops: Acres grown, Florida,
1976-1979 . . . . . . 143
xii
LIST OF TABLES Continued
Page
. 144
S. 145
146
Selected floriculture crops: Gross wholesale value
of sales 1975-1979 ..... .
Average cost per nursery for various categories of
expenses for foliage plant and potted flowering
plant nurseries in Florida in 1975 and 1978 .. ...
Forestry
Income from forest products: Florida, 1975-1978 .
The Marine Industry
Florida commercial fishery landings, average price
and value, 1975-1979 . . . .
Estimated costs for Florida Atlantic king mackerel
hook and line boats, 1976 and 1979 . . .
Estimated costs for Florida Spanish mackerel, large
boats, 1976 and 1979 . . . .
xi i
Table
105
106
107
108
109
110
. 147
148
S. 149
Economic Data for Florida Agriculture,
1975-1980
R. E. L. Greene, Kary Mathis, Leo Polopolus
and John Holt
The purpose of this publication is to summarize basic data describ-
ing economic and financial trends in Florida agriculture from 1975 to
the present. This report should be particularly useful for background
information in connection with the IFAS Conference, "Agriculture in
Transition", in November, 1980, as well as for other uses.
This publication is organized into two major sections, each of
which contains two types of information, narrative and tabular. The
first section, Economic Summary of Florida Agriculture, contains a brief
discussion of sales values, farm income, costs and prices, and financial
data for Florida agriculture. The narrative for each of those topics is
relatively short, with references to detailed tables immediately follow-
ing the narrative.
The second major section contains narrative dealing with each
product in seven major commodity groups important in Florida. Tables
with specific data for each commodity then follow that section. Sources
of the material included in this report are listed at the end.
R. E. L. Greene is professor emeritus, and Kary Mathis, Leo Polopolus
and John Holt are professors of food and resource economics, University of
Florida, Gainesville.
2
ECONOMIC SUMMARY OF FLORIDA AGRICULTURE
This portion of the narrative is divided into four subdivisions --
farm income, finance and trade; acreage, production and value; product
prices; and input prices. The narrative refers to tables 1-33 which
are arranged in groups in the same order as the narrative.
Farm Income, Finance and Trade
Cash receipts from farm product marketing increased substantially
between 1975 and 1979. From nearly $2.5 billion in 1975, Florida sales
reached $3.9 billion by 1979 (Table 1). Net income per farm dropped
from 1975 through 1977, then increased in 1978 and 1979 (Table 2).
Cash receipts from marketing of individual commodities generally
increased over the 1975-1979 period. However, there was a drop in 1977
in many crops, due to a severe freeze and a later drought. Both crop
and livestock products averaged considerably high for the 1975-79
period than in previous five-year comparisons (Table 3). -Retail values
of Floridaproducts reached over $11 billion by 1978, the most recent
year for which data are available (Table 4).
Florida consistently ranks among the top 15 states in total farm
cash receipts in the United States (Table 5). Oranges are the leading
product in the state and Florida is first in the nation in orange
sales. Cattle and calves are usually next in rank in Florida follow-
ed by greenhouse and nursery products, dairy products and tomatoes.
Florida usually ranks second in the U.S. in both greenhouse and nursery
products and in tomatoes.
Florida farms and ranches reported total assets of over $19 billion
as of January 1, 1980, an increase of nearly $8 billion from 1975 (Table
6). The debt-to-asset ratio grew from 15.9 in 1975 to 16.8 by 1980, as
well.
Agricultural exports from Florida grew substantially in the five
years under discussion. Total agricultural and fishery exports increas-
ed from $284 million in 1975 to $529 million by 1979 (Table 7). Fruits
and preparations, primarily citrus and citrus products, almost doubled,
as did vegetables and preparations, and soybeans and products, the next
largest categories. Exports of all livestock products increased sub-
stantially, and fishery product trade nearly tripled (Table 7).
Acreage, Units, and Values of Crops and Livestock
Bureau of the Census definitions of a farm, of cropland and pasture
charged between 1974 and 1978, so data are not fully comparable for
census years. Some general trends are clear, however. Farms are
fewer but have become larger over the past 25 years, and total land
in farms has declined (Table 8). Cropland has increased since 1954,
but the differences in census definitions make numerical estimates
difficult.
Summaries were made for various crop and livestock enterprises
showing acres harvested for crops or number of units of livestock pro-
ducts for livestock enterprises and value of production for the period
1975 to 1979.
4
Field Crops
From 1975 to 1979, acres of soybeans harvested increased from
281,000 to 453,000 or 61 percent (Table 9). For 1977, 1978 and 1979,
acres of soybeans harvested were greater than any other field crop grown
in Florida. Acres harvested in major field crops were 1,246,000 in 1975
and 1,444,000 in 1979.
The value of production is higher for sugarcane than for any other
field crop grown. Since 1977, soybeans have ranked second in value. The
value of the peanuts and tobacco crops did not fluctuate a great deal
from year to year between 1975 and 1979. The total value of selected
field crops produced was $370,210,000 in 1975 and $409,442,000 in 1978.
The value of the sugarcane produced in 1979 has not been estimated.
Vegetables
Acres harvested in sweet corn are greater than any other vegetable
crop grown in Florida (Table 10). This is normally followed by snapbeans
and tomatoes. Between the 1974-75 and 1978-79 seasons, total acres
harvested in vegetables varied from 283,500 in 1976-77 to 324,950 in
1978-79. Acres harvested in watermelons were 43,000 in 1978-79 and
55,000 in 1975-76. Total acres harvested in all vegetables, potatoes,
strawberries and watermelons varied from 358,650 in the 1974-75 season
to 402,700 in the 1977-78 season.
The value of tomatoes produced is highest of any vegetable crop
grown. This is normally followed by sweet corn and celery. Value of all
vegetable crops was $417,866,000 in the 1974-75 season and $673,589,000
in the 1978-79 season (Table 10). Value of potatoes produced varied from
$24,813,000 in 1974-75 season to 441,931,000 in 1975-76. The value of
5
the watermelon crop varies inversely with the acres harvested. The
total value of all vegetables, potatoes, strawberries and watermelons
harvested'was $486,222,000 in the 1974-75 season and $758,431,000 in the
1978-79 season. This was an increase in value of 56 percent.
Citrus
In the 1974-75 season, there were 610,400 bearing acres in oranges
(Table 11). This figure decreased to 571,500 acres in the 1978-79
season or a decrease of 6.4 percent. Bearing acres in grapefruit in-
creased from 115,400 acres in the 1974-75 season to 124,600 in the 1978-
79 season or an increase of 8 percent. Bearing acres of all citrus was
802,000 in the 1974-75 season and 760,600 in the 1978-79 season.
The value of the orange crop was $280,350,000 in the 1974-75 season
but increased to $820,545,000 in the 1975-76 season. The value of the
grapefruit crop was $76,367,000 in the 1974-75 season and $109,651,000
in the 1978-79 season. The total value of all citrus was $392,704,000
in the 1974-75 season and $1,007,141,000 in the 1978-79season or an
increase of 156 percent. Oranges accounted for 81 percent of the total
value and grapefruit 11 percent.
Tropical Fruit Crops
The most important tropical fruit crop grown in the state is
avocados. The bearing acres in avocados were 6,400 in the 1975-76
season and 8,000 in the 1979-80 season (Table 12). In the 1979-80
season, bearing acreage in limes was 4,600 acres, with 1,600 acres in
mangos
6
In the 1979-80 season, the value of the avocado crop was $16,016,000,
limes had a value of $13,796,000 and mangos were valued at $2,938,000.
The value of all tropical fruit crops was $24,456,000 in the 1975-76
season and $32,750,000 in the 1979-80 season.
Livestock
Livestock enterprises showing significant variation in number of
units sold or produced between 1975 and 1979 were cattle and calves,
hogs and broilers (Table 13). Liveweight of cattle and calves marketed
was 905,242,000 pounds in 1977 and 534,460,000 pounds in 1979. Hog
marketing fluctuated from 46,855,000 pounds in 1976 to 127,280,000
pounds in 1979. Pounds of broilers produced were 244,519,000 in 1975
and 314,732,000 in 1979, an increase of 29 percent.
Cattle and calves showed the largest cash receipts of the livestock
enterprises. This is followed by milk, eggs and broilers. Cash receipts
from marketing of cattle and calves were $185,640,000 in 1975 and
$422,199,000 in 1979. Cash receipts from broilers were $62,352,000 in
1975 and $78,683,000 in 1979. Total cash receipts from all livestock
and livestock products were $623,250,000 in 1975 and $1,013,454,000 in
1979, an increase of 63 percent.
Product Prices
Prices Florida farmers received each month for the 1975-79 period
are available for broilers and eggs, beef cattle and calves, milk sold
to plants, oranges and grapefruit and snapbeans, sweet corn and tomatoes.
Prices received by Georgia farmers are avaiiaDle for corn and soybeans.
Corn and Soybeans
Monthly price data for corn and soybeans are not available for
Florida. Monthly data are available for Georgia. It is assumed that
these prices approximate those received by Florida farmers.
The price of corn varied from a low of $1.61 per bushel in Sept-
ember 1977 to a high of $3.25 in January 1975 (Table 14). This was a
difference of $1.64 per bushel or 102 percent. Normally prices reach
their peak in May, June and July before the harvest begins. They are
lowest in August and September during the harvest season.
Price received for soybeans was $4.41 per bushel in January 1976
and $9.28 in April 1977 (Table 14). Prices did not follow a consistent
pattern over the year. In most months, price was not less than $5.00
per bushel.
Snapbeans, Sweet Corn and Tomatoes
The season average price for snapbeans varied from $5.74 per bushel
in the 1975-76 season to $8.06 in the 1977-78 season (Table 15). Price
of snapbeans vary over the year in relation to supply. Prices are
normally highest in January, February and March when the supply on the
market is lowest.
The average price per crate for sweet corn did not vary widely from
year to year between the 1975-76season and the 1978-79season (Table 15).
Prices averaged $3.64 per crate in the 1975-76 season and $4.25 per crate
in the 1978-79 season. As was true for snapbeans, prices were highest in
the winter months when supply is lowest.
Price per carton for tomatoes averaged $5.48 in the 1974-75 season
and $6.57 in the 1978-79 season (Table 15). The monthly price for
8
tomatoes over the season did not follow a consistent pattern. Normally
prices are high in October when the market opens. The highest prices are
usually received in February, March and April when the supply is lowest.
Oranges and Grapefruit
The average on-tree price per box of oranges was $1.62 in the 1974-
75 season and $5.00 in the 1978-79 season (Table 16). Most of the
increase in price came in the 1977-78 and the 1978-79 seasons. Orange
prices are highest during March, April, May and June. This is the
period during which Valencia oranges are harvested.
The on-tree price per box of grapefruit was $1.72 in the 1974-75
season and $2.19 in the 1978-79 season (Table 16). Over this period the
price per box of grapefruit increased only 27 percent compared to 209
percent for oranges. Grapefruit prices are normally highest in October
when the season is first beginning and in May when the season is ending.
Beef Cattle and Calves
The average annual price farmers received for beef cattle increased
from $25.10 per cwt. in 1975 to $65.50 in 1979 (Table 17). Most .of the
increase in beef cattle prices came in 1978 and 1979. In a normal year
when prices are not rising significantly, prices are lowest in the fall
of the year and are highest in the spring months.
The average price of calves increased from $23.30 per cwt..in 1975
to $95.30 in 1979. As was true for beef cattle, most of the increase in
price came in 1978 and 1979. Variation in calf prices over.the year are
similar to those for beef cattle.
Milk
The average price Florida dairy farmers received for milk was
$11.30 per cwt. in 1975 and $14.50 in 1979 (Table 18). This was an
increase of 28 percent. Monthly prices are normally lowest in April,
May and June.
Broilers and Eggs
The average price per pound for broilers varied from 25.5 cents for
the 1974-75 market year to 22.4 cents for the 1976-77 market year (Table
19). There is no particular trend in broiler prices over the year.
However, in most years, the highest prices normally are in June and July
and the lowest prices are in December.
Prices of eggs ranged from 50.7 cents per dozen in the 1975-76
market year to 42.7 cents in the 1977-78 market year (Table 19). The
highest price per dozen for eggs is usually in December and the lowest
price in June.
Input Prices
Prices paid by farmers were recorded for a number of items of
inputs. Where available, prices are those paid by Florida farmers. In
a number of cases, prices are those for the Southeastern states or the
United States.
Index numbers of prices paid by farmers in the United States for
selected production items, interest, taxes and wage rates for the 1975-
79 period are shown on a 1910-14 = 100 base (Table 20) and a 1967 = 100
base (Table 21). On a 1910-14 = 100 base item of iinputs showing the
least increase in cost were feed, fertilizer, agricultural chemicals,
10
and farm supplies. The index of fertilizer prices was 320 in 1975 and
287 in 1979. The index for agricultural chemicals was 443 in 1975 and
415 in 1979. Indexes of costs for auto and trucks, tractors and self-
propelled machinery and other machinery showed significant increases.
The index of costs of tractors and self-propelled machinery was 990 in
1975 and 1,466 in 1979. The index with the largest increase in cost was
interest which went from 1,292 in 1975 to 2,438 in 1979.
Indexes on a 1967 = 100 base showed trends similar to those on a
1910-14 = 100 base. Cost of most production items in 1979 were more
than double what they were in 1967 (Table 21). The item with the least
increase in cost was agricultural chemicals with a index of 150. The
index for interest was 501 in 1979, the largest increase in cost.
Fuels
Florida farmers paid 39 cents per gallon for diesel fuel in April
1975 and 96 cents per gallon in December 1979 (Table 22). The price in
September 1980 was $1.08 per gallon. The most recent rise in diesel
fuel prices began in April 1979.
The price of regular leaded gasoline, bulk delivery, was 47 cents
per gallon in January 1975, 99 cents in December 1979, and reached $1.15
per gallon in May 1980 (Table 22). The increase in price of leaded
gasoline was similar to that for diesel fuel.
Feeds
The price of laying feed was $145 per ton in June 1975, and $215
per ton in September 1980 (Table 23). There was no significant trend in
laying feed prices over the year. The egg-feed ratio varied from a high
11
of 7.6 in February 1977 to a low of 3.9 in June 1980, The lowest
period of egg-feed ratios was from June 1977 to July 1980. In most
years the lowest egg-feed ratios were in May, June and July.
The price of broiler grower feed was $150 per ton in June 1975 and
$210 per ton in each of July, November and December 1979 (Table 24). On
the average the price of broiler feed was $25 to $40 higher per ton in
1979 than it was in 1975. Normally the broiler feed ratio fluctuates
between 2.6 and 2.9. Broiler feed ratios were low between July and
December 1979.
The price of cottonseed meal was at a low of $8.50 per cwt. in May
and June 1975 and a high of $15.00 per cwt. in September 1980 (Table 25).
Prices of cottonseed meal generally rose from June 1975 to June 1977, then
declined until June 1979. Prices began rising again in the fall of 1979.
The price of soybean meal varied from $8.90 per cwt. in June 1975
to $17.00 in September 1980 (Table 25). In each month of 1975 and the
first six months of 1976, the price for soybean meal was about the same
as the price of cottonseed meal. In most of the other months, the price
of soybean meal was $0.50 to $1.50 per cwt. higher than cottonseed meal.
Soybean meal price was about $7.00 per cwt. higher in 1980 than in 1975.
The price of 14 percent protein dairy feed was $115 per ton in each
of March and June 1975 compared to $160 per ton in October 1979. On the
average, the price of dairy feed was lower in 1978 than it was in 1977.
During the last half of 1979, the price of dairy feed was about $31 per
ton higher than during the last six months of 1978, and continued rising
during 1980 (Table 25).
12
Fertilizers
Price of 10-10-10 fertilizer was $100 per ton on October 15, 1976
and $126 per ton on October 15, 1979 (Table 26). Price then increased
to $145 per ton on March 15, 1980. The price of 10-10-10 fertilizer
declined from 1975 to 1976 and then remained fairly constant to October
15, 1978. Price then increased in each reporting period in 1979 and
1980.
The price of ammonium nitrate was $195 per ton on March 15, 1975
and then declined to $140 per ton in 1976. Price increased in 1977 and
then declined in 1978. Prices began rising in 1979 and reached $161
per ton by March 15, 1980.
Anhydrous ammonia dropped from $280 per ton on March 15, 1975 to
$189 by March 15, 1979. Fluctuations in the price of anhydrous ammonia
were similar to those for ammonium nitrate. The price of anhydrous
ammonia was $219 per ton on March 15, 1980 (Table 26).
The price of superphosphate declined from $100 per ton on October
15! 1975 to $70 per ton in 1976, held in the $74-$83 range in 1977 and
1978 and then increased in 1979. Superphosphate was $110 per ton on
March 15, 1980.
The price of agricultural limestone did not fluctuate a great deal
between 1975 and 1977. Price increased from $15.30 per ton on October
15, 1977 to $20.30 per ton on March 15, 1980.
Pesticides
Prices of agricultural chemicals generally declined from high
levels in 1975 or 1976 to lower, in some cases, substantially lower
prices in 1977 and 1978. Most chemicals began increasing in 1979 and
13
reached or exceeded 1975 levels in 1980. Some items have continued
dropping in price, however. For example, atrazine, a widely-used herbicide,
80 percent wettable powder, was $14.75 for 5 pounds on March 15, 1975
and $9.30 on May 15, 1980 (Table 27).
Another common herbicide, 2,4-D, dropped from $50.50 per 5 gallons
on March 15, 1976 to $38.00 on Marcn 15, 1979. The price then increased
to $58.60 by May 15, 1980.
Prices for fungicides were relatively stable from 1975 to 1978 but
then increased during 1979 and 1980. Zineb rose from $1.33 per pound on
March 15, 1975 to $1.70 on May 15, 1980, and captain increased from $1.09
on March 15, 1977 to $1.68 on May 15, 1980 (Table 27).
Insecticides generally declined in price from 1976 to 1978, then
began increasing in 1979. However, carbaryl rose steadily from $14.20
on March 15, 1975 to $22.90 by May 15, 1980 (Table 27). Malathion,
parathion and toxaphene dropped slightly from 1976 to 1979, then in-
creased in 1980. Methyl parathion decreased from over $10 per 5 gallons
from March 15, 1975 to May 15, 1977, then increased by almost $6 on May
15, 1980.
Vehicles and Machinery
Prices for both automobiles and trucks increased every reporting
period from May 15, 1975 to May 15, 1980 (Table 2S). The average price
of an intermediate size car rose from $4,810 on May 15, 1975 to $7,140
by May 15, 1980, an increase of 48 percent. The average price for a 3/4
ton pickup truck was very similar to that for an intermediate size car
for each of the reporting periods, increasing from $4,840 on May 15,
1975 to $7,120 on May 15, 1980. On May 15, 1975, the price of a 1 1/2 -
2 ton truck was 46 percent more than the price of a pickup truck. By
14
May 15, 1980, a 1 1/2 ton truck cost 91 percent more than a pickup
truck. Over the 1975-1980 period, the price of a truck increased $6,540
or 93 percent (Table 28).
Prices of tractors also increased from 1975 to 1980. A small two-
wheel drive tractor that cost $6,190 on September 15, 1975 was $9,440 or
52 percent more, on September 15, 1980 (Table g9). Between September
15, 1975 and September 15, 1980, the cost of a medium tractor increased
57 percent, and a large two-wheel tractor 67 percent. The cost of a
four-wheel drive tractor increased from $40,000 on September 15, 1975
and $67,700 on September 15, 1980, a 55 percent increase in price (Table
29).
Prices for representative farm equipment are shown for a moldboard
plow, a chisel plow, and a tandem disk. The cost of a moldboard plow
increased from $3,130 on September 15, 1975 to $5,400 on September 15,
1980, a chisel plow from $2,350 to $3,750 and a tandem disk from $3,780
to $6,320 for the same two dates (Table 30). These increases amounted
to 73 percent, 60 percent and 67 percent, respectively.
Supplies
Farm supplies and marketing containers generally increased in price
from 1975 to 1980. Barbed wire did decline from $33.60 per spool on
February 15, 1975 to $29,80 by February 15, 1977, then rose to $35.30 on
February 15, 1980 (Table 31). Some commonly used marketing containers
increased substantially in price over the period. The cost per dozen for
one-bushel baskets was $10.40 on February 15, 1975 and $15.30 on February
15, 1980. Bushel hampers were $73.50 per 100 on February 15, 1975 and
$97.80 on February 15, 1980. Burlap bags cost $33.00 per 100 on February
15, 1975 and $49.80 on February 15, 1980 (Table 31). Between the two
15
price periods, the price of a basket increased 47 percent, a hamper 33
percent and a burlap bag 51 percent.
Wage Rates
Data on farm wage rates are reported for the first month of each
quarter of the year. The wage for all hired labor was $2.86 per hour in
January 1975 but increased to $4.34 by January 1980, an increase of 55
percent (Table 32). The earnings of people paid a "piece rate" was
converted to a dollar per hour basis. On a per hour basis, the earnings
-of people working at a piece rate was slightly higher than the wage paid
for all hired labor, at $2.94 per hour in January 1975 and $4.75 in
January 1980. This was an increase of 61 percent, slightly greater than
the increase for all hired labor.
Real Estate
The per acre value of land and buildings on Florida farms increased
from $685 March 1, 1975 to $1,097 on Feb. 1, 1980, an increase of 60
percent (Table 33). The index (1967 = 100) of value per acre was 233
on March 1, 1975 and 358 on Feb. 1, 1980.
Table 1 --Gross and net income from farming, Florida, 1970-79.
Gross farm income
Cash Net farm Net farm
receipts income Net income
from Govern- Non- Other Farm before change after
farm ment money farm production inventory b in farm inventory
Year marketing payments income income Total expenses adjustment inventories adjustment
----------------------------------------------------- Million Dollars ------------------------------------------
1970 1,320.2 18.5 48.0 11.2 1,397.9 1,000.2 397.8 2.7 400.5
1971 1,449.6 15.0 53.7 13.3 1,531.5 1,019.7 511.9 23.7 535.6
1972 1,686.8 19.2 57.8 13.7 1,776.5 1,111.3 665.2 9.1 674.3
1973 2,046.2 15.5 67.9 16.8 2,146.4 1,339.5 807.0 74.9 881.9
1974 2.150.0 12.5 89.8 20.5 2,272,9 1 ,571.0 701.9 99.8 801.7
1975 2,492.1 12.9 98.6 25.6 2,628.2 1,661.2 967.0 .6 967.6
1976 2,525.3 5.4 99.7 28.1 2,658.6 1,785.1 873.5 -8.7 864.9
1977 2,631.1 20.8 109.5 32.5 2,793.7 1,897.4 896.3 -95.1 801.2
1978 3,238.4 10.3 117.0 35.3 3,401.0 2,050.5 1,350.5 -27.9 1,322.6
1979 3,892.9 5,8 128.3 74,8 4,101.8 2,706.9 1,394.9 60,4 1,455.3
aDetails may not add to totals due to rounding.
bOf farm operators.
Source: State Farm Income Statistics, ESCS, USDA, Supplement to Statistical
unpublished USDA data.
Bulletin 627, january 1980, and
cr
17
Table 2 --Per farm gross and net income before inventory adjustment, Florida
and U.S., 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970-79.
Florida Per farm income U.S.
Year Gross Net Gross Net
---------------- Dollars---------------------
1950 8,43? 4,138 5,718 2,273
1955 12,618 5,588 7,147 2,838
1960 17,074 6,399 9,715 2,806
1965 25,338 8,486 13,559 3,533
1970 35,844 10,199 19,861 4,797
1971 39,270 13,125 20,883 4,561
1972 45,551 17,056 24,517 6,226
1973 55,752 20,960 33,831 10,607
1974 59,036 18,232 35,761 9,925
1975 68,264 25,117 35,034 7,617
1976 69,054 22,589 38.051 7,687
1977 72,563 23,281 39,712 6,910
1978 88,337 35,078 46,750 10,037
1979 117,194 39,854 62,379 11,528
aExcludes changes in
operators.
inventories, and represents income of farm
Source: State Farm Income Statistics., ESCS, USDA, Supplement to
Statistical Bulletin 627, January 1980, and unpublished USDA data.
18
Table 3 --Florida, cash farm receipts from marketing by commodities, average by five-year periods, 1955-59
to 1975-79, annual 1975 through 1979.
Five-year averages Annual
Commodity 1955-59 1960-64 1965-69 1970-74 1975-79 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
----------------------------------- 1,000 dollars -----------------------------------
Field crops:
Corn 2,451
Cotton 2,574
Peanuts 5,113
Sugarcane 10,398
Soybeans a
Tobacco, all types 21,000
Other cropsb 3,537
Vegetables:
Tomatoes 43,478
Other
vegetables 123,516
Fruit and tree nuts:
Oranges and
tangerines 213,876
Grapefruit 40,599
Limes 1,181
Avocados 1,074
Pecans 1,338
Other fruits & nutsd 2,527
Other products:
Forest 8,582
Greenhouse and
nursery 33,292
Total crops 514,536
Livestock & livestock
Products:
Cattle & calves 56,246
Dairy products 71,056
Hogs 13,646
Eggs 23,648
Chicken & broilers 8,415
Other 5,376
Total Livestock &
Livestock Products 178,387
.Total Crops, Livestock
& Livestock Prod. 692,923
Government Payments 5,531
Grand Total 698,454
5,044
2,785
6,520
25,463
a
26,977
5,472
9,696
1 ,373
9,118
52,379
7,037
29,355
4,114
13,169
1,712
21,852
113,408
21,052
30,064
6,544
28,235
1,652
36,471
200,927
52,135
32,236
15,656
59,764 73,993 106,560 173,775
131,312 192,377 235,655 432,978
273,668
49,508
1,519
1,350
843
6,062
8,789
56,600
661,746
67,269
86,844
11,344
37,701
6,968
4,777
275,169
'65,258.
2,790
2,367
1,102
9,975
4,413
79,289
819,805
110,357
107,068
15,523
60,811
15,146
6,855
381,978
117,958
4,885
5,164
1,529
20,208
748,688
137,199
11,098
9,068
1,896
27,897
32,553
899
35,092
307,890
27,513
28,671
13,821
43,011
2,753
33,338
188,412
46,490
36,351
15,310
22,796
1,653
36,618
142,354
44,353
30,698
15,717
15,451 27,366
1,417 1,541
38,918 374890
168,999 197,071
62,538 79,747
35,542 29,918
16,517 16,915
148,709 162,649 155,019 182,284 220,216
350,507 375,950 400,894 450,952 577,581
515,450
121,440
11 ,034
10,430
1,636
22,779
8,020 12,544 9,110
111,317 242,900 154,542
1.201,075 2,165,355 1,792,106
173,335
160,217
21,248
80,409
36,630
13,196
291 195
247,039
32,736
114,787
72,408
22,353
190,181
222,833
26,723
102,375
66,094
19,570
519,771
108,982
11,244
9,280
1,494
24,081
12,796
241,213
1,842527
208,877
240,150
21,480
121 ,723
64,986
25,427
585,574
133,610
8,994
7,656
2,833
24,036
974,662 1,147,932
135,525 186,439
10,518 13,700
8,749 9,223
2,133 1,386
30,753 37,837
13,165 13,165 14.482
249,389 271,123 298,235
1875,359 2,41R156 2,897,529
276,873
242,871
27,529
111,394
71,840
18,048
357,851 422,199
247,261 282,081
36,275 51,674
107,314 131,131
76,910 82,211
22,633 26,080
214,903 315,760 485,036 780,519 627,776 682,643 748,555 848,244 995,376
876,649 1,135,565 1,686,111 2,945,874- 2,419,882 2,525,270 2623,914 3,267,400 3892,905
10,346 18,500 15,941 11,031 12,875 5,440 20,750 10,311 5,777
886,995 1,154,065 1,702,052 2,956,905 2,432,757 2,530,710 2,644,664 3,277,711 3,898,682
a
Included in other crops.
b
Includes wheat, oats, hay, sorghum grain, clover and lupine seed, Austin winter peas, ramie for fiber and
other field crops.
cIncludes cabbage, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, escarole, lettuce, peppers, snapbeans, sweet corn, potatoes,
and watermelons.
dIncludes lemons, pears, persimmons, pineapples, plums, other berries, coconuts, bananas, guava, loquat,
mangoes, papayas, kumquats, tangeloes and tung nuts.
eIncludes sheep and lambs, turkeys, turkey eggs, other poultry, honey, beeswax, wool, horses, and .mles and
other livestock.
Source: The Farm Income Situation. USDA, ESCS, Washington,. D. C. and Farm Cash Receipts from Farming, Florida
Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida.
able 4 --Estimated aggregate cash marketing of primary products, marketing margins and value of end products of Florida agriculture,
forestry and commercial fisheries, 1975-1978.
Estimated aggregate personal income earned In
Florida by primary produarsa
Cash receipts from primary Share of retail value Retail value of corresponding -nd
marketing or equivalent of end products whenever and wherever produced and sold
S1975 1976 1977- 1978 T 1975 1976 1977 1978 1975 1976 1977 1978
-------------- 1,000 dollars ------------
gri cultural,
t and commercial
ry products 3,403,728 3,520,741 3,668,983 ,22? 35
:tur 1 products 3,258,364 3,366,645 3,503,148 4,086,400
epor s only
co -odlties 2,473,184 2,581,465 2,702,658 3,294,349
:sto k products 623,250 682,599 748,548 855,351
eat animals 211,995 230,386 304,432 394,160
airy products 222,833 240,150 242,871 247,261
)ult y & eggs 168,311 190,561 183,225 190,756
isc. livestock 20,111 21,502 18,020 23,174
'ps 1,849,934 1,898,866 1,954,110 2,438,998
*ood grains 914 958 996 845
Feed crops 40,390 49,069 29,396 22,196
Cottsn 899 2,753 1,653 1,417
Tob cco 28,671 36,351 30,698 30,944
Oil crops 60,874 80,323 80,971 99,487
Veg tables 495,442 546,321 554,191 636,282
Frufits and nuts 677,076 732,371 843,176 1,185,495
All other crops 545,668 450,715 413,029 462,332
greenhouse nursery 222,540 241,213 249,389 271,123
ugarcane for sugar 307,308 188,412 142,354 163,909
Forest products 8,952 12,796 13,165 13,165
Ot er field crops 6,868 8,294 8,121 9,135
states of additional
agricultural -
To al estimates of
national agriculture 785,180 785,180 800,490 792,051
vernment payments 5,440 5,440 20,750 10,311
urf grass 23,000 23,000 23,000 25,000
Real estate sales
and trades 350,000 350,000 350,000 350,000
Equipment and
machinery 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000
Horses 85,000 85,000 85,000 85,000
Small animals 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000
Greyhounds 16,700 16,700 16,700 16,700
Gamebirds 450 450 450 450
Tropical fish 40,000 40,000 40,000 40,000
Alligators 1,380 1,380 1,380 1,380
Catfish 3,210 3,210 3,210 3,210
Fairs, expositions
rodeos, circuses and
zoos 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000
orest products 57,048 65,780 76,835 106,835
onwmercial fishery
products 88,316 88,316 89,000 89,000
--------- Percent --------- ------------- 1 000 dollars-----------
32.6 35,7 35.2 38.4 9,151,976 9,615,776 10,429,141 11,144,696
42.7 42.7 42.5 49.8 7,400,130 7,701,196 8,236,095 8,201,650
36.9 37.7 36,7 44.9 6,549,060 6,850,126 7,369,715 7,341,709
52.8 56.4 56.6 55.9 1,181,378 1,209,951 1,322,304 1,530,356
54.5 50.7 52.9 52.9 383,955 454,007 575,390 745,006
56.2 60.5 60,6 60.1 395,947 396,833 401,064 411,528
62.3 62.2 60.3 60.1 270,278 306,134 303,468 317,169
15.9 40.6 42.5 40.9 126,198 52,977 42,382 56,653
33.5 33.7 32.3 42.0 5,367,682 5,640,175 6,047,411 5,811,353
19.0 19.0 19.0 19.0 4,811 5,184 5,242 4,447
77.2 77.0 78.7 80.1 52,317 63,725 37,342 27,722
9.7 9.7 10.0 10.1 9,282 28,352 16,876 14,050
8.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 358,388 363,510 306,980 309,440
70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 86,963 114,754 115,673 142,124
37.3 35.2 34.6 35.1 1,327,684 1,553,705 1,600,397 1,814,320
34.1 35.6 32.8 58.9 1,985,248 2,058,056 2,607,259 2,012,968
32.1 31.0 30.4 31.1 1,542,989 1,452,889 1,357,642 1,486,282
40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 556,350 603,032 623,473 677,808
41.7 37.0 37.0 37.0 736,950 509,222 384,741 456,511
3.8 4.0 4.0 4.0 232,519 319,900 329,125 329,125
40.0 40.0 40.0 40,0 17,170 20,735 20,303 22,838
90.0 90.8 92.4 92.1 851,070 851,070 866,380 859,941
100.0 100.0 100,0 100.0 5,440 5,440 20,750 10,311
50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 46,000 45,000 45,000 50,000
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 350,000 350,000 350,000 350,000
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 85,000 85,000 85;000 85,000
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 16,700 16,700 16,700 16,700
37.5 37.5 37.5 37.5 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200
50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 80,000 80,000 80,000 80,000
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 1,380 1,3.80 1,380 1,380
60.0 60.0 60.0 60.0 5,350 5,350 5,350 5,350
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 10,000 10,000
10,000 10,000
3,85 4.0 4.0 4.0 1,481,766 1,644,500 1,920,875 2,670,875
32.7 32.7 32.7 32.7 270,080 270,080 272,171 272,17.1
aAll data in these two sections relate to the value producers receive when title to their products changes the first time. In the language of
its arts, citrus industry refers to this as "delivered in" value. That value varies from "on-tree" value by the amount of "pick and haul" paid by
the grower to harvest his fruit and deliver it to the buyer,
Does not include sales from farms.
CDoes not include tropical fish, alligators and catfish.
Source: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Analysis by Professor Ralph A. Eastwood and staff.
19
22
Table 7 --U.S. and Florida agricultural exports for fiscal 1975 and 1979.
1975 1979
Export values Florida export share Exoort values Florida export share
Of Of Of
Commodity Group U.S. Florida U.S. state Of state
production U.S. Florida U.S. production
Million dollars ---- Percent Million dollars --- Percent ---
Livestock Products
Meat animals 381.9 3.2 .84 1.44 844.1 9.5 1.13 1.96
Dairy products 143.0 .6 .42 .27 116.1 .4 .34 .14
Poultry & eggs 112.0 2.6 2.32 1.54 368.1 9.9 2.69 4.64
Hides & skins 393.3 3.9 .99 n.a. 1,302.7 14.0 1.07 n.a.
Lard & tallow 400.6 5.2 1.30 n.a. 704.8 9.9 1.40 n.a.
Croos
Wheat 5,236.8 .7 .01 76.59 4,862.0 .3 .01 75.00
Feedgrains 4,858.3 14.6 .30 36.23 7,026.1 16.4 .23 59.85
Cotton 1,054.5 .4 .04 48.43 1,909.0 .7 .04 46.67
Cottonseed oil 213.5 .1 .05 83.33 197.5 .1 .05 71.43
Tobacco 897.3 20.3 2.26 70.73 1,292.2 17.6 1.36 53.87
Soybeans & products 3,376.0 21.0 .62 81.40 7,515.0 39.2 .52 49.18
Peanuts & oil 166.2 7.2 4.33 20.51 284.8 13.2 4.63 34.83
Vegetables & prep. 533.9 34.8 6.52 7.09 756.2 67.8 8.97 8.67
Fruits & prep. 674.6 141.3 20.95 20.13 1,042.4 279.4 26.77 19.78
Nuts & prep. 151.6 .4 .26 24.69 327.0 .9 .28 64.29
Other Agric. & Fisheries
Greenhouse & nursery 16.6 1.2 7.23 .54 9.2 .9 9.78 .36
Fishery products 319.8 5.0 1.56 6.58 520.5a 14.0a 2.69a 12.73a
Other 1,632.9 21.1 1.29 n.a. 2,550.6 35.1 1.38 n.a.
Total Agric. & Fisheries 20,562.8 283.6 1.38 11.06 31,664.3 529.0 1.67 13.22
Sources: Foreign Agricultural Trade of the U.S., ESCS, USDA, 1976 and 1980; State Farm Income
Statistics, ESCS,USDA, W.G. Tyler and C,A. Wheeler, Florida's International Trade and Its Impact on
the State Economy, University of Florida, 1978.
aFigures available for 1978.
23
Table 8 --Florida farms: Number of farms, land in farms, and land use,
1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, and 1978.
Land in Pasture and Other
Year Farms farms Cropland woodland land
----------------- 1,000 acres ----------------
1j54 57,543 18,162 3,398 9,853 4,910
1959 45,100 15,237 3,401 7,672 4,164
1964 40,542 15,412 3,581 7,257 4,573
1969 35,586 14,032 3,774 4,817 5,441
1974 32,466 13,199 3,722 4,019 5,459
1978 44,165 13,435 4,519 S,123 793
a
Not fully comparable for census years because of differences in
definition of a farm and of cropland used for pasture.
Source: Census of Agriculture, Bureau of the Census, U.S.
Department of Commerce.
Table 9--Harvested acreage and value of production for selected field crops, Florida, 1975-79.
Harvested acreage Value of production
Crop *1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
--------------1000 acres ------------- ------------ 1000 dollars ----------
Corn for grain 375 480 299 370 360 45,563 74,880 16,744 40,404 54,378
Cotton & seed 3.7 7.1 6.1 3.6 3.3 800 2,984 1,421 1,282 1,248
All hay 207 219 226 235 235 21,816 24,339 27,120 27,260 28,899
Peanuts 55 55 55 54 55 35,352 33,660 35,294 38,877 37,769
Soybeans 281 253 327 410 453 29,674 46,046 49,050 69,700 86,704
Sugarcane 298 298 300 316 327 208,276 146,697 175,812 198,871 a
Tobacco,
flue cured 13.5 14.0 11.8 10.5 10.5 27,641 33,113 30,396 31,752 30,476
Wheat 13 14 13 12 --- 1,088 1,260 829 1,296
Total 1,246 1,340 1,238 1,411 1,444 370,210 362,979 336,666 409,442
a
Estimates not available.
b
Estimates discontinued after 1978 crop.
Source: Florida Agricultural Statistics, Field Crop Summary 1979, Florida Crop and Livestock
Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida.
Table 10--Harvested acreage and value of production for vegetables, potatoes, strawberries, and watermelons,
Florida, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79.
Harvested acreage Value of Production
Crop 1974-75 1975-76 1976-77 1977-78 1978-79 1974-75 1975-76 1976-77 1977-78 1978-79
---------------- 1000 acres ----------- --------------1000 dollars --------------
Vegetables:
Snapbeansa 35,300 37,500 40,000 51,000 54,100 26,038 25,560 27,000 35,849 36,261
Cabbage 16,900 17,200 16,300 16,500 17,800 26,115 19,262 48,225 29,873 51,907
Celery 10,600 9,700 10,100 10,900 11,700 25,877 40,930 39,082 47,178 55,142
Sweet corn 52,700 57,400 50,300 56,500 54,500 45,141 48,182 44,070 49,238 51,423
Cucumbersa 14,600 15,400 20,700 22,000 22,000 18,404 15,806 23,936 27,229 37,635
Eggplants 2,150 2,300 1,950 2,250 2,800 5,521 4,841 5,332 5,636 6,784
Escarole 5,700 5,800 6,000 6,100 6,500 8,688 9,860 12,521 15,124 13,547
Lettuce 7,100 8,000 9,500 10,000 12,900 11,513 15,247 17,650 37,272 48,032
Green peppers 14,900 15,900 16,800 18,800 18,100 37,695 39,326 38,054 42,188 49,413
Radishes 27,400 25,700 27,300 28,200 29,600 16,769 15,834 16,303 22,198 21,895
Squash 11,200 11,400 12,000 11,850 13,350 10,997 11,508 11,156 7,253 13,971
Tomatoes 31,500 38,300 34,000 41,500 40,800 148,709 162,649 155,019 182,284 220,216
Other
vegetables 56,300 52,100 38,400 42,800 40,800 36,399 38,730 44,626 52,463 67,363
Total 286,350 296,700 283,350 318,400 324,950 417,866 447,735 482,974 553,785 673,589
Potatoes 27,500 31,000 30,100 32,300 28,000 24,813 41,931 41,670 35,171 30,435
Strawberries 1,200 1,400 1,500 2,000 2,400 8,375 8,862 8,960 16,646 22,157
Watermelons 43,600 55,000 51,000 50,000 43,000 35,168 25,839 26,507 26,800 32,250
Total 358,650 384,100 365,950 402,700 398,350 486,222 524,367 560,111 632,402 758,431
alncludes fresh and processing in 1976-77, 1977-78 and 1978-79.
bIncludes other fresh and processing vegetables and cantaloupes.
Source: Florida Agricultural Statistics, Vegetable Summary 1979.
Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida.
Florida Crop and Livestock
Ur
Table 11--Bearing acreage and value of production for citrus
Bearing acreage Value of production
Crop 1974-75 1975-76 1976-77 1977-78 1978-79 1974-75 1975-76 1976-77 1977-78 1978-79
-----------------1000 acres --------------- --------------1000 dollars----------
Oranges 610.4 596.4 594.3 579.0 571.5 280,350 321,449 405,982 693,677 820,545
Grapefruit 115.4 117.9 119.3 120.3 124.6 76,367 72,155 81,116 84,438 109,651
Temples 21.9 20.5 20.3 18.9 18.3 8,893 9,870 8,189 19,226 23,284
Tangelos 18.9 18.6 18.4 17.9 17.1 6,833 7,806 6,814 16,144 15,746
Tangerines 19.4 18.0 17.9 16.5 15.9 9,463 10,251 10,855 15,339 15,457
Honey tangerines 9.1 8.7 8.5 8.4 8.0 5,420 7,390 4,356 10,281 12,083
Lemons 6.9 7.0 5.1 4.9 5.2 5,378 4,727 1,797 3,780 10,375
Total 802.0 787.1 783.8 765.9 760.6 392,704 433,648 519,109 842,885 1,007,141
Source: Florida Agricultural Statistics, Citrus Summary 1979. Florida Crop and Livestock Reporting
Service, Orlando, Florida.
Florida, crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79.
Table 12--Bearing acreage and value of production, tropical fruit crops, Florida, crop years 1975-76
through 1979-80.
Bearing acreage Value of production
Crop 1075-76 1976-77 1977-78 1978-79 1979-80 1975-76 1976-77 1977-78 1978-79 1979-80
----------------- Acres ------------ --- ------------1000 dollars --------------
Avocados 6,400 6,900 7,300 7,700 8,000 11,600 8,659 7,383 9,240 16,016
Limes 4,400 4,500 3,800 4,100 4,600 10,012 11,610 8,786 11,642 13,796
Mangos 1,650 1,900 1,650 1,650 1,600 2,844 3,000 2,406 2,138 2,938
Total 12,450 13,300 12,750 13,450 14,200 24,456 23,269 8P,575 23,020 32,750
Source: Florida Agricultural Statistics, Tropical Fruit
Livestock Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida.
Crops Summary 1979. Florida Crop and
N3
ro
Table 13--Number of units of livestock products sold or produced and cash receipts from livestock
marketing, Florida, 1975-1979.
Year
Item
Unit
197b
19/b
1Y//
9 %a
Number of units sold or produced
Cattle and calves marketing
Hog marketing a
Total milk production
Eggs produced
Broilers produced
Honey marketing
Beeswax marketing
b
Cash receipts
Cattle and calves
Hogs
Milk
Poultry and eggs:
Broilers
Eggs
Other
Honey
Beeswax
Other livestock and products
Total livestock and products
1000 pounds
1000 pounds
Million pounds
Million eggs
1000 pounds
1000 pounds
1000 pounds
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
dollars
dollars
dollars
dollars
dollars
dollars
dollars
dollars
dollars
1000 dollars
754,130
60,057
1,956
2,779
244,519
24,480
343
185,640
26,845
212,440
62,352
101,981
2,236
10,820
326
20,610
712,640
46,855
2,023
2,846
289,797
27,360
465
208,877
19,867
240,150
65,784
120,075
3,982
11,601
516
11,791
905,242
73,520
1,993
2,998
295,335
14,400
216
276,873
27,864
242,871
66,155
114,521
3,790
6,365
348
9,768
724,005
82,443
1,948
2,954
292,496
23,852
334
357,851
36,275
247,261
72,539
104,971
3,184
11,783
578
21,321
534,460
127,280
1,966
3,189
314,732
28,080
337
422,199
51,676
282,081
78,683
130,054
4,603
14,826
573
28,759
623,250 682,643 748,555 855,763 1,013,454
excludes custom slaughter for use on farm where produced and interfarm sales within
the state.
bDoes not include government payments.
cIncludes sheep and lambs, wool, turkeys, turkey eggs, other poultry, horses and mules and other
livestock.
dCalendar year basis for cattle, calves, milk and total livestock and products. A market year
of December of previous year through November of current year for hogs and chickens.
Source: Florida Agri. Statistics, Dairy Summary 1979, Livestock Summary 1979 and Poultry Summary
1979. Florida Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida.
00
oo
- -
19/t
19/Y
Table 14--Corn and soybeans: Monthly average price per bushel recieved by farmers, Georgia,
1975-1980.
Crop
and Month
year Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Corn --------------------- ----Dollars------ ----------------
1975 3.25 3.02 2.88 2.93 2.85 2.95 2.89 2.94 2.74 2.73 2.45 2.52
1973 2.59 2.63 2.69 2,68 2.75 2.93 3.00 2.57 2.59 2.40 2.11 2.36
1977 2.42 2.57 2.60 2.54 2.47 2.45 2.00 1.72 1.61 1.73 2.25 2.29
1978 1.98 2.20 2.30 2.38 2.59 2.50 2.26 2.20 2.14 2.28 2.48 2.52
1979 2.56 2.59 2.63 2.74 2.79 2.88 2.90 2.76 2.84 2.83 2.88 2.96
1980 2.97 3.00 2.88 2.91 2.96 2.92 3.18 3.27 3,43 3.47
Soybeans
1975 6.39 5.60 5.23 5.77 5.10 5.00 5.34 5.77 5.37 5.06 4.40 4.26
1976 4.41 4.52 4,57 4.64 4.90 5.83 6.82 6.02 6.65 6.00 6.15 6.46
1977 6.57 7.41 8.21 9.28 8.93 7.57 5.54 5.71 6.15 5.71 5.75
1978 5.82 5.77 6.52 6.65 6.79 6.78 6.49 6.30 6.02 6.17 6.23 6.40
1979 6.75 6.92 7.24 7.27 7,22 7.53 7.57 7.22 6.70 6.55 6.26 6.57
1980 6.31 6.37 5.97 5.70 5.88 5.98 7.00 7.60 7.88 7.68
Source: Agricultural Prices Monthly Reports January 1975 to Sept. 1980. Crop Reporting
Board, Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives Services, USDA, Washington, D.C.
r.
to
Table 15--Snapbeans, sweet corn and tomatoes: Average value per unit for fresh market sales,
monthly, Florida crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79
Crop and Month Season
year Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. average
---------------------------- Dollars per bushel-----------------------------------
Snap Beans
1974-75 5.75 8.65 8.05 6.05 7.10 5.20 5.40 5.60 6.00 6.45 6.14
1975-76 8.25 4.75 6.55 5.75 7.25 8.60 6.10 4.70 3.10 6.20 5.74
1976-77 7.65 7.05 5.60 9.20 6.25 5.30 6.25 5.10 6.29
1977-78 8.10 6.00 6.35 9.85 13.00 9.65 8.40 7.95 6.10 8.06
1978-79 6.80 5.65 7.45 8.55 9.60 7.95 6.50 10.05 8.30 7.58
---------------------------- Dollars per crate------------------------------------
Sweet Corn
1974-75 3.05 2.80 3.50 3.30 4.25 3.95 3.60 4.00 4.35 4.55 3.77
1975-76 3.65 5.05 5.15 4.55 5.05 4.55 3.75 2.95 2.95 2.50 3.64
1976-77 3.30 3.20 3.10 4.60 5.90 4.20 3.90 3.30 2.90 3.68
1977-78 4.05 3.55 3.45 5.20 6.40 5.25 4.95 3.25 3.40 3.95 3.89
1978-79 3.55 3.35 6.10 5.15 6.40 5.50 3.85 3.90 4.15 3.90 4.25
---------------------------- Dollars per carton-----------------------------------
Tomatoes
1974-75 6.15 4.90 6.25 6.80 5.85 5.30 4.15 4.50 5.48
1975-76 5.95 5.90 6.35 6.55 6.40 6.35 3.25 5.85 5.51
1976-77 7.55 5.85 7.35 8.80 10.05 8.70 5.15 5.30 6.36
1977-78 7.00 5.90 5.10 5.40 6.10 9.00 6.40 6.50 6.34
1978-79 4.85 5.90 6.65 6.50 8.05 8.25 6.60 5.70 6.57
Source: Florida Agricultural Statistics, Vegetable Summary 1979. Florida Crop and Livestock
Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida.
C)
0
Table 16--Oranges and grapefruit: On-tree price per box,monthly and season average, Florida,
crop years 1974-75 through 1979-80.
Crop and Month Season
year Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March April May June July average price
------------------------- Dollars per box -----------------------------------
Oranges
1974-75 1.78 1.40 1.42 1.41 1.52 1.79 1.81 1.89 1.95 1.62
1975-76 2.00 1.66 1.67 1.66 1.75 1.83 1.81 1.86 1.87 2.10 1.77
1976-77 1.70 1,85 1.88 1.92 2.27 2.61 2.73 2.79 2.17
1977-78 4.12 3.82 3.81 3.92 4.24 4.26 4.38 4.47 4.48 4.14
1978-79 4.34 4.22 4.67 5.16 5.30 4.97 5.36 5.47 5.00
1979-80 3.34 3.03 3.15 3.54 3.84 3.54 4.12 4.17 3.89 -
Grapefruit
1974-75 2.07 1.57 1.59 1.56 1.58 1.64 1.68 2.39 2.79 1.72
1975-76 2.37 2.08 1.45 1.51 1.37 1.24 1.21 1.39 1.97 1.47
1976-77 2.15 1.60 1.60 1.37 1.85 1.44 1.41 1.61 1.77 1.58
1977-78 2.74 1.84 1.86 1.75 1.55 1.43 1.50 1.66 2.11 1.64
1978-79 1.12 1.85 2.31 1.80 2.24 2.35 2.72 3.84 2.19
1979-80 4.26 3.08 3.25 3.03 2.89 2.99 3.19 3.90 -
a
Not available.
Source: Agricultural Prices Monthly Reports, September 1975 to July 1980. Crop Reporting
Board, Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives Services, USDA, Washington, D.C.
(A)
Table 17--Beef cattle and calves: Monthly and annual average prices received by farmers, Florida,
1975-1980.
Month
Annual
Year Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. average
------------------------Beef Cattle: Dollars per cwt.----------------------
1975 23.20 23.80 23.60 25.60 27.30 27.70 26.30 23.50 24.40 24.00 24.50 25.60 25.10
1976 26.20 28.00 29.50 32.70 33.00 31.00 30.80 27.80 26.60 25.60 24.50 25.90 28.90
1977 27.50 28.90 30.50 31.90 31.40 29.50 29.70 29.40 28.40 28.30 28.90 29.00 29.60
1978 32.80 36.30 39.70 44.00 45.60 45.20 46.10 47.80 48.20 48.50 49.50 54.30 43.30
1979 57.80 64.50 67.70 71.50 70.30 64.20 65.70 64.30 67.90 63.60 63.90 63.40 65.50
1980 63.10 66.90 62.20 54.80 55.80 58.80 58.30 61.50 61.40 59.60
--------------------------Calves: Dollars per cwt---------------------------
1975 21.20 21.70 22.10 23.20 25.00 25.70 24.60 21.70 23.00 23.20 22.40 25.50 23.30
1976 26.80 29.50 30.50 35.70 34.80 34.60 31.40 31.10 28.10 28.10 26.50 27.60 30.20
1977 29.20 31.10 33.20 36.20 34.60 32.90 32.00 33.10 32.50 31.80 31.60 32.30 32.60
1978 39.40 44.60 52.20 55.30 63.00 59.20 63.50 63.10 67.50 63.40 67.40 74.40 59.40
1979 81.60 90.90 103.00 110.00 110.00 102.00 102.00 92.90 95.50 86.20 86.00 85.00 95.30
1980 87.30 93.40 95.00 78.00 73.10 79.60 76.10 76,90 75.20 70.30
Source: Agricultural Prices Monthly Reports, January 1975 to SeLpt1980. Crop Reporting Board,
Economic, Statistics, and Cooperatives Service, USDA, Washington, D.C.
Table 18--Milk sold to plants eligible for fresh market: Average price received by farmers, by months,
Florida, 1975-1980.
Month Annual
Year Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. average
----------------------------------Dollars per cwt.------------------------------
1975 11.80 11.70 10.90 10.80 10.70 10.20 10.60 10.80 11.70 11.90 12.10 12.30 11.30
1976 12.20 12.00 11.90 11.50 11.40 11.30 11.70 11.80 12.30 12.40 12.20 12.00 11.90
1977 12.00 12.00 11.80 11.80 11.80 11.80 12.30 12.50 12.60 12.70 12.40 12.40 12.20
1978 12.40 12.50 12.30 12.20 12.30 12.50 12.50 13.00 13.40 13.50 13.50 13.70 12.80
1979 14.00 14.20 14.10 13.80 13.80 13.90 14.10 15.20 15.20 15.20 15.60 15.50 14.50
1980 15.50 15.60 15.30 15.20 15.40 15.30 15.60 16.00 16.10 16,50
Source: Agricultural Prices Monthly Reports, January 1975 toSept., 1980. Crop Reporting Board,
Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives Service, USDA, Washington, D,C.
00
CO
Table 19--Broilers and eggs: Monthly and market year average price received by farmers, Florida,
1974-75 to 1979-80.
Month Market year
Year Dec. Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Average price
-----------Broilers: Cents per pound liveweight equivalent price----------------
1974-75 19.0 23.0 23.0 22.0 22.0 24.5 27.5 30.0 29.0 29.0 27.5 26.5 25.5
1975-76 23.5 23.0 24.0 23.5 22.5 24.0 24.0 24.5 23.0 21.5 19.5 18.5 22.7
1976-77 19.0 21.0 23.0 23.5 23.0 23.0 24.0 25.0 23.0 22.5 21.0 20.0 22.4
1977-78 19.5 21.5 23.5 24.0 26.5 26.5 29.5 30.0 25.0 25.5 23.5 23.5 24.8
1978-79 24.0 26.0 28.0 28.0 27.5 28.5 26.5 23.5 22.0 21.0 20.0 23.5 25.0
1979-80 24.5 27.0 24.5 23.0 20.5 22.0 22.5 29.5 29.5 32.0 30.5
----_-------------------Eggs: Cents per dozen---------------------------------
1974-75 53.6 49.9 44.8 44.7 38.6 37.4 36.4 38.6 43.6 46.0 44.7 50.4 44.1
1975-76 58.0 54.9 49.8 44.1 43.9 45.4 44.7 47.0 52.2 54.0 53.8 59.6 50.7
1976-77 63.3 59.6 58.5 49.1 44.2 37.8 37.2 40.8 40.1 41.3 38.6 40.6 45.9
1977-78 41.0 39.2 46.5 46.2 42.5 40.0 34.9 38.5 44.2 44.5 43.6 50.2 42.7
1978-79 55.0 51.3 50.0 57.0 52.2 47.1 46.7 44.7 43.4 44.2 44.6 50.7 49.0
1979-80 55.2 47.9 37.5 45.0 44.8 38.7 35.8 38.7 54.6 55.0 48.0
Source: Aqricultural Prices Monthly Reports,
December 1974 to Sept.1980. Crop Reporting Board,Economics,
Statistics, and Cooperatives Service. USDA, Washington, D.C.
35
Table 20--Index numbers of prices paid by farmers for production items,
interest, taxes, and wage rates, United States, 1975 through
1979 (1910 14 = 100).
Year
Item 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
------ Index 1910 14 = 100-------
Production items:
Feed 398 408 398 390 436
Feeder livestock 517 594 612 853 1129
Seed 582 574 621 650 681
Fertilizer 320 272 266 265 287
Agricultural chemicals 443 481 434 407 415
Fuels and energy 313 331 357 373 483
Farm and motor supplies 450 439 441 458 506
Auto and trucks 940 1043 1151 1218 1343
Tractors and self propelled
machinery 990 1102 1205 1315 1466
Other machinery 895 1025 1120 1211 1332
Building and fencing 835 871 928 1001 1099
Farm services and cash rent 578 633 682 710 770
Interest 1292 1474 1610 1929 2438
Taxes 1375 1496 1657 1756 1918
Farm wage rates 1627 1781 1915 2053 2245
Crop Reporting Board,
Source: Selected issues of Agricultural Prices,
U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.
36
Table 21--Index numbers of prices paid by farmers for production items,
interest, taxes and wage rates, United States, 1975 through
1979 (1967 = 100).
Year
Item 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
-------- Index 1967 = 100 -------
Production items:
Feed 187 191 186 183 204
Feeder livestock 134 154 158 221 293
Seed 245 241 261 273 286
Fertilizer 217 185 181 180 196
Agricultural chemicals 160 174 157 147 150
Fuels and energy 177 187 202 211 276
Farm and motor supplies 168 164 165 171 189
Autos and trucks 191 212 234 248 273
Tractors and self propelled
machinery 195 217 238 259 289
Other machinery 197 225 246 266 293
Building and fences 206 215 229 248 272
Farm services and cash rent 199 218 235 245 265
Interest 265 303 331 396 501
Taxes 162 176 195 207 221
Farm wage rates 192 210 226 242 265
Crop Reporting Board,
Source: Selected issues of Agricultural Prices,
U. S. Department of Agriculture. W-shington, u.C.
Table 22.--Diesel fuel and regular leaded gasoline bulk delivery: Average price per gallon
paid by farmers, Florida, monthly, 1975 1980.
Month
Year Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
------------------------------Dollars------------------------------
Diesel fuel
1975 .41 a .39 .40 .41
1976 .41 a .45 .47 .42
1977 .47 .51 .48 .50 .50 .48 .50 .52 .50 .47 .49 .47
1978 .50 .51 .50 .52 .52 .52 .53 .52 .52 .54 .53 .54
1979 .57 .55 .58 .63 .71 .77 .84 .88 .93 .93 .94 .96
1980 .99 1.00 1.05 1.10 1.08 1.08 1.10 1.08 1,08 1.07
Regular leaded gasoline bulk delivery
1975 .47a .50 .53 .52
1976 .52a .50 .54 .53
1977 .54 .55 .56 .56 .57 .57 .57 .57 .57 .57 .56 .56
1978 .58 .58 .59 .59 .58 .61 .62 .62 .63 .64 .63 .63
1979 .65 .65 .69 .72 .76 .82 .85 .91 .94 .97 .96 .99
1980 1.04 1.09 1.16 1.16 1.15 1.10 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.12
a
Monthly prices not recorded before 1977.
Source: Agricultural Prices Monthly Reports, January 1975 to Sent. 1980. Crop
Reporting Board, Economics, Statistics and Cooperatives Services, USDA, Washington, D.C.
Table 23--Laying feed and egg feed ratios: Average price per ton paid by farmers for
laying feed and egg-feed ratios, Florida, monthly 1975 -- 1980.
Month
Year Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
----------------------------- Dollars ---------------------
Laying feed
1975 162 154 146 151 146 145 150 151 151 156 151 152
1976 165 155 168 167 159 162 164 169 169 169 165 164
1977 164 168 169 177 182 179 167 161 152 149 152 159
1978 159 161 160 167 167 171 168 165 166 167 172 172
1979 172 174 177 176 181 184 195 199 186 189 187 191
1980 189 189 189 179 180 185 186 200 215 220
---------------------------------- Pounds -------------------------------
Egg-feed ratios
1975 6.6 6.4 5.7 5.4 5.6 5.5 5.1 5.5 6.1 5.8 6.1 7.2
1976 6.7 6.4 5.2 5.3 5.8 5.5 5.6 6.0 6.4 6.4 6.7 7.5
1977 7.5 7.6 6.0 5.3 4.5 4.1 5.0 5.2 5.7 5.2 5.6 5.8
1978 5.7 6.1 5.6 5.5 4.8 4.1 4.2 5.7 5.4 5.2 5.5 6.2
1979 6.0 6.2 5.9 6.1 5.5 4.7 4.8 4.3 5.5 4.4 5.3 5.8
1980 5.1 4.0 4.8 5.0 4.3 3.9 4.2 5.5 5.1 5.7
aNumber of pounds of laying feed equivalent in value to one dozen eggs.
Source: Agricultural Prices Monthly Reports, January 1975 to Sept.1980. Crop
Reporting Board, Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives Services, USDA, Washington, D.C.
(A)
00
Table 24--Broiler grower feed and broiler feed ratios: Average price per ton paid by
farmers for broiler grower feed and broiler-feed ratios, Florida,
monthly, 1975-1980.
Month
Year Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
_------------ ----------------- Dollars -------------------------------
Broiler grower feed
1975 172 165 153 156 152 150 154 160 158 163 164 164
1976 153 170 156 157 169 171 173 178 180 181 178 173
1977 174 175 177 183 190 198 179 163 156 150 156 167
1978 168 169 170 175 177 181 177 175 173 176 180 180
1979 180 180 186 188 186 190 210 205 198 205 210 210
1980 205 172 210 215 205 205 200 210 225 230
----------------------------Pounds-------------------------------
Broiler feed ratios a
1975 2.8 2.9 2.9 2.9 3.2 3.7 4.0 3.6 3.8 3.4 3.2 2.7
1976 2.9 2.8 3.0 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.9 2.7 2.5 2.2 2.0 2.1
1977 2.3 2.5 2.7 2.6 2.5 2.6 2.8 2.8 3.0 2.9 2.6 2.3
1978 2.6 2.8 2.8 3.0 2.9 3.2 3.6 3.0 3.1 2.7 2.7 2.7
1979 2.9 3.0 3.1 2.9 3.0 2.6 2.4 2.1 2.2 2.0 2.2 2.3
1980 2.6 3.0 2.2 1.9 2.1 2.2 3.0 2.8 2.8 2.8
aNumber of pounds of broilergrower feed equal in value to one pound of broiler live
weight.
Source: Agricultural Prices Monthly Reports, January 1975 to Sept.1980, Crop Reporting
Board, Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives Service USDA, Washington, D.C.
Table 25 --Cottonseed meal, soybean meal and dairy feed: Average price paid by farmers for
cottonseed meal, soybean meal and dairy feed, Florida, monthly 1975 --
1930.
Month
Year Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
----------------------------Dollars per cwt.---------------------------------
Cottonseed meal -- 41 percent protein
1975 10.00 9.60 9.00 8.90 8.50 8.50 9.00 9.40 9.60 10.00 9.90 9.90
1976 10.60 9.80 9.70 9.50 10.00 10.50 11.50 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.50
1977 12.50 12.50 13.00 13.50 14.00 14.00 13.50 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.50 11.50
1978 11.50 11.50 11.50 12.00 11.50 11.50 11.50 11.50 11.50 11.50 12.00 12.00
1979 12.00 12.50 12.50 12.50 12.00 12.00 13.00 13.50 13.50 13.50 14.00 14.00
1980 14.00 14.50 14.00 13.00 13.50 13.00 13.00 14,00 15,00 16.00
Soybean meal -- 44 percent protein
1975 9.90 9.50 9.10 9.20 9.00 8.90 9.30 9.10 9.60 10.50 9.40 9.30
1976 9.50 9.90 9.80 10.00 10.00 11.00 12.50 12.50 12.50 12.50 12.50 13.00
1977 13.00 13.50 14.00 15.00 16.50 16.50 14.50 14.00 12.50 11.50 11.50 12.50
1978 12.50 12.50 13.00 13.50 13.00 13.50 13.00 12.50 13.00 13.00 13.50 13.50
1979 13.50 13.50 13.50 13.50 13.50 14.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 13.50 13.50
1980 14.50 14.50 14.50 14.50 14.50 13.50 14.50 15.50 17.00 17,50
-----------------------------Dollars per ton---------------------------------
Dairy feed -- 14 percent protein
1975 130 125 115 125 120 115 118 122 124 126 125 127
1976 128 130 130 133 133 134 137 139 140 141 141 140
1977 140 144 146 155 154 149 145 130 124 129 124 132
1978 133 132 125 122 123 128 127 120 120 128 132 129
1979 131 137 137 141 151 149 155 151 154 160 158 163
1980 171 172 167 167 160 162 162 165 175 182
Source: Agricultural Prices, Monthly Reports, January 1975 to Sept. 1980. Crop
Reporting Board, Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives Services, USDA, Washington, D.C.
0
Table 26--Fertilizer: Average price per ton paid-by farmers for selected fertilizers, Florida
or Southeastern states, selected dates, 1975-1980.
Ammonium Anhydrous Superphosphate Agricultural
10-10-10 nitrate ammonia 20 pet. P205 limestone
March Oct. March Oct. March Oct. March Oct. March Oct.
Year 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
----------------------------------Dollars
1975 b 120 115 195 160 280 250 95 100 15.00 15.00
1976b 105 100 140 140 205 200 85 70 13.00 14.50
1977 110 109 150 154 207 211 74 83 15.00 15.30
1978c 111 108 146 143 196 195 79 83 15.80 16.20
1979 116 126 142 146 189 201 84 92 16.70 18.40
1980c 145 149 161 173 219 241 110 105 20.30 22.30
aSpread on field.
b
Dates are April 15 and October 15. Prices are for Florida.
c
Prices are for Southeastern States.
Source: Agricultural Prices. Crop Reporting Board, Economics, Statistics, ind Cooperatives
Services. 13DA, Washington, D.C.
Table 27--Pesticide materials: Price paid by farmers for specified materials, United States,
March 15, May 15, 1975-1980.
Herbicides Fungicides
Atrazine, 80 pct. Zineb 75 pct. Captan, 50 pct.
wettable powder 2,4D 4#/gal. wettable powder wettable powder
Year March 15 May 15 March 15 May 15 March 15 May 15 March 15 May 15
Dollars per 5 Ibs
14.75 --b
b
13.60 --
10.80 11.00
10.00 10.10
9.67 9.87.
9.19 9.30
Dollars per 5 gal
48.60 -b
b
50.50 --
44.75 41.95
37.50 37.40
38.00 38.80
52.70 58.60
Dollars per lb
1.33 --
b
1.26 --
1.26 1.33
1.39 1.37
1.50 1.50
1.66 1.70
Dollar per lb
_b _b
b b
--b --b
1.09 1.13
1.23 1.23
1.35 1.37
1.62 1.68
1975a
1976a
1977
1978
1979
1980
Continued
4=,
Table 27--Pesticide materials: Price paid by farmers for specified materials, United States, March 15,
May 15, 1975-1980.--Continued.
Insecticides
Carbaryl, Malathion, Methyl parathion, Parathion, Toxaphene,
80 pct, 5#/gal. emul. 4#/gal. emul. 4#/gal. emul. 6#/gal. emul.
wettable powder concentrate concentrate concentrate concentrate
Year March 15 May 15 March 15- May 15 March 15 May 15 March 15 May 15 March 15 May 15
Dollars per 10 bs ------------------------ Dollars per 5 gal.-------------------------
1975 a 14.20 -- b 67.50 -- b 50.50 -- b 52.00 -- b 29.00 -- b
1976 17.30 -- b 71.50 -_ b 46.80 -- b 53.00 -- b 29.35 -- b
1977 18.50 18.60 70.00 69.50 40.20 39.95 50.00 52.00 26.50 27.40
1978 19.00 19.20 68.00 69.00 42.70 44.60 51.80 53.20 28.10 27.80
1979 20.00 20.50 67.00 68.90 44.20 44.80 55.20 55.90 29.70 30.60
1980 22.70 22.90 75.00 79.30 45.30 45.70 59.70 60.30 35.10 37.70
a
April 15 instead of March 15.
b
Item not surveyed prior to 1977.
Source: Agricultural Prices. Crop Reporting Board, Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives
Services, USDA, Washington, D.C.
Table 28 -New automobile and truck: Average price paid by farmers, United States, May 15,
November 15, 1975-1980.
Truck
Automobile Truck
4-door sedan 1 1/2-2 ton
intermediate sizea 3/4 ton pickup cab and chassis
Year May 15 Nov. 15 May 15 Nov. 15 May 15 Nov. 15
----------------------------------- Dollars-------------------------------
1975 4,810 5,080 4,840 5,090 7,060 7,590
1976 5,140 5,480 5,200 5,590 8,000 8,810
1977 5,520 5,910 5,650 5,940 8,870 9,490
1978 5,970 6,360 6,080 6,530 10,000 11,000
1979 6,690 6,930 6,930 7,110 11,800 12,900
1980 7,140 7,120 13,600
a
Includes Chevrolet,Chevelle Malibu Classic, Ford Grand Torino and Plymouth Fury for May and
November 1975 and May 1976. Ford LTD II substituted for Ford Grand Torino November 1976 to May
1978. Includes Chevrolet Malibu Classic and Dodge Diplomat for November 15, 1978 to May 15, 1980.
Includes Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge.
Includes Ford and Chevrolet.
Source: Agricultural Prices. Crop Reporting Board, Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives
Services. USDA, Washington, D.C.
Table 29 -Tractors: Average price paid by farmers, United States, March 15, September 15, 1975-1980.
2-wheel drive 4-wheel drive
30-39 P.T.O. or 50-59 P.T.O. or 110-129 P.T.O. or 170-240 P.T.O. or
belt HP, each belt HP, each belt HP, each belt HP, each
Year March 15 Sept. 15 March 15 Sept. 15 March 15 Sept. 15 March 15 Sept. 15
--------------------------------------Dollars ----------------------------
1975 -a 6,190 -a 8,790 --a 19,400 -a 40,000
1976 -a 6,640 -a 9,350 -a 21,700 -a 43,900
1977 6,980 7,180 9,860 10,200 23,300 23,700 --b 45,500
1978 7,410 7,900 10,500 11,200 24,700 25,900 48,000 50,100
1979 8,280 8,630 11,600 12,300 27,200 29,000 53,600 57,100
1980 9,200 9,440 13,200 13,800 31,200 32,500 61,900 67,700
aNot reported before 1977.
Not available for March 1977.
Source: Agricultural Prices, Crop Reporting Board, Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives Services,
USDA, Washington, D.C.
-P
cn
Table 30 -Farm-machinery: Average price paid by farmers, United States, March 15,
September 15, 1975-1980.
Chisel plows,
Moldboard plow deep tillage, chisel Tandem disk
5-bottoms or sweep 18 feet harrow 16 feet
Year March 15 Sept. 15 March 15 Sept. 15 March 15 Sept. 15
----------------------------- Dollars-------------------------------
1975 -a 3,130 -a 2,350 -a 3,780
1976 _-a 3,490 -_a 2,510 -a 4,300
1977 3,790 3,800 2,700 2,900 4,520 4,800
1978 4,000 4,210 3,010 3,110 4,970 5,080
1979 4,590 4,890 3,200 3,540 5,420 5,600
1980 5,270 5,400 3,630 3,750 6,030 6,320
a
Not reported before 1977.
Source: Agricultural Prices, Crop Reporting Board, Economics, Statistics, and
Cooperatives Services, USDA, Washington, D.C.
Table 31 -Farm supplies and marketing containers: Average price paid by farmers, United States,
February 15, November, 1975-1980.
Farm supplies
Barbed wire galvanized,
12 1/2 gauge, 4 pt.
Year Feb. 15 Nov. 15
Baskets, stave, 1 bu.
with cover, new
Feb. 15 Nov. 15
Marketing containers
Hampers, 1 bu.,
with cover, new
Feb. 15 Nov. 15
Bags, burlap,
100 pounds
Feb. 15 Nov. 15
Dollars per 80
rod spool
33.60 30.80
30.50 30.10
29.80 30.10
30.00 31.60
32.40 34.80
35.30
Dollars per
dozen
10.40
11.00
11.30
11.90
13.20
15.30
10.60
11.20
11.60
12.90
14.50
-----------Dollars per 100----------------
73.50 77.00 33.00 29.90
76.10 80.70 31.30 31.00
81.10 81.00 31.00 32.00
82.40 86.40 33.20 35.40
85.80 94.00 36.70 47.50
97.80 49.80
Source: Agricultural Prices,
Services, USDA, Washington, D.C.
Crop Reporting Board, Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
Table 32 -Florida wage rates: Florida wage rates for hired labor and piece work, including
agricultural service firms, monthly, 1975-1980.
All hired labor Piece rate
Year Jan. April July Oct. Jan. April July Oct.
--------------------------- Dollars per hour---------------------------
1975 2.86 2.88 2.70 2.84 2.94 3.12 3.36 3.34
1976 3.20 3.09 3.00 3.02 3.51 3.70 3.54 3.66
1977 3.38 3.40 3.11 3.10 3.85 3.96 3.52 3.29
1978 3.65 3.42 3.53 3.56 3.99 3.84 3.99 3.71
1979 3.87 3.91 3.70 3.88 4.27 4.28 4.15 4.46
1980 4.34 4.39 4.03 4.75 5.15 4.90
a
In most cases, the wage survey covers the first full second week of the survey month.
Source: Florida Farm Labor, Quarterly Reports, Florida Crop and Livestock Reporting
Service, Orlando, Florida.
c-
00
S49
Table 33 -Florida real estate values: Average value per acre of land and
buildings and indexes of average value per acre, 1975 -- 1980.
Value per acre Indexes of value per acre
Year Feb. 1 Nov. 1 Feb. 1 Nov. 1
-------Dollars-------- ----(1967 = 100) -------
1975 685b 681 233b 251
1976 726 741 258 267
1977 777 805 275 282
1978 838 889 288 313
1979 930 965 328 351
1980 1,097 358
a
Values are based on an index estimated from the average of the
percentage change in Georgia and Alabama index values.
b
Value is for March 1.
Source: Farm Real Estate Market Developments, Economic Research
Service, USDA, Washington, D.C.
50
COMMODITY GROUPS
Field Crops
Discussed in the general grouping of field crops are corn, peanuts,
soybeans, wheat, oats and other small grains, tobacco, sugarcane, cotton
and all hays. Trends in the acreage, yield, production and value of
these crops are given for the 1975-79 period. These data were taken
from selected reports of the Florida Crop and Livestock Reporting Service.
Data on cost of production are shown for most of these crops for the
1975-1979 period, based on crop budgets for selected crops prepared by
Extension economists.
Corn
Harvested corn acreage in Florida reached 480,000 acres in 1976.
This large acreage, along with a record yield of 60 bushels per acre,
produced a state crop of nearly 29 million bushels (Table 34). However,
widespread drought in 1977 reduced harvested acreage and yields sub-
stantially. Harvested acreage in 1978 and 1979 was about the same, as
were average yields. Total crop value more than tripled from the 1977
drought reduced crop to the 1979 value due to higher prices for a larger
crop (Table 34).
The estimated cost of producing an acre of non-irrigated corn in
North Florida increased from $153.33 in 1975 to $196.38 in 1979, an in-
crease of 28 percent. The estimated cost of producing an acre of irrigat-
ed corn in 1976 was $250.55. This cost increased 18 percent to $294.74
51
in 1979 (Table 35). Items showing the largest increase for both non-
irrigated and irrigated corn were agricultural chemicals (herbicides and
insecticides) and the cost of operating machinery and equipment. Cost
of agricultural chemicals increased 27 percent from 1976 to 1979.
Operating costs for equipment increased 43 percent from 1976 to 1979 for
non-irrigated corn and 56 percent for irrigated corn.
Peanuts
Because peanuts are an allotted crop, the Florida harvested acreage
remained stable at 55,000 acres from 1975 to 1979, except for 1978 when
only 54,000 acres were harvested (Table 36). Average yield varied from
3,000 pounds per acre in 1976 to 3,380 pounds in 1978. Price per pound
of peanuts ranged from 19.9 cents in 1975 to 21.3 cents in 1978. The
value of the peanut crop fluctuated from $33,660,000 in 1976 to $38,877,000
in 1978.
The estimated cost of producing an acre of peanuts increased 27
percent from $423.32 in 1976 to $539.44 in 1979 (Table 37). As was true
for corn, items showing the greatest percentage increase in cost were
agricultural chemicals and costs of operating equipment. The cost of
herbicides, insecticides and fungicides increased $14 per acre or 16
percent. Operati-ng costs for equipment increased 32 percent; fixed
costs of equipment increased 54 percent.
Soybeans
Acres of soybeans harvested increased 61 percent from 1975 to 1979.
Acres harvested were 281,000 in 1975 and 453,000 in 1979 (Table 38).
Average yield per acre was 24 bushels in 1975 and 29 bushels in 1979.
52
Price per bushel of soybeans varied from $4.40 in 1975 to $6.80 in 1978.
The value of the soybean crop was $86,704,000 in 1979.
The estimated cost of producing an acre of soybeans was $122.45 in
1975 (Table 39). The estimated cost per acre was $185.19 in 1979 if a
nematicide was not used and $197.89 if a nematicide was used. During
this period, the cost of herbicides and insecticides increased from
$13.63 to $28.88 per acre or 119 percent. Total cost of operating
equipment increased from $38.02 per acre in 1976 to $61.92 in 1979.
This was an increase of 63 percent.
Wheat, Oats, and Other Small Grains
Only about two-thirds of the wheat acreage planted is harvested for
grain (Table 40). Acres harvested normally varies from 12 to 14 thousand
acres. The yield per acre of wheat varied from 25 bushels per acre in
1975 to 36 bushels in 1978. Planted acres in oats is normally about
33,000 with only about 12,000 acres being harvested for grain. Statistics
on rye and other small grains are not available.
The estimated cost of producing an acre of wheat was $119.00 in
1976 and $134.27 in 1979, an increase of only $15.27 or 13 percent
(Table 41). Estimated costs for seed and fertilizer and lime showed a
decrease. Increase in machinery costs accounted for most of the in-
crease in costs. Operating costs for equipment increased $4.28 between
1976 and 1979. Fixed costs of equipment increased $12.03. Charge for
land rent increased $7.50 per acre or 33 percent.
Tobacco
The production of cigar-wrapper tobacco in Florida has been dis-
continued, and none is projected for the foreseeable future. Flue-cured
53
tobacco in Florida is produced under the allotment quota system. The
acreage changes from year to year in relation to the program. Acreage
harvested was up to 14,000 in 1976, then declined to 10,500 in both 1978
and 1979 (Table 42). Yields fluctuate very little from year to year
since most of the acreage is grown under irrigation. Price per pound
was 98 cents in 1975, rose to $1.44 in 1978 and to $1.35 in 1979. The
value of tobacco produced was $33,113,000 in 1976 but declined to $30,476,000
in 1979 due to the smaller acreage.
The estimated cost of producing an acre of tobacco in North Florida
was $1,304 in 1976 and $1,595 in 1979, an increase of $291 or 22 percent
(Table 43). The cost of a plant bed increased 14 percent, herbicides
and insecticides and sucker control 47 percent each and curing cost 46
percent.
Sugarcane
Sugarcane increased from 298,000 acres harvested in both 1975 and
1976 to 327,000 acres in 1979 (Table 44). Yield per acre over this
period varied from 29.9 tons in 1977 to 35.3 tons in 1975. The value of
sugarcane produced was $146,697,000 in 1976 and $208,276,000 in 1975.
The value of the 1979 crop has not been determined.
There are no comparable cost data showing trends in the cost of
producing sugarcane from 1975 to 1979. A survey of 19 South Florida
growers for the 1975-76 season by D. L. Brooke showed that the cost per
net acre harvested for growing cane was $420 (Table 45). An enterprise
budget for sugarcane production in South Florida for 1978-79 arrived at
a cost of production up to harvest of $378 per net acre harvested (Table
46). Although these two sets of data are not directly comparable, it
54
can be assumed that production costs increased between 1975 and 1979.
Based on data for other field crops, the largest increases were most
likely in pesticides and the costs of operating equipment.
Cotton
Cotton is grown in Florida mainly in Santa Rosa County, with small
amounts in adjoining counties. Acres harvested over the 1975-1979
period ranged from a high of 7,100 acres in 1976 to a low of 3,300 acres
in 1979 (Table 47). Yield per acre fluctuated from 346 pounds in 1975
to 514 pounds in 1976. The value of the cotton crop in both 1978 and
1979 was slightly over one million dollars. No data are available on
the cost of producing cotton in Florida.
Hay
Acres of hay harvested in Florida normally run slightly over
200,000 acres per year, with a yield of about two tons per acre (Table
48). Between 1975 and 1979 the price per ton of hay varied from $54 in
1975 to $60 in 1977. The value of hay produced was $21,816,000 in 1975
and $28,899,000 in 1979.
Vegetables
Vegetable crops discussed are snapbeans, cabbage, celery, cucumbers,
eggplants, escarole, lettuce, green peppers, potatoes, radishes, squash,
strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, and watermelons. Trends in acreage,
yield, production and value of these crops are given for the crop years
1975-76 through 1978-79. These data are from selected reports of the
Crop and Livestock Reporting Service.
55
Data are shown on the cost per acre of producing most of these
crops for the same crop years. These data are from reports showing
Annual Costs and Returns from Vegetable Crops in Florida by D. L.
Brooke. For each crop, items of costs are summarized for growing costs
and harvesting and marketing costs. In discussing trends in items of
costs, comparisons are limited to those under growing costs. These
items of costs are not greatly affected by variations in yield. Many of
the harvesting and marketing items of cost are on a per unit basis so
they tend to vary from year to year as yield per acre varies.
The same vegetable crop is often grown in more than one area of the
state. In such cases, costs and returns data may be summarized for more
than one area. In such cases, comparative cost data are presented only
for the most important area in the state.
Snapbeans
Snapbeans are grown in Florida for both the fresh market and for
processing. In the 1976-77 season, 29,500 acres were harvested for the
fresh market and 10,500 acres for processing (Table 49). In the 1978-79
season, 40,600 acres were harvested for the fresh market and 13,500 for
processing. Yield per acre for fresh market beans varied from 101
bushels in the 1977-78 season to 125 bushels in the 1976-77 season. The
price per bushel for fresh market beans was $5.74 in the 1975-76 season
and $8.06 in the 1977-78 season. In the 1978-79 season, the value of
beans for the fresh market was $31,386,000 and $4,875,000 for beans for
processing (Table 50).
The cost of growing an acre of bush snapbeans for the fresh market
was $322 in the 1974-75 season and $385 in the 1978-79 season, or an
56
increase in cost of 20 percent (Table 51). Items showing the largest
increase in cost were land rent, spray and dust materials and cultural
labor.
The cost of growing an acre of pole beans was $832 in the 1974-75
season and $1,201 in 1978-79, an increase of 44 percent (Table 52). The
cost of growing an acre of pole beans in the 1978-79 season was more
than three times the cost of growing an acre of bush snapbeans. Items
showing the largest increase in cost for pole beans were land rent,
spray and dust materials, cultural labor and repair and maintenance
costs.
Cabbage
Acres of cabbage harvested varied from 16,300 in the 1976-77 season
to 17,800 in the 1978-79 season (Table 53). Yield per acre was 395
crates in the 1977-78 season and 532 crates in the 1974-75 season. The
price growers received for cabbage varied widely from $2.32 per crate in
the 1975-76 season to $6.53 per crate in 1976-77. The value of the
cabbage crop was only slightly over $19 million in the 1975-76 season,
but was $52 million in the 1978-79 season.
The cost of growing an acre of cabbage was $539 in the 1974-75
season and $670 in the 1978-79 season, an increase of 24 percent (Table
54). Between the 1974-75 season and the 1978-79 season, the cost of
spray and dust materials increased 24 percent, cultural labor 36 per-
cent, repair and maintenance 78 percent and depreciation 44 percent. The
only major item of cost not showing an increase in cost was fertilizer.
57
Celery
Acres of celery harvested were 9,700 in the 1975-76 season and
11,700 in the 1978-79 season (Table 55). Crates of celery harvested per
acre varied from 578 in the 1976-77 season to 695 in the 1978-79 season.
In the 1974-75 season, the average price per crate of celery sold was
only $3.73. The price in the 1977-78 season was $7.36. The value of
the celery crop was $55,142,000 in the 1978-79 season.
The cost of growing an acre of celery varied from $1,238 in the
1974-75 season to $1,729 in the 1977-78 season. The cost of spray and
dust materials were significantly higher in both the 1976-77 and the
1977-78 seasons as compared to other years. This was also true for
cultural labor. Fertilizer was the only major item of cost that did not
show an increase (Table 56).
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are another vegetable crop that is grown both for the
fresh market and for processing. Acres of cucumbers for the fresh
market varied from 14,600 in 1974-75 to 15,800 in the 1977-78 season
(Table 57). In the 1978-79 season 6,300 acres of cucumbers were grown
for processing. The yield per acre for both the fresh market and for
processing did not fluctuate a great deal over the period studied.
Yield per-acre in the 1978-79 season was 307 bushels for the fresh
market and 187 bushels for processing. Price per bushel for cucumbers
for the fresh market varied from $3.64 in the 1975-76 season to $6.65 in
the 1978-79 season. In the 1978-79 season, price per bushel for cucumbers
for processing was $4.73. Values in the 1978-79 season were $32,050,000
for fresh market cucumbers and $5,585,000 for processing cucumbers (Table
58).
58
The cost per acre for cucumbers grown for the fresh market was $740
in the 1974-75 season and $884 in the 1978-79 season (Table 59). This
was an increase of 19 percent. Between these two seasons, land rent
increased 69 percent, cultural labor 38 percent and license and insurance
110 percent. The cost of fertilizer declined slightly and there was
only a small increase in the cost of spray and dust materials.
Eggplants
Acres of eggplants harvested did not vary a great deal from 1974-75
to the 1977-78 season, but did show a larger increase in the 1978-79
season. Yield per acre varied from 585 bushels in the 1978-79 season to
701 in the 1976-77 season (Table 60). Price per bushel was $3.06 in
1975-76 and $4.14 in 1978-79. The value of eggplants produced was
$6,784,000 in the 1978-79 season.
The cost of growing an acre of eggplants in the Palm Beach-Broward
area was $1,480 in the 1974-75 season and $1,868 in 1978-79, or an
increase of 26 percent (Table 61). The charge for land rent increased
$42 per acre, seed $49, spray and dust materi l $65, and cultural labor
$138. Miscellaneous expenses increased $158.per acre but cost of ferti-
lizer decreased $69.
Escarole and Lettuce
Both acres in escarole and yield per acre did not vary a great deal
between the 1974-75 and the 1978-79 season (Table 62). However, there
was a wide fluctuation in price. Price per crate of escarole was $2.61
in the 1974-75 season and $4.63 in the 1977-78 season. The value of the
escarole crop fluctuated between $8,688,000 in the 1974-75 season and
$15,124,000 in 1977-78, a difference of 74 percent.
59
Acres of lettuce harvested increased from 7,100 in the 1974-75
season to 12,900 in the 1978-79 season (Table 62). With the exception
of the 1976-77 season, yield per acre did not vary widely. The price
per cwt. received for lettuce more than doubled from 1974-75 to 1978-79
going from $8.95 to $18.75. The value of lettuce produced was $11,513,000
in 1974-75 and $48,032,000 in 1978-79.
Separate cost data are not available for escarole or lettuce. There
is a cost summary for leaf crops in the Everglades area. The cost of
growing an acre of leaf crops was $414 in the 1974-75 season and $704 in
1978-79, an increase of 70 percent (Table 63). Cost per acre for land
rent increased $30, fertilizer $56, spray and dust material $48 and
cultural labor $70. Leaf crops and radishes are the only vegetable
crops that showed a significant increase in fertilizer costs over the
1974-75 through 1978-79 period.
Green Peppers
Acres harvested in green peppers increased from 14,900 in the 1974-
75 season to 18,800 in 1977-78, then decreased to 18,100 in 1978-79
(Table 64). Yield per acre varied from 400 bushels in the 1976-77 season
to 510 bushels in 1974-75. Price per bushel was $4.96 in 1974-75 and
$6.13 in 1978-79. The value of the pepper crop was $37,695,000 in the
1974-75 season and $49,413,000 in the 1978-79 season.
The cost to grow an acre of peppers in the Palm Beach-Broward area
was $1,779 in the 1974-75 season and $2,346 in the 1977-78 season (Table
65). Costs of spray and dust materials per acre increased 63 percent,
cultural labor 28 percent, repairs and maintenance 29 percent and miscellaneous
expenses 42 percent. Cost of fertilizer decreased 21 percent.
60
Potatoes
Harvested potato acreage increased from 27,500 acres in the 1974-75
season to 32,300 in 1977-78 then dropped to 28,000 in 1978-79 (Table
66). Yield per acre was 175 cwt. in 1977-78 and 215 cwt. in 1978-79.
Price varied from $4.64 per cwt. in 1974-75 to $6.71 in the 1976-77
season. The value of the crop was $30,435,000 in the 1978-79 season.
The cost to grow an acre of potatoes in the Dade County area was
$698 in the 1974-75 season and $920 in the 1978-79 season (Table 67).
This was an increase of 32 percent. The per acre increase in land rent
was $17, seed $28, gas, oil and grease $14, depreciation $12, and licenses
and insurance $29.
The cost to grow an acre of potatoes in the Hastings area was $591
in 1974-75 and $667 in 1978-79, or an increase of only 13 percent (Table
68). Cost of land rent increased 16 percent, seed 21 percent, spray
and dust materials 4 percent, and cultural labor 12 percent.
In the 1978-79 season, the cost of growing an acre of potatoes in
the Dade County area was $253 more than in the Hastings area. Harvest-
ing and marketing costs were $106 per acre more. Total crop cost was
$359 per acre higher in the Dade County area.
Radishes
Acres of radishes harvested varied from 25,700 in the 1975-76
season to 29,600 in the 1978-79 season (Table 69). Yield per acre was
287 cartons in the 1977-78 season and 340 cartons in 1978-79. With the
exception of the 1977-78 season, price per carton showed very little
variation. The value of the radish crop was $21,895,000 in the 1978-79
season.
61
It cost less per acre to grow radishes than any other vegetable
crop in Florida. However, between 1974-75 and 1978-79, growing cost per
acre in the Everglades area more than doubled going from $97 to $209
(Table 70). During this period, the cost per acre of land rent increased
$17, seed $9, fertilizer $17, spray and dust material $9, cultural labor
$12, and repairs and maintenance expenses $17.
Squash
Acres of squash harvested varied from 11,200 in the 1974-75 season
to 13,350 in the 1978-79 season (Table 71). Yield per acre was 139
bushels in the 1978-79 season and 160 bushels in 1974-75. Price per
bushel was $4.28 in 1977-78 and $7.51 in 1978-79. The value of squash
in the 1978-79 season was $13,971,000.
The cost to grow an acre of squash was $470 in the 1974-75 season
and $647 in the 1978-79 season (Table 72). This was an increase of $177
or 38 percent. The per acre increase in the cost of land rent was $35,
seed $72, repairs and maintenance $21 and miscellaneous expenses $9.
Strawberries
Harvested acres of strawberries doubled between the 1974-75 season
and the 1978-79 season going from 1,200 to 2,400 (Table 73). The yield
per acre was 1,415 flats in the 1977-78 season and 1,610 flats in the
1974-75 season. The price per flat was $4.33 in both the 1974-75 and
1975-76 seasons and $5.92 in the 1978-79 season. The value of strawberries
produced more than doubled between the 1974-75 season and the 1978-79
season going from $8,375,000 to $22,157,000. There are no cost data
available for strawberries that allow comparisons over the 1975-1979 period.
62
Sweet Corn
Acres of sweet corn harvested varied from 50,300 in the 1976-77
season to 57,400 in the 1975-76 season (Table 74). Yield per acre was
222 crates in 1978-79 and 238 crates in 1976-77. Price per crate varied
from $3.64 in the 1975-76 season to $4.25 in the 1978-79 season. The
value of the sweet corn crop was $51,423,000 in the 1978-79 season.
The cost per acre to grow sweet corn in the Everglades area in-
creased from $310 in the 1974-75 season to $450 in the 1978-79 season
(Table 75). This was an increase of $140 per acre or 45 percent. The
cost of land rent increased $27 per acre, fertilizer $14, spray and dust
materials $9, cultural labor $16, repairs and maintenance $12 and licenses
and insurance $18.
Tomatoes
There were 31,500 acres of tomatoes harvested in the 1974-75 season
and 41,500 acres in the 1977-78 season (Table 76). Yield per acre of
tomatoes packed fresh varied from 688 cartons in the 1977-78 season to
855 cartons in the 1974-75 season. Price received per carton was $5.48
in 1974-75 and $6.57 in 1978-79. The total value of the tomato crop
varied from $148,709,000 in the 1974-75 season to $220,216,000 in the
1978-79 season (Table 77). There are some tomatoes processed each year
but these are tomatoes picked from fields after they have been abandoned
for picking for the fresh market.
Both staked and ground tomatoes are grown in Florida. The cost to
grow an acre of ground tomatoes in Dade County was $1,320 in the 1974-75
season and $1,909 in the 1978-79 season, or an increase in cosi of 45
percent (Table 78). The largest increase in cost per acre was the cost
63
of cultural labor which more than doubled going from $202 to $454.
Other items showing sizeable increases were land rent $42, spray and
dust materials $63, gas, oil and grease $27, and repairs and maintenance
$60.
The cost of growing an acre of staked tomatoes in the Immokalee
area was $2,280 in the 1974-75 season and $2,6; in the 1978-79 season
(Table 79). This was an increase in cost of $285 or only 12 percent.
Increase in land rent was $39 per acre, seed $33, spray and dust materials
$67, cultural labor $84, repairs and maintenance $60, depreciation $44,
and licenses and insurance $37.
Watermelons
Acres of watermelons harvested varied widely, from a high of 55,000
acres harvested in the 1975-76 season to a low of 43,000 acres in the 1978-79
season (Table 80). Yield per acre was 185 cwt. in the 1974-75 season and
150 cwt. in the 1978-79 season. The price farmers received for water-
melons varied from $2.61 per cwt. in 1975-76 to $5.00 in 1978-79. The
value of the watermelon crop was $32,250,000 in the 1978-79 season.
Comparative data on the cost of growing watermelons are available
for the Immokalee-Lee area for five years and for North Florida for
three years. The data for the two sections of the state are not compar-
able in that the North Florida costs includes harvesting and marketing
expenses.
The cost of growing an acre of watermelons in the Immokalee-Lee
area was $624 in the 1974-75 season and $896 in the 1978-79 season,
an increase in cost of 44 percent (Table 81). Land rent increased $32
per acre, spray and dust materials $25, gas, oil and grease $16, repairs
and maintenance $29 and licenses and insurance $30.
64
The cost to grow and harvest an acre of watermelons in North
Florida was estimated to be $274 in 1976 and $308 in 1979 (Table 82).
Between 1976 and 1979, the per acre cost of seed increased $4, fungicide
and insecticide $7, operating cost of equipment $3, fixed cost of equip-
ment $7 and man labor $22.
Fruit Crops
Florida fruit crop industries are an important part of the state's
economy. The citrus groves of central and southern Florida produce
three-fourths of the nation's oranges and grapefruits. In this dis-
cussion trends are given for all round oranges, grapefruit, temples and
tangelos, tangerines and honey tangerines, lemons, limes, avocados, and
mangos.
Citrus
All round oranges
The bearing acreage of all round oranges decreased from 610,400 in
the 1974-75 season to 571,500 in the 1978-79 season (Table 83). This
was a decrease of 38,900 acres or 6 percent. Yield varied from 284 boxes
of fruit per acre in the 1974-75 season to 314 in 1976-77. Only about 8
percent of the oranges produced are sold on the fresh market. There was
a wide variation in the on-tree price per box, from $1.62 in 1974-75 to
$5.00 in the 1978-79 season The on-tree value of all round oranges was
$280,350,000 in the 1974-75 season and $820,545,000 in the 1978-79
season (Table 83).
In the 1978-79 season, 52 percent of the bearing acres of round
oranges were early and mid-season oranges and 48 percent were in late
65
oranges (Valencia) (Table 83). The yield per acre of early and mid-
season oranges runs higher than late oranges but the price per box is
higher for the late oranges. In the 1978-79 season, early and mid-
season oranges accounted for 53 percent of the value of all round
oranges and late oranges accounted for 47 percent.
Grapefruit
The bearing acreage of all grapefruit increased from 115,400 in the
1974-75 season to 124,600 acres in the 1978-79 season, an increase of 7
percent (Table 84). Yield per acre varied from 389 boxes in the 1974-75
season to 432 in the 1978-79 season. About two-fifths of the grapefruit
produced is sold on the fresh market and three-fifths are processed. The
on-tree price per box of grapefruit was $1.47 in 1975-76 and $2.19 in
1978-79. The on-tree value of grapefruit was $109,651,000 in the 1978-79
season.
There are three types of grapefruit grown, white seedy, white
seedless and pink seedless. In the 1978-79 season, white seedy made up
17 percent of the bearing acreage, white seedless 53 percent and pink
seedless 30 percent (Table 84). Yield per acre is usually highest for
the white seedless grapefruit. Practically all of the seedy grapefruit
is processed. Roughly two-thirds of the white seedless grapefruit is
processed but only one-third of the pink seedless is processed. The on-
tree price per box of seedy grapefruit in the 1978-79 season was $1.50,
white seedless $1.97 and pink seedless $3.07.
Temples and tangelos
The 1978-79 bearing acres of temple oranges was 18,300 and tangelos
17,100 (Table 85). The yield per acre for the two fruits was 257 and
66
246 boxes, respectively. In the 1978-79 season, 55 percent of the
temple oranges and 59 percent of the tangelos were processed. The on-
tree price per box was $4.95 for temple oranges and $3.75 for tangelos.
The total value of temple oranges was $23,284,000 and $15,746,000 for
the tangelos.
Tangerines and honey tangerines
The bearing acres of tangerines was 15,900 in the 1978-79 crop year
and 8,000 for honey tangerines (Table 86). The yield per acre is usually
higher for honey tangerines than for tangerines although this was not
the case in the 1976-77 season. In the 1978-79 season, 46 percent of
the tangerines and 43 percent of the honey tangerines were processed.
The on-tree price per box was $4.42 for tangerines and $6.83 for honey
tangerines. The value of the tangerine crop was $15,457,000 and honey
tangerines $12,083,000.
Cost of producing citrus
Cost data are not available for the different kinds of citrus
produced. Costs are available for oranges with a mixture of about 10
percent grapefruit. It cost $396 an acre to produce this combination of
fruit in the 1974-75 season and $463 in the 1978-79 season (Table 87). This
was an increase of $66, or 17 percent. The per acre increase for labor,
power, and equipment was $26, fertilizer materials and spray and dust
materials $13 each and interest on grove valuation was $17.
67
Tropical Fruit Crops
Lemons
Total acres of bearing lemons was 6,900 in 1975 and 5,200 in 1979.
Production of lemons varied from a high of 1,370,000 boxes in 1976 to a
low of 390,000 in 1977 (Table 88). Price per box was $3.45 in 1976 and
$8.30 in 1979. The value of the lemon crop was $10,375,000 in 1979.
Limes
Acres of non-bearing limes were 300 in both the 1975-76 and 1976-77
seasons and 1,000 acres in the 1979-80 season. Acres of bearing limes
were 4,400 in the 1975-76 season and 4,600 in the 1979-80 season (Table
89). Total production of limes varied from 736,000 bushels in the 1977-
78 season to 1,760,000 bushels in the 1979-80 season. In the 1979-80
season, 43 percent of limes produced were processed. Price per bushel was
$5.79 in 1975-76 and $7.84 in 1979-80. The total value of the lime crop
was $13,796,000 in the 1979-80 season.
Avocados
Bearing acres of avocados increased from 6,400 in the 1975-76
season to 8,000 acres in 1979-80 (Table 90). Production during the
five year period was lowest in the 1977-78 season at 480,000 bushels
due to the 1977 freeze. Highest production was 1,160,000 bushels in
the 1975-76 season. Price per bushel was $10 in both the 1975-76 and
1978-79 seasons and $17.25 in the 1977-78 season. The value of the
avocado crop was $16,016,000 in the 1979-80 season.
68
Mangos
Bearing acreage in mangos varied little from 1975 to 1979, but
production ranged from 400,000 bushels in 1976 to 175,000 in 1977
(Table 91). Price of mangos varied between the $7.50 per bushel in
1976 and the $13.75 in 1977. The value of the mango crop was $2,938,000
in 1979. There are no production cost data available for tropical fruit
crops.
Animal Industries
The animal industries are a major contributor to Florida's economy.
Included in the discussion as major classes of livestock are beef cattle,
dairy, poultry, swine, and bees and their products. Total cash receipts
from all livestock and products normally make up slightly more than one-
fourth of the total cash farm receipts of the state (Table 92). In
1975, total cash receipts from all livestock and products were $623,250,000.
This figure increased to $1,013,454,000 in 1979 or 63 percent. In 1979,
cash receipts from cattle and calves made up 42 percent of the total
cash receipts from all livestock and livestock products, hogs 5 percent,
milk 28 percent, poultry and eggs 20 percent and other livestock and
products 4 percent.
Beef Cattle
The number of all classes of beef cattle and calves declined from
1975 to 1979 (Table 93). Beef cows on farms January 1 decreased from
1,468,000 in 1975 to 1,149,000 in 1979. Replacement heifers decreased
from 265,000 to 146,000 and calves 500 pounds and under from 640,000 to
441,000.
69
Liveweight of cattle marketed was 754,130,000 pounds in 1975 but
only 534,460,000 pounds in 1979 (Table 94). Cash receipts increased
substantially, however, due to higher prices for both cattle and calves.
Average price for cattle was $25.10 per cwt. in 1975 and $65.50 in 1979.
Calves were $23.30 in 1975 and $95.30 per cwt. in 1979. Total cash
receipts from marketing increased from $185,640,000 in 1975 to $422,199,000
in 1979.
Costs are available for 1976, 1977 and 1979, for a 100 cow herd on
200 acres of permanent pasture on flatwoods soils in South Florida
(Table 95). These data show a decrease in costs between 1976 and 1979,
due in part to less fertilizer and lower prices for fertilizer. Less
supplemental feeding in 1977 and 1979 as compared to 1976, and lower costs
for supplemental feed contributed to lower production costs.
Dairy
The number of dairy cows in Florida on January 1 declined from
202,000 in 1975 to 189,000 in 1979 (Table 96). Value per head increased
from $375 in 1975 to $530 in 1978. Value per head was not estimated for
1979.
Milk production per cow increased from 9,929 pounds in 1975 to
10,457 pounds in 1979 (Table 97). Increase in production per cow was
enough to offset the decrease in number of cows. Total milk production
was 1,956 million pounds in 1975 and 1,966 million pounds in 1979.
Average price increased from $11.30 per cwt. in 1975 to $14.50 in 1979.
Cash receipts from milk marketing was $282,081,000 in 1979, an increase
of 33 percent over the value of milk sold in 1975.
70
Poultry
The average number of layers during the year on poultry farms in
Florida increased from 11,799,000 for 1975 to 13,049,000 for 1979, an increase
of 11 percent (Table 98). Eggs produced per layer increased from 236 to
244 from 1975 to 1979. Total number of eggs produced increased 15
percent for the period. Price per dozen of eggs fluctuated between the low
of 42.7 cents in 1978 and the high of 50.7 cents in 1976. Cash receipts
from eggs marketed were $130,054,000 in 1979.
The number of broilers produced increased from 64,347,000 in 1975
to 78,683,000 in 1979, or 22 percent (Table 99). The average weight per
bird was 3.8 pounds in 1975 and 4.0 in 1979. Total pounds of broilers
produced increased 29 percent between 1975 and 1979. The value of
broilers produced was $78,683,000 in 1979.
Total poultry and eggs receipts increased form $166,569,000 in 1975
to $213,340,000 in 1979, an increase of 28 percent (Table 100).
Swine
The number of hogs and pigs on hand December 1, 1974 was 292,000
(Table 101). This figure increased by 133,000 to 425,000 December 1,
1978. Sows farrowed in both spring and fall more than doubled between
1975 and 1979, and the combined pig crop was 291,000 in 1975 and 699,00-u
in 1979.
Liveweight of hogs marketed was 60,057,000 pounds in 1975 and
127,280,000 pounds in 1979. Hog prices averaged $44.70 per cwt. in
1975 and $40.60 in 1979. The total cash receipts from hogs marketed were
$51,676,000 in 1979 (Table 102).
71
Bees
With the exception of 1978, the number of bee colonies was constant at
360,000 from 1975 Lu 1979 (Table 103). The amount of honey produced per
colony varied from 40 pounds in 1977 to 78 pounds in 1979. The price of
honey was 42.4 cents per pound in 1976 and 52.8 cents in 1979. Total
value of the honey crop varied from $6,356,000 in 1977 to $14,826,000 in
1979.
The amount of beeswax produced was 216,000 in 1977 and 465,000 in
1976. The price of beeswax was only 95 cents per pound in 1974. The
price in 1979 was $1.70 per pound. The value of beeswax was $573,000 in
1979.
Ornamentals
Production area in four categories of ornamental crops decreased
considerably from 1976 to 1979. Total acreage in cut flowers, flowering
pot plants, foliage plants and bedding plants dropped from 8,400 acres
in 1976 to less than 6,300 acres by 1979 (Table 104). The major share
of this decrease was in cut flowers.
Sales values at wholesale for these products increased from $146
million in 1976 to $160 million in 1979, however (Table 105). Large
increases in foliage sales more than offset declines in cut flowers and
flowering pot plants.
Other major items, for which no quantity or sales data are reported
are ferns and hardy greens, turfgrass and woody ornamentals. Estimates
by knowledgeable observers of these industries place current sales
values of ferns at $30 million annually and $27 million for turfgrass.
Sales-of woody ornamentals and landscape plants are also large, but no
72
reliable data exist. In addition, there are many other floral and
ornamental crops produced in the state for which no data are available.
Business analysis studies are available on selected foliage nurseries
in Florida. Comparing annual summary data from these studies shows
changes in cost items for nurseries. Data for 1975 and 1979 show that
wages and salaries other than operator's salary increased $37,892, or 23
percent between the two years (Table 106). The cost of fuel oil for
production heat increased 77 percent, electricity 33 percent and equipment
operating cost 21 percent.
Forestry
The income from forest products was $57,048,000 in 1975 and $106,835,000
in 1978, an increase of 87 percent (Table 107). These figures do not
include sales from farms which were $9,110,000 in 1975 and $13,165,000
in 1978 (Table 3).
The Marine Industry
Florida's commercial fishing industry is a basic segment of the
state's economy. Normally about two-thirds of annual landings are on
the west coast. About 60 percent of total landings are fish while more
valuable shellfish account for 68 percent of the total value of the
landings. About 75 different species are important commercially with 16
species worth over one million dollars each at dockside.
Total pounds of fish landed did not fluctuate a great deal between
1975 and 1979. Landings were 163 million pounds in both 1975 and 1979
and 171 million pounds in both 1976 and 1978 (Table 108). Average
dockside price per pound increased from 45.4 cents "in 1975 and 76.1
73
cents in 1979. Total value of all fish landed was $74 million in 1975
and $124 million in 1979, or an increase in value of 68 percent.
Data are available on the estimated annual cost per boat in catch-
ing Atlantic king mackerel and Spanish mackerel for 1976 and 1979. The
average cost per boat for hook and line boats catching Atlantic ki-ng
mackerel was $9,647 in 1976 and $13,049 in 1979 (Table 109). This was
an increase in costs of $3,402 or 35 percent. Total variable costs in-
creased 34 percent and total fixed costs 37 percent. Items showing the
largest percentage increase in cost were fuel and engine repair which
increased 50 percent each, overhead 46 percent and hull repair 33 percent.
The average cost per boat for large boats catching Spanish mackerel
was $74,536 in 1976 and $100,759 in 1979, or an increase of 35 percent
(Table 110). Engine repair cost increased 89 percent, fuel costs 78
percent and crew share (wages) 37 percent.
74
Table 34--*Acreage yield, production and value of corn in Florida,
1975-79.
Season
Harvested Yield per average Value of
Year acres acre Production price production
1,000 Bushels 1,000 bu. Dollars 1,000 dollars
1975 375 45 16,875 2.70 45,563
1976 480 60 28,800 2.60 74,880
1977 299 35 10,465 1.60 16,744
1978 370 52 19,240 2.10 40,404
1979 360 53 19,080 2.85 54,372
Source: Florida Agricultural Statistics, Field Crops Summary 1979.
Florida Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida.
75
Table 35--Estimated cost
1975-1979.
of producing one acre of corn, North Florida,
Item 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
---------------- Dollars ------------
Non-irrigated corn
Seed
Fertilizer and lime
Herbicides and
insecticides
Equipment costs:
Operating costs
Fixed costs
Custom combine and haul
Man labor
Land rent
Interest on variable costs
Total cost
8.40
67.82
68.4U
63.77
8.40
64.43
8.40 9.24
63.33 56.41
16.61 17.81 19.17 21.11 22.66
7.11
7.18
15.00
6.17
20.00
5.04
153.33
Irrigated corn
Seed
Fertilizer and lime
Herbicides and
insecticides
Equipment costs
Operating costs
Fixed costs
Irrigation costs:
Operating costs
Fixed costs
Man labor
Land rent
Interest on variable costs
Total costs
15.36
22.66
7.50
22.50
6.77
164.77
17.50
26.73
7.50
25.00
7.10
175.83
18.70
29.12
7.95
25.00
7.22
180.83
21.93
39.99
8.70
30.00
7.45
196.38
10.50 10.50 10.50 13.86
83.02 83.68 82.08 73.28
17.81 19.17 21.11 22.66
15.36 17.50 20.56 23.98
22.66 26.73 33.88 46.45
12.30
51.07
7.50
22.50
7.83
250.55
12.30
51.07
7.50
25.00
8.78
262.23
13.34
51.07
7.95
25.00
9.03
274.52
17.22
49.10
8.70
30.00
9.49
294.74
Source: Based on crop budgets prepared by Extension economists,
Department of Food and Resource Economics, Gainesville,
Florida.
76
Table 36--Acreage, yield, production and value of peanuts in Florida,
1975-1979.
Season
Harvested Yield per average Value of
Year acres acre Production price production
1,000 Pounds 1,000 Ibs. Dollars 1,000 dollars
1975 55 3,230 177,650 .199 35,352
1976 55 3,000 165,000 .204 33,660
1977 55 3,100 170,500 .207 35,294
1978 54 3,380 182,520 .213 38,877
1979 55 3,270 179,850 .210 37,769
Source: Florida Agricultural Statistics, Field Crops Summary 1979.
Florida Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida.
77
Table 37--Estimated cost of producing one acre of peanuts, North Florida,
1976-1979.
Item 1976 1977 1978 1979
---------------- Dollars ------------------
Seed 39.60 39.60 44.00 46.00
Fertilizer and lime 40.50 42.50 41.50 39.75
Land plaster 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00
Herbicide, insecticides
and fungicides 74.14 76.91 79.58 86.04
Custom spraying 1.75 2.00 2.00 2.50
Equipment costs:
Operating costs 27.74 30.88 33.23 36.75
Fixed costs 55.68 63.93 69.65 85.91
Hauling 6.74 6.74 7.31 8.04
Drying and cleaning 28.69 28.69 28.69 31.50
Peanut commission 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50
Man labor 17.98 17.98 19.05 20.85
Land rent 22.50 25.00 25.00 30.00
Charge for allotment 80.00 90.00 100.00 120.00
Interest on variable costs 17.50 18.54 19.54 21.60
Total costs 423.32 453.27 480.05 539.44
Source: Based on crop budgets prepared by Extension economists,
Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida.
78
Table 38--Acreage yield, production and value of soybeans in Florida,
1975-1979.
Acreage Yield Production Season Value
Planted Harvested per average of
Year acre price production
--- 1,000 acres --- Bushels 1,000 bu. Dollars 1,000 dollars
1975 291 281 24 6,744 4.40 29,674
1976 259 253 26 6,578 7.00 46,046
1977 334 327 25 8,175 6.00 49,050
1978 420 410 25 10,250 6.80 69,700
1979 460 453 29 13,137 6.60 86,704
Source: Florida Agricultural Statistics, Field Crop Summary 1979.
Florida Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, Orlando,
Florida.
79
Table 39--Estimated cost of producing one acre of soybeans, North Florida,
1975-1979.
Item 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
-------------------- Dollars---- ---------
Seed innoculant 12 0q 12.90 12.90 12.90 12.25
Fertilizer and lime 40.77 31.12 31.78 20.78 29.03
Herbicides and
insecticides 13,63 14.88 17.43 26.99 28.88
Custom spraying 3.75 5.00 5.00 6.00 7.50
Equipment charge:
Operating cost 7.11 15.36 17.54 18.70 21.93
Fixed cost 7.18 22.66 26.73 29.12 39.99
Custom combine and
haul 6.25 --
Man labor 6.17 7.50 7.50 7.95 8.70
Land rent 20.00 22.50 25.00 25.00 30.00
Interest on variable
costs 4.69 5.46 5.86 6.42 6.91
Total costs 122.45 137.38 149.74 163.86 185.19
a rany North Florida growers use a nematicide
nematicide is used, add $12.70 to total expenses.
treatment.
Source: Based on crop budgets prepared by Extension economists,
Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of
Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
If a
80
Table 40--Acreage, yield, production and value of wheat and oats in
Florida, 1975-19.79.
Crop Acreage Yield Production Season Value
and Planted Harvested per average of
year acre price production
-- 1,000 acres -- Bushels 1,000 bu. Dollars 1,000 dollars
Wheat
1975 26 13 25 325 3.10 1,008
1976 19 14 30 420 3.00 1,260
1977 19 13 29 377 2.20 829
1978 17 12 36 432 3.00 1,296
a
1979 -- --
Oats
1975 31 12 41 492 1.40 689
1976 33 12 50 600 1.40 840
1977 33 12 45 540 1.25 675
1978a
a
1979 --- ---
Estimate discontinued.
Source; Florida Agricultural Statistics, Field Crop Summary 1979.
Florida Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida.
81
*Table41 --Estimated cost of producing one acre of wheat, North Florida,
1976-1979.
Item 1976 1977 1978 1979
-------------- Dollars ----------------
Seed 11.25 11.25 6.75 6.00
Fertilizer and lime 48.92 49.58 47.88 43.78
Equipment costs:
Operating costs 10.75 12.42 13.18 15.03
Fixed costs 17.03 20.21 21.94 29.06
Man labor 4.65 4.65 4.93 5.39
Land rent 22.50 25.00 25.00 30.00
Interest on variable costs 3.90 5.14 4.89 5.01
Total costs 119.00 128.25 124.57 134.27
Source: Based on crop budgets prepared by Extension economists, Department
of Food and Resource Economics, University of Florida, Gainesville,
Florida.
82
Table 42--Acres, yield, production and value of tobacco in Florida,
1975-1979.
Crop Acres Yield Production Season Value
and per average of
year acre price production
1,000 Pounds 1,000 Ibs Dollars 1,000 dollars
Tobacco-Shade
1975 .99 1,530 1,515 4.000 6,060
1976 .35 1,680 588 3.950 2,323
1977 .14 1,630 228 4.000 912
1978 a
1979 a
Tobacco-Flue cured
1975 13.50 2,080 28,080 0.975 27,641
1976 14.00 2,160 30,240 1.095 33,113
1977 b 11.80 2,094 24,798 1.226 30,396
1978 10.50 2,100 22,050 1.440 31,752
1979 10.50 2,150 22,575 1.350 30,476
Plantings discontinued after 1977.
Includes a small amount of shade tobacco.
Source: Florida Agricultural Statistics Field Crop Summary 1979.
Florida Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida,
83
Table 43--Estimated cost of producing one acre of tobacco, North Florida,
1976, 1977 and 1979.a
Item 1976 1977 1979
------- Dollars -------------
Plant bed costs
Field operations costs
(pre-harvest)
Nematicide
Fertilizer and lime
Herbicides and insecticides
Sucker control
Man labor
Insurance
Equipment costs:
Operating costs
Fixed costs
Irrigation costs:
Operating costs
Fixed costs
Interest on variable costs
Total cost field operation
Harvesting, curing and marketing
costs (mechanical harvesting)
Curing:
Fuel
Electricity
Sheets b
Marketing charge
Other costs
Total harvesting, curing and
marketing costs
Total crop costs
36.15
5.90
125.40
74.06
39.38
78.30
60.00
46.84
89.85
25.35
60.00
32.22
673.45
127.50
20.00
7.80
69.30
406.21
630.81
1,304.26
37.50
31.80
126.20
85.77
53.38
78.30
60.00
58.51
101.33
33.15
66.00
35.54
729.98
142.50
40.00
7.80
72.45
423.86
686.61
1,454.09
48.93
42.50
123.50
89.07
57.92
70.76
75.00
27.87
52.35
34.79
72.60
16.53
662.89
165.00
50.00
8.29
85.05
574.81
883.15
1,594.97
aNo charge included for (1) land, allotment and supervision;
(2) Stalk destruction etc. and cover crop cost omitted.
bMarketing cost was determined for 2,100 pounds per acre sold
at a price of $1.10 per pound in 1976, $1.15 in 1977, and $1.35 in 1979.
Source: Based on budgets prepared by Extension economists.
84
Table 44--Acreage, yield production and value of sugarcane for sugar
and seed in Florida, 1975-1979.
Harvested
acres
Yield
per
acre
Production
Season
average
price
Value
of
production
Tons
35.3
32.6
29.9
30.7
33.9
1,000 tons
10,519
9,715T
8,970
9,701
11 ,075
Dollars 1 ,0O'J doll
19.80
15.10
19 60
20.50
208,276
146,697
175,812
198,871
aNot available.
Source: Florida Agricultural Statistics, Field Crop Summary 1979. Fl
Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida.
Year
1,000
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
298
298
300
316
327
- ------------ 5
--
n
ars
lorida
-
85
Table 45--Cost of producing sugarcane per net acre harvested, 19 South
Florida growers, 1975-76 season.
Cost per net
Item acre harvested
--- Dollars
Cash operating expenses
Labor:
Wages 64.82
Benefits 24.55
Supplies and materials:
Fertilizer 31.43
All other chemicals 31.23
Seed cane purchased 1.98
Other supplies and materials 6.60
Power and equipment:
Fuel and other petroleum products 10.36
Water and electricity .51
Repairs and maintenance 33.28
Machine hire 9.09
Interest on operating capital 16.04
Total cost operating expenses 229.89
Ownership and overhead costs
Depreciation 21.51
Taxes (real estate and personal property) 25.46
Insurance (other than payroll) 5.74
Interest on investment capital 7.89
Administration expenses:
Labor 14.53
Non labor 10.47
Land charge 104,71
Total 190,31
Total growing cost 420.20
Source: Cost of Producing Suaarcane and Processing Raw Sugar
in South Florida, 1975-76. D,L. Brooke, Economics Report 84, Department
of Food and Resource Economics, University of Florida, March 1977.
86
Table 46--Estimated cost of producing sugarcane, per net acre harvested
South Florida, .1978-79a
Cost per net
Item acre harvested
-Dollars---
Variable costs:
Labor:
Wages 17.91
Benefits 2.68
Supplies and materials:
Fertilizer 25.72
Insecticides and herbicides 10.35
Rodent control material 2.57
Seed costs 27.43
Cost of operating equipment 19.21
Custom work 47.22
Miscellaneous 13.46
Interest on variable costs 16.64
Total 183.19
Fixed costs:
Machinery and equipment 32.55
Land charge 137.14
Taxes: Land and drainage 25.52
Total 195.21
Total costs 378.40
a
Based on a 640 acre operation with 420 acres of cane harvested.
Does not include the cost of harvesting the sugarcane.
Adapted from Enterprise Budget for Sugarcane Production in South
Florida 1978-79, Rigoberto A. Lopez, Jose Alvarez and. Gerald Kidder.
Economic Information Report 119, Food and Resource Economics Department,
University of Florida, September 1979.
87
Table 47 --Acreage, yield, production and value of cotton in Florida,
1975-1979.
Yield Season Value
Harvested per average of
Year acres acre Production price production
Pounds Bales Dollars 1,000 dollars
1975 3,700 346 2,700 .55 713
1976 7,100 514 7,600 .73 2,659
1977 6,100 425 5,400 .48 1,244
1978 3,600 506 3,800 .60 1,094
1979 3,300 509 3,500 .65 1,092
a
Price per pound of lint.
Source: Florida Agricultural Statistics, Field Crop Summary 1979,
Florida Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida.
88
Table 48--Acreage, yield,
1975-1979.
production and value of all hay in Florida,
Harvested Yield Production Season Value
acres per average of
Year acre price production
1,000 Tons 1,000 tons Dollars 1,000 dollars
1975 207 1.95 404 54.00 21',816
1976 219 1.95 427 57.00 24,339
1977 226 2.00 452 60.00 27,120
1978 235 2.00 470 58.00 27,260
1979 235 2.10 494 58.50 28,899
Source: Florida Agricultural Statistics, Field Crops Summary 1979,
Florida Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida.
89
Table 49--Snapbeans: Acreage and yield of snapbeans in Florida,
crop years 1974-75 through 1978-79.
Harvested acreage
Fresh Processing Total
---------- Acres ----------
35,300
37,500
29,500 10,500 40,000
39,000 12,000 51,000
40,600 13,500 54,100
Yield per acre
Fresh Processing Fresh and
processing
---------- Bushels
120
119
125
101
102
133
133
163
127
109
117
aData before crop years 1976-77 for the processing segment are not
published separately in order to avoid disclosing individual operation
but are included in "other" vegetables.
Source: Florida Agricultural Statistics, Vegetable Summary 1979,
Florida Crop and Li.vestock Reporting Service, Orlando, Florida.
Crop
year
1974-75a
1975-76a
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
I-
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