MSU Extension Farm Management

The Crop Budget Estimator for Vegetables (simple version) is a Microsoft Excel based tool built with smaller farm needs in mind. Instead of using a built-in, step-by-step process (as seen in “detailed” versions), you can directly enter your own cost estimates. Other cost comparison tools can still be used to help you determine those values, if desired. Or you can use last year’s information if you expect costs to be similar. The decision tool then provides an assessment of revenue goals, cost of production, break-evens, and financial ratios.

Mini calculators are also available in the simple version. For example, some small farms may use raised beds, especially if farming only a few acres or on less than an acre. The simple version offers a built-in calculator to estimate your actual production area when using raised beds. A simplified fertilizer calculator is also available to estimate cost per acre on select products.

It also includes an Optimization Tool that uses the budgets created to determine what the optimal combination of acres results in the highest profitability for the farm.

• Producers define:
• Maximum total operating costs
• Minimum acres of crops to be planted (for maintaining rotational needs)
• Total number of acres to be planted

For those looking for an expanded analysis, producers can also use the "Detailed" version of the Crop Budget Estimator Tool now available for Vegetables.  In this more in-depth tool, users can use information from their own farm records to build a budget that is used for Marketing decisions, comparing Chemistry and Fertilizer programs recommended by crop nutritionists and advisors, evaluate Capital Purchases (i.e., a new tractor or forage equipment), and other important management decisions for their farm.