EXPERIMENT STATION lUTLLETINS. 



HiJO 



Variation is not confined to j-ields but shows probably to a greater 

 degree in the prices realized the different years. These differences are 

 largely acconnted for on the size of the general crop, and to some extent 

 on the time of marketing this particular crop and the competition they 

 happen to meet with at that time. This may be with peaches from nenrby 

 or far distant sections or from other products that can take the place of 

 peaches. Uniform prices cannot be depended upon nor should they be 

 hoped for, unless a contract is made for a term of years with a canning 

 factoiT. However, this is not commonly done. The hope of a large crop 

 and high prices is too alluring. 



The good grower does not become discouraged with poor years or when 

 he has a large crop to move at low prices or a small crop at only fair 

 prices. He possesses a love for and faith in the business and a vision big 

 (Miough to keep him ever hopeful and looking forward. The man who does 

 not have these qualities had better leave peach growing alone. 



NECESSARY CASH EXPENDITURES AND HARVESTING EXPENSES 



From the complete accounts it is possible to select the items for which 

 actual cash was paid. These would be nursery trees, spraying materials, 

 fertilizers, and cover crop seeds. Labor is not included, thougli part of it 

 was hired, but used for other crops produced on the farm. These items 

 give a.fair basis for comparison with siuiilar orchards as peach orchards 

 on most Michigan farms have been developed just as this one has, being 

 a part of a general fruit farm, and the owner usually cannot tell how 

 much it has cost fintliei- than to know the actual casli oiitlav. 



TABLE HI.— ACTUAL CASH SPENT FOR SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS FOR 15-ACRE 



PEACH ORCHARD. 



'I'lie e.xpeiises in eoiinect ion witli liarvesting tlie crop may well l»e consid 

 ered by themselves. They are not incurred unless there is a crop of fruit 

 and they depend upon the size of the crop. Furthermore they are not diffi- 

 cult to meet as buyers and niark«*ting associations will usually make a<l- 

 vances payments of sutticient size to more than ])ay for all harvesting 

 expenses. 



The amounts necessary to hainlli- these crops will be of interes't. They 

 include the expenses of picking, sorting, packing, hauling, and packages. 



