Costs · article
How to read an extension crop budget (and change it to fit your farm)
Extension budgets are a starting point. Here is what each line means and which ones to replace with your own numbers.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
What a budget is
An enterprise budget lists expected yield, price and every cost for one acre of one crop. Universities like NC State, UGA and UF/IFAS publish them.
The lines that matter most
- Yield and price. These set your income. Swap in your own history.
- Variable costs. Seed, fertilizer, chemicals, plastic, fuel, labor. These change with your practices.
- Fixed costs. Equipment and land. If you own paid-off equipment, these look different for you.
Breakeven
Total cost divided by yield gives your breakeven price per unit. If your buyer pays less than that, the crop loses money no matter how well it grows.
Use the calculator
Our free breakeven calculator lets you start from a published budget and change any line.