Blueberry establishment and production costs

Summary

Blueberry production is capital intensive with high development and labour costs. However the short time interval between establishment and first returns with Southern Highbush varieties coupled with high demand and reasonable prices offsets the high costs and gives growers positive cash flow within only a few years.

The figures used in these estimates apply to an average farm situation and production costs over a five year period and they will vary from season to season and be influenced by the managerial skills of the owners.

The following calculations for northern NSW are based on the establishment and production costs for one hectare with 3700 plants for a 4 ha farm of blueberries. In northern NSW, growers using Southern Highbush redevelop blueberry beds in year 8-12 so the production cycle is from year 4 to year 8 to 10 (6 years).

Southern Australian establishment and production costs are based on one hectare with 2000 plants for a farm of 4 ha of blueberries.

Topics include:

• Assumptions
• Tables for Northern NSW
• Tables for Southern Australia