May, l'J31] Studies in Economics of Apple Orcharding 71 



SUMMARY 



1. Tliis study is based on records obtained from 12 New Hamp- 

 shire fruit farms having a total of about 19,000 trees of various ages. 

 In order to estimate and compare labor requirements, operations were 

 corrected to the basis of 1,000 mature tree units, equivalent to an or- 

 chard of about 40 acres in its prime. Requirements were also esti- 

 mated on the basis of a normal expected yield and of the actual yield. 



2. The management problem was found to hinge largely on the 

 organization required for spraying, an operation which requires skilled 

 labor and expensive equipment at very definite short periods. 



3. The study did not indicate that intensive detailed pruning be- 

 yond the necessary training to get a strong framework with the young 

 tree and to keep the mature tree of reasonable height and free from 

 weak wood was profitable. 



4. Under average New Hampshire conditions the sod mulch system 

 of orchard culture was found exceedingly economical. 



5. Apple production prior to harvest showed as an enterprise the 

 following operating cost (not including land, trees and overhead) : 



1,000 mature trees 



1,000 boxes normal yield 



1,000 boxes actual yield 



The money cost column is based on actual hours at assumed rates 

 plus actual cost of material and estimated cost for use of sprayer. 



6. The labor requirement for harvesting was approximately equal 

 to the total prior to harvest. If the apples were graded and packed 

 in boxes, about the same amount of time was again required. 



7. Taking into account use of land and appreciation and deprecia- 

 tion of trees, it is estimated that the net operating cost prior to har- 

 vest was $514 per 1,000 boxes normal yield or $466 per 1,000 boxes 

 actual yield. 



8. Good sites, proper pollination, adequate fertilization and ef- 

 ficient spraying seem essential to securing good yield and high tiuality. 

 Success in orcharding in New Hampshire depends on the planting of 

 orchards of economic size on good sites and the use of extensive methods 

 in carrying out the essential operations. 



NOTE — For a more detailed summary see Figures 1-16 and accompany- 

 ing captions. 



