Authors: Charles R. O'Dell Extension Horticulturist, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech; Jerry Williams, Teaching Hortculturist, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech
Publication Number 438-018, Posted March 2000
TABLE 4 - Equipment Needs and Labor Estimates by Season for 1 Acre of U-Pick Plastic Mulched Strawberries
| Labor Required | Hours/Season |
|---|---|
| June 16 - 30 Land prep. | 25 |
| July 1 - Sept. 30 Planting | 100 |
| Oct. - November | 10 |
| December | 10 |
| Jan. - February | 15 |
| March 1 - 15 | 25 |
| March 16 - 31 | 15 |
| April 1 - 15 | 20 |
| April 16 - 30 | 40 |
| May 1 - 15 | 40 |
| May 16 - 31 | 50 |
| June 1 - 15 | 50 |
| TOTAL | 400 Hours |
| Machine Used Total |
Operating Costs Hours Used Per Hour |
Fixed Costs Per Hour Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 HP Tractor & Fertilizer Spreader | 2 | 3.18 | 6.36 | 4.61 | 9.22 |
| 40 HP Tractor & Water Wheel Planter | 8 | 3.81 | 30.48 | 11.29 | 90.32 |
| 40 HP Tractor & Sprayer | 3 | 4.01 | 12.03 | 10.43 | 31.29 |
| 40 HP Tractor & Shielded Sprayer | 3 | 4.01 | 12.03 | 10.43 | 31.29 |
| 40 HP Tractor & Rotary Mower | 2 | 3.58 | 7.16 | 5.54 | 11.08 |
| Totals | 18 | 68.06 | 173.20 | ||
| Total Machine Costs | 241.26 | ||||
Return to Hill System Plastic Mulched Strawberry Production Guide for Colder Areas