Production costs for Michigan asparagus published
A long-term investment: We estimated it would takes eight years to pay back deficits incurred during establishment. Although fumigation can cost over $600 per acre, the annual cost over 12 bearing years was barely around $68 per acre. It was estimated to take only an extra 100 pounds per year of fresh-market asparagus to pay back this cost. With that said it can be paid back with decent improvements in yields.
“Costs and Returns for Producing Michigan Asparagus” also notes changes in the industry that have happened since the last study was accomplished in 2009. One change has been the change towards increased production of asparagus for fresh as well as traditional processed markets. Interviews with growers also supported the idea that current hybrids and management practices are supporting higher peak yields, with yields lasting longer than the past. Overall, the budgets reveal a trend that asparagus can be profitable with good peak yields and prices, if conditions remain the same as 2015.
source: msue.anr.msu.edu
