for this labor, the problem is one of how many acres should be grown to 

 maximize the returns. In this case the 400 hours of family labor can be 

 considered as a fixed cost. The expenses associated with growing variable 

 acres of cucumbers prior to harvest can be considered variable costs. 



In Figure 7 the total returns and the estimated net returns from 400 

 hours of unpaid family labor in combination with variable acres of cucum- 

 bers are indicated. The top curve indicates the total returns, the next curve 

 shows the net returns for 400 hours of labor assuming costs prior to har- 

 vest of SlOO per acre. The bottom curve shows total net returns assuming 

 costs prior to harvest of $150 per acre. 



If the 400 hours are used in harvesting an acre and a half, the field 

 will be picked about six times a week to achieve maximum returns. With 

 this acreage the net returns will be about $410 and $335 with pre-harvest 

 cost of $100 and $150 respectively. With costs prior to harvest at $100 the 

 returns would be maximized at about 3.5 acres. When costs prior to har- 

 vest are assumed at $150, the returns would be maximized at a slightly 

 lower acreage of about 3.25 acres. 



This analysis is based on data inadequate for application in detail to 

 other seasons or other farms. The analysis does indicate the need for growers 

 to give considerable attention to the problem of the most desirable acreage 

 to grow in relation to the available labor. 



15 



