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JULY 1985
Disk(s) under separate cover
Circular 677
Decision Aids for Sugarcane Growers:
Stubble Replacement Analysis
and
Mechanical Harvester Analysis
COMPUTER SERIES
Jose Alvarez and Dick Levins
Central Science
Library
JAN 30 1990
University of Florida
_ -- -- ""'
101
F636c
677
guide
Florida Cooperative Extension Service / Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences / University of Florida / John T. Woeste, Dean
onA&aHIN m1II
FLORIDA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
i-
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
REPLY TO: IFAS Software Support
(904) 392-7853 Building 120, Room 203
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611
December 8, 1988
MEMORANDUM
TO: IFAS Software Customers
FR: Dennis G. Watson
RE: Running BASIC programs
The program you have just purchased was written in the BASIC programming language.
Originally, we distributed only the BASIC language source file and required that you use a
BASIC interpreter to run the program.
We now distribute BASIC programs in compiled form. This means that you do not have
to load BASIC prior to running the program. Until the documentation is updated to reflect
this change, please refer to the following instructions to start program 022, titled "Decision
Aids for Sugarcane Growers: Stubble Replacement Analysis and Mechanical Harvester
Analysis".
First, make a duplicate copy of the distribution disk. Store the distribution disk in a safe
place and use the duplicate copy as your working disk. To run the program simply type:
MENU
at the DOS prompt and press the Enter (or Return) key.
Once you have started the program, the instructions in the documentation should apply. In
some cases, the documentation or program may allow you the option of exiting to BASIC
or DOS. With a compiled program, regardless of which you choose, you will exit to
DOS.
If you need more space on your working disk, you can delete any files with the extension
".BAS". These are BASIC source files and you do not need them to run the program.
If you have any questions about this program, please contact the IFAS Software Support
office, Bldg 120 Room 203, Gainesville, FL 32611 or phone (904) 392-7853.
The institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research,
educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, or national origin.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WORK IN AGRICULTUREAND HOME ECONOMICS. STATE OF FLORIDA. IFAS. UNIVERSITY OF
FLORIDA, U S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. AND BOARDS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COOPERATING
DECISION AIDS FOR SUGARCANE GROWERS:
Stubble Replacement Analysis
and
Mechanical Harvester Analysis
by
Jose Alvarez and Dick Levins
FOOD AND RESOURCE ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT
INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA LIBRARIES
ABSTRACT
This manual explains how to use the "Sugarcane Stubble Replacement
Analysis" and "Mechanical Sugarcane Harvester Analysis" microcomputer
programs. The "Sugarcane Stubble Replacement Analysis" calculates expected
returns for both ratoon and replant decisions. The "Mechanical Sugarcane
Harvester Analysis" calculates the minimum number of acres necessary to
justify owning a mechanical harvester.
Keywords: Sugarcane, Stubble Replacement, Mechanical Harvester, Microcomputer
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . ... . . . . . . 1
GETTING STARTED . . . . . . . . ... ....... 1
PART I. SUGARCANE STUBBLE REPLACEMENT ANALYSIS
Introduction . . . . .
Sample Run . . . . . . .
Methodology . . . . . . .
PART II. MECHANICAL SUGARCANE HARVESTER ANALYSIS
Introduction . . . . . .
Sample Run . . . . . . .
ORDERING INFORMATION ...... . . .
. . . . . .
. . . . . .
. . . . . .
. . . . . .
. . . . . .
. . . . . .
DECISION AIDS FOR SUGARCANE GROWERS:
Stubble Replacement Analysis
and
Mechanical Harvester Analysis
Jose Alvarez and Dick Levins*
(C), 1985, IFAS, UF
Introduction
Sugarcane producers are faced with many decision making problems. Two
of these problems, deciding which cane should be allowed to ratoon or be
removed and deciding between owning a mechanical harvester or custom-hiring
the. use of one, are addressed in this manual. The "Sugarcane Stubble Re-
placement Analysis" uses specific information supplied by the user to evalu-
ate the expected returns for both ratoon and replant decisions. The "Mechani-
cal Harvester Analysis" evaluates the economic feasibility of owning a mechani-
cal harvester as opposed to custom-hiring the use of one.
Getting Started
Decision Aids for Sugarcane Growers works on IBM-PC microcomputers, or
compatibles, with a minimum configuration of 64K memory and 1 disk drive. A
printer is optional.
The distribution disk contains three IBM-PC BASICA files: MENU.BAS,
SUGAR.BAS AND MECH.BAS. To start a session you must first load BASICA by
Area Economist and Former Extension Farm Management Specialist, Food and
Resource Economics Department, IFAS, University of Florida; EREC-Belle Glade
and Gainesville, respectively.
1
booting the DOS disk and after the A> prompt typing BASICA and pressing the
key. After the OK prompt,remove the DOS disk and replace it with the
distribution disk, type LOAD"MENU and'press the key. Then type RUN
or simply press the {F2} key. Now you can select the program you would like
to use from the menu. Some users may want to create a system disk that has
BASrCA and the program files on it to avoid disk swapping. In addition,
creating an AUTOEXEC file will make the programs even easier to use.
To createan AUTOEXEC file, and thus a disk that will automatically load
th6 MENU program, follow these simple instructions:
1. Create a disk with DOS and BASICA on it by following the instructions in
the IBM users manual.
2. Put the original distribution disk in drive A and your new system disk in
drive B.
3. From the A> prompt type: COPY *.BAS B:
4. Remove the original distribution disk and store it in a safe location as
a back-up copy. Put your new system disk, which now contains the three
BASrCA program files, in drive A.
5. From the A> prompt type: COPY CON: AUTOEXEC.BAT
BASICA MENU
{F6}
Now when you turn your computer on, or issue the {alt} {ctrl} {del}
reboot key sequence on the IBM-PC, with your new system disk in drive A,.the
MENU program will automatically run and you can select the program that you
wish to use.
Any screen of information displayed on the monitor can easily be copied
to a printer by pressing the SHIFT {+} and {PrtSc) keys on the IBM keyboard.
There are no hardcopy functions in either program, so using this function will
be helpful when you wish to maintain a copy of your analysis.
If at any point in the program you want to quit, press {ctrl} {break}
and then type RUN"MENU to start at the beginning. Be aware that pressing
the {F2} key only, will take you back to the same program you were running
and'not to the MENU.
PART I. SUGARCANE STUBBLE REPLACEMENT ANALYSIS
Introduction
Each year sugarcane producers face the problem of deciding which cane
should be allowed to ratoon again or should be removed. If the stubble is
replaced costs.for-land preparation and replanting are incurred. Further-
more, if cane is not successively planted or the land is not used for other
purposes, the cost of one season's lost income while the land is fallow must
be included. On the positive side,once the replanted cane is harvested,
revenues are generally higher due. to increased tonnage yields.
The returns from ratoon crops are less than those from replanted cane,
but the returns may be realized sooner. Land preparation and replanting costs
are also avoided with ratoon crops. The calculations involved in deter-
mining the most profitable decision for a particular field are tedious. In
addition, the methodology involved in making the decision is rather complex.
The"Sugarcane Stubble Replacement Analysis"is designed to overcome both of
these difficulties.
Sample Run
The"Sugarcane Stubble Replacement Analysis"asks users to enter certain
information which is used to calculate expected returns from both ratoon and
replant decisions. The first two questions relate to. cost accountingpractices
and the crop cycle on that field. The next six questions concern the user's
expectations if the stubble is not replaced. The underlined numbers which
appear below are sample entries.
HOW MANY YEARS DO YOU NORMALLY USETO
CHARGE OFF THE COST OF REPLANTING A FIELD? 3
HOW MANY RATOON CROPS HAVE .YOU HARVESTED
FROM THIS FIELD SINCE IT WAS LAST REPLANTED? 2
NOW ENTER THE DATA WHICH YOU EXPECT
FOR RATOON # 3 ON THIS FIELD:
EXPECTED YIELD (NET TONS PER ACRE) ? 20
PERCENT SUCROSE IN NORMAL JUICE (%) ?T3
EXPECTED PRICE ($/STANDARD TON) ? 22
PRE-HARVEST PRODUCTION COSTS ($/ACRE) ? 65
HARVEST COSTS ($/GROSS TON) ? 9
PERCENT TRASH (%) ? 8.5
ARE THESE ENTRIES OK (Y/N) ? Y
The next five questions concern what is expected to happen if the
stubble is replaced:
NOW ENTER THE DATA WHICH YOU EXPECT
IF YOU REPLANT THIS FIELD:
EXPECTED YIELD (NET TONS PER ACRE) ? 40
PERCENT SUCROSE IN NORMAL JUICE (%) ?T13.5
COST TO PREPARE LAND AND REPLANT ($/ACRET-? 350
PRE-HARVEST PRODUCTION COSTS ($/ACRE) ? 75
PERCENT TRASH (%) ? 5
INTEREST RATE FOR DISCOUNTING INCOME (%) ? 14
ARE THESE ENTRIES OK (Y/N) ? Y
The last question, concerning the interest rate for discounting income,
is the interest rate used to adjust the replant cane returns, since when the
land is fallowed, replant cane returns come one season later than ratoon
cane returns and thus must be discounted to adjust for the time lag. However,
since the returns from both ratoon and successive plant canes come at about
the same time, the program makes this adjustment by asking:
IF YOU REPLANT, WILL IT BE
1. SUCCESSIVE PLANTING
2. AFTER ONE YEAR FALLOW
MAKE SELECTION (1 OR 2) ? 2
The number 2 used in this example tells the computer that the replanting will
occur.after the land has been fallow for about one year. The discounting,
therefore, is done for a one-year period. Returns from ratoon cane and
successively planted cane are not discounted by the program.
The following table is then displayed:
SUGARCANE STUBBLE REPLACEMENT ANALYSIS
RATOON # 3 REPLANT
YIELD CNT/A) A. 20 B. 40
SUCROSE (%) C. 13 D. 13.5
PRICE ($/STD. TON) E. 22 E. 22
PREHARVEST COST ($/ACRE) F. 65 G. 75
HARVEST COST ($/GROSS TON) H. 9 H. 9
TRASH (%) I. 8.5 J. 5.
REPLANT COST ($/ACRE) ***** K. 350
INTEREST RATE (%) L. 14 L. 14
RETURN ($/A) 200.67 349.28
DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE THE SUCCESSIVE PLANTING VS
THE ONE YEAR FALLOW OPTION? (Y/N) ? N
With the example numbers used above, the returns from replanting the field
are higher than those from the ratoon cane. In order to allow users to see
how the returns change if one or more of the input numbers is different, the
user is given the opportunity to change, one at a time, any of the numbers in
the table and obtain new return estimates.
For example, when the letter A is selected, you have the opportunity
to change the ratoon crop yield:
LETTER TO CHANGE (A-K) OR Z TO END? A
NEW YIELD.WITHOUT REPLANTING? 30
In this example, the number 30 was entered and the following table was
displayed:
SUGARCANE STUBBLE REPLACEMENT ANALYSIS
RATOON #
YIELD (NT/A) A. 30
SUCROSE (%) C. 13
PRICE ($/STD.TON) E. 22
PREHARVEST COST ($/ACRE) F. 65
HARVEST COST ($/GROSS TON) H. 9
TRASH (%) I. 8.5
REPLANT COST ($/ACRE) *****
INTEREST RATE (%) L. 14
RETURN ($/A) 333.51
n be changed as often as desired. To end
3 REPLANT
B. 40
D. 13.5
E. 22
G. 75
H. 9
J. 5
K. 350
L. 14
349.28
the program type the
Methodology
The"Sugarcane Stubble Replacement Analysis"was specifically developed for
a large group of Florida producers. In other areas of the world, some changes
may need to be made to reflect local conditions. These changes would include
the units of measure, method of payment and ratooning ability of the cane.
Returns for the replant crop are the expected revenue, less pre-harvest and
harvest costs and the corresponding share of the land preparation and replant-
ing costs. In this example, only one-third of the cost is charged because of
the answers given-to the first two questions of the program.
There are other things, such as individual cash flow and marketing re-
quirements, which must also be considered in the stubble replacement decision.
Also, the computer results are no better than the data supplied by the user.
Therefore, some research on current costs and returns is necessary before the
program is run. Producers with good production records will obviously be in
a better position to use the program.
The numbers ca
letter Z.
PART II. MECHANICAL SUGARCANE HARVESTER ANALYSIS
Introduction
Sugarcane producers and other farm managers can use this program to
decide between owning a mechanical harvester or custom-hiring the use
of one. For many types of harvesters the direct out-of-pocket costs for labor
and fuel are usually less than the going custom rate. At the same time, over-
head costs for depreciation, interest,repairs and insurance increase. In
order for the purchase to be profitable, the savings in direct out-of-pocket
costs must at least cover the increased overhead.
The"Mechanical Sugarcane Harvester Analysis"asks the user for the infor-
mation necessary to calculate the minimum number of acres necessary to justify
owning a mechanical harvester. The program will help independent producers
as well as growers of administration cane and members of cooperative mills
when trying to decide the number of harvesters that can be economically justi-
fied for their operation.
Sample Run
The"Mechanical Sugarcane-Harvester Analysis"begins by asking the.user to
answer eight questions. When answering the questions, do not include commas
or percent signs. Decimal points are allowed. Below is a sample run. The
underlined.numbers are sample entries:
ENTER THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
PURCHASE PRICE OF HARVESTER ($) ? 110000
SALVAGE VALUE OF HARVESTER ($) ? 10000
USEFUL LIFE OF HARVESTER (YEARS) TT
ANNUAL REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE FOR HARVESTER ($) ?.2500
ANNUAL INSURANCE COST FOR HARVESTER ($) ? 1200
INTEREST RATE ON EQUIPMENT LOANS (%) ? 13
HARVESTER COST FOR LABOR & FUEL ($/ACRE'-? 65
CUSTOM HARVESTING RATE ($/ACRE) ? 130
ARE THESE ENTRIES OK (Y/N) ? Y
Upon pressing the key, the computer redisplays all entries
as well as the minimum number of acres which justify owning the harvester:
A. PURCHASE PRICE $ -110000
B. SALVAGE VALUE $.10000
C. USEFUL LIFE 8 YEARS
D. REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE $ 2500 /YEAR
E. INSURANCE $ 1200 /YEAR
F. INTEREST ON LOANS 13 %
G. LABOR.AND FUEL $ 65 /ACRE
H. CUSTOM RATE $ 130 /ACRE
MINIMUM ACRES FOR OWNING HARVESTER 369
LINE. TO CHANGE (A-H) OR Z TO END?
In this example, the producer needs to harvest at least 369 acres to
justify owning the harvester. The last line on the display allows the user to
explore the results of other possible outcomes. For example, by typing an H
the computer will ask for a new custom rate:
LINE TO CHANGE (A-H) OR Z TO END? H
NEW CUSTOM RATE ($/ACRE) ? 150
Pressing the key clears the screen, redisplays the input values, and
shows the new minimum number of acres necessary for owning the harvester.
A. PURCHASE PRICE $ 110000
B. SALVAGE VALUE .$ 10000
C. USEFUL LIFE 8 YEARS
D. REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE $ 2500 /YEAR
E. INSURANCE $ 1200 /YEAR
F. INTEREST ON LOANS 13 %
G. LABOR AND FUEL $ 65 /ACRE
H. CUSTOM RATE $ 150 /ACRE
MINIMUM ACRES FOR OWNING HARVESTER 282
LINE TO CHANGE (A-H) OR Z TO END?
In some cases, a negative number may result if the custom rate-per acre
is lower than the operating costs. When this happens, itis more profitable
to custom hire the entire harvest. This process can be repeated as often as
desired. To end the program, enter the letter Z.
ORDERING INFORMATION
For more information on this and other IFAS software contact your
county extension office or write to:
IFAS Software Communication and Distribution
G022 McCarty Hall
University of Florida
Gainesville, F1 32611
3 12b2 04376899 2
6))
(0
SCIENCE
LIBRARY
This public document was produced at a cost of $193.19; or $1.04 cents per copy, to provide information about decision
aids for sugarcane growers on analysis of stubble replacement and mechanical harvester. 07-185-85
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAl.
SCIENCES, K. R. Tefertller, director, In cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, publishes this Infor-
mation to further the purpose of the May 8 and June 30, 1914 Acts of Congress; and Is authorized to provide research, educa-
tional Information and other services only to Individuals and Institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex or
national origin. Single copies of Extension publications (excluding 4-H and Youth publications) are available free to Florida
residents from County Extension Offices. Information on bulk rates or copies for out-of-state purchaser s available from
C. M. Hinton, Publications Distribution Center, IFAS Building 664, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611. Before publicizing this
publication, editors should contact this address to determine availability.
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