A new study examining the cost of producing lemons is now available from the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE).

The study is based upon a hypothetical farm using common practices in the region. Farm advisors, local growers, and researchers provided input and reviews. The study shows current per acre costs to establish and produce lemons.

Included in the study are descriptions of the assumptions used to identify the current costs for individual field operations, material inputs, cash and non-cash overhead. Various tables show profits over a range of prices and yields, monthly cash costs, hourly equipment costs, and the whole farm annual equipment, investment, and business overhead costs.

Sample Costs to Establish an Orchard and Produce Lemons was prepared by: Neil O’Connell, UCCE farm advisor, Tulare County; Craig Kallsen, UCCE farm advisor, Kern County; Karen Klonsky, UCCE specialist; and Richard De Moura, UC research associate.

The study is available online at http://coststudies.ucdavis.edu or can be ordered from the UC Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, One Shields Avenue, Davis, Calif., 95616, local UCCE offices, or at (530) 752-6887.