A new cost of production study for summer squash is now available from the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE).
 
The study is based upon hypothetical farms using common practices. Farm advisors, growers and researchers provided input and reviews. The study shows current per-acre costs to produce squash. Included in the study are descriptions of the assumptions used to identify the current costs for individual field operations, material inputs, cash and non-cash overhead. Various tables show profits over a range of prices and yields, monthly cash costs, hourly equipment costs, and the whole farm annual equipment, investment, and business overhead costs. 
 
Sample Costs to Produce Summer Squash, 2005, San Joaquin Valley was prepared by Richard H. Molinar, UCCE farm advisor, Fresno County; Michael Yang, UCCE agricultural assistant, Fresno County; Karen M. Klonsky, UCCE specialist, UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics; and Richard L. De Moura, research associate, UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.
 
The study is avaible in PDF format at http://coststudies.ucdavis.edu/uploads/new_cost_returns/squashvs2005.pdf
 
Other studies are available online at http://coststudies.ucdavis.edu, or may be ordered from the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, One Shield Avenue, Davis, CA 95616; from local UC Cooperative Extension offices; or by phone at (530) 752-4424.
 
Similar reports are available for a wide variety of commodities dating from 1931 to present and can be requested at the above addresses or phone numbers. A $3 handling fee is charged for each report ordered. Online downloads are free.