New study estimates blackberry production costs

Overview of blackberries in the U.S. market, complemented by charts from Agronometrics. Original published on May 8, 2024.

A new study from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California Cooperative Extension and the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics aims to helps growers estimate costs and potential returns for blackberries grown on California’s central coast, according to an online report from the university.

The 28-page study shows costs for each operation, material inputs and costs, and cash and noncash overhead costs in a variety of formats for an establishment year and then four additional production years. A ranging analysis for the four production years is also included and shows potential profits or losses over a range of prices and yields.

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

The cost study features a management scenario for a 30-acre farm, 15 acres of which are planted with blackberries. In that management scenario, the remaining acres are planted for other berries or are used for the irrigation system, roads and buildings. The study also details the cultural practices used for the establishment, production and harvest of blackberries, including land preparation, soil fertility, and pest management, irrigation and labor needs.      

“The study provides growers with a baseline to estimate their own costs, which can help when applying for production loans, projecting labor costs, securing market arrangements or understanding costs associated with water and nutrient management and regulatory programs,” said Brittney Goodrich, University of California Cooperative Extension specialist and study co-author, said in an university article.

This new study, “2024 Sample Costs to Establish, Produce and Harvest Blackberries,” can be downloaded from the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics website.  

The News in Charts is a collection of stories from the industry complemented by charts from Agronometrics to help better tell their story.

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