New cost studies for bell peppers, celery and cabbage production in Ventura County

Four new UC studies have examined costs for producing vegetable crops - fresh bell peppers, processing bell peppers, cabbage and celery - in Ventura County. The cost studies are now available from the University of California Cooperative Extension.

Analysis for the crop is based upon hypothetical farm operations using practices common in Ventura County. Data regarding production practices, inputs and prices were collected from growers, UCCE farm advisors, agricultural institutions, and supply and equipment dealers.

The studies describe the assumptions used to identify current costs for the crop, material inputs, cash and non-cash overhead, and profitability analysis. Ranging analysis table shows profits over a range of prices and yields. Other tables show the monthly cash costs, the costs and returns per acre, hourly equipment costs and the whole farm annual equipment, investment and business overhead costs. 

The four new cost studies are:

• Costs and Profitability Analysis for Bell Pepper Production in the Oxnard Plain, Ventura County 2012-13, Bell Pepper Production for Fresh Market, by E. Takele, O. Daugovish, M. Vue
• Costs and Profitability Analysis for Bell Pepper Production in the Oxnard Plain, Ventura County 2012-13, Bell Pepper Production for Processing, by E. Takele, O. Daugovish, M. Vue
• Costs and Profitability Analysis for Cabbage Production in the Oxnard Plain, Ventura County 2012-13, E. Takele, O. Daugovish, M. Vue
• Costs and Profitability Analysis for Celery Production in the Oxnard Plain, Ventura County 2012-13, by E. Takele, O. Daugovish, M. Vue

For more information about the vegetable studies, contact Etaferahu Takele, UCCE area advisor, at ettakele@ucanr.edu or by calling (951) 683-6491 in the UCCE Riverside County office.

These cost studies and cost of production studies for other crops are available online at on the UC Davis Cost Study website, at UC Cooperative Extension offices and by calling (530) 752-3589.

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