COST OF PRODUCTION
The cost of producing almonds involves a number of variable factors, including overhead charges, such as the cost of the land, equipment, taxes, insurance and depreciation; and also the cost of maintenance and handling. Maintenance includes such costs as pruning, plowing, cultivating, spraying and irrigation. Handling includes harvesting, hulling, hauling, and warehousing. Tabulations of estimates in [tables II to VIII] are based on information collected during the years 1913 to 1916, inclusive, from a large number of growers in practically all the almond districts of the state, and represent as accurately as possible with the data at hand the average costs which actually exist throughout California.
Cost of the Land.—The estimates given in [table II] are to be taken as only partially indicative of conditions which actually exist in the various districts mentioned. These figures do not give the entire range of prices but indicate some of the more common values placed upon the land.
TABLE II
Value of Almond Land in California
| District— | Bare land | Land in bearing orchard |
|---|---|---|
| Best Sacramento Valley land | $200-$400 | $400-$600 |
| Other good interior valley lands | 150- 300 | 400- 500 |
| Sacramento Valley, foothill sections | 75- 150 | 200- 400 |
| Contra Costa County | 100- 300 | 250- 500 |
| Santa Clara and San Benito counties | 300- 600 | 500- 800 |
| Paso Robles district | 50- 150 | ........ |
| Banning district | 400- 800 | 600-1000 |
| Averages for California | $250 | $500 |
Equipment.—It has been found impossible to gather accurate figures upon cost of equipment in almond orchards, and especially so in view of the present abnormal economic conditions, but the list given in [table III] will give an idea of the equipment required. In addition, there will be other small items the grower will need which are not mentioned here.
TABLE III
Almond Orchard Equipment
| Plows |
| Harrows (spike-tooth and spring-tooth) |
| Disc Cultivator |
| Weed cutter |
| Clod masher |
| Roller |
| Hoes, shovels, etc. |
| Pruning tools |
| Brush burner |
| Spray outfit |
| Wagon |
| Barns, sheds and other buildings |
| Harvesting equipment: |
| Almond sheets |
| Poles |
| Lug boxes |
| Hulling machine |
| Sorting tables and bins |
| Drying trays |
| Sacks for transportation to warehouse |
| Orchard heating equipment ($25-$30 per acre) |
| Horses or tractors |
| Harness |
Average Overhead Charges.—[Table IV] shows the average overhead charges for almond orchards. Interest and depreciation on buildings are not included because of the great variation in their character, so that an extra charge must be figured on these items by the individual grower.