Publication 60—Organic - Winter Wheat and Spelt

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Publication 60—Organic - Winter Wheat and Spelt

Author:	John Molenhuis - Business Analysis and Cost of Production Program Lead/OMAFRA
Creation Date:	11 December 2008
Last Reviewed:	09 April 2009

Organic - Winter Wheat and Spelt*

Operating Expenses (costs based on projected yield of 1.6 tonne/ac (60 bu/ac) Wheat; 1.0 tonne/ac Spelt)	Winter Wheat Sample Costs/Acre	Spelt Sample Costs/Acre
Seed - Wheat - 150 lb/ac certified, organic (1.4-1.7 M seeds/acre) Spelt - 180 lb/ac certified, organic	51.15	70.00
Fertilizer - Manure, compost**	70.00	70.00
Herbicide
Fungicide
Soil maintenance (cover crop, fallow etc.)**	50.00	50.00
Tractor and Machine Expenses - Fuel (9 L) and lubricants	8.85	8.85
Tractor and Machine Expenses - Repairs and Maintenance	11.75	11.75
Crop insurance	12.90	12.90
Marketing board fees ($2.00/tonnne(wheat))	3.25
Certification fees	2.00	2.00
Custom work
Added expenses for handling organic crops
Trucking ($7.05/tonne)	11.55	7.05
Land rent
Operator labour (self or hired)	7.30	7.30
Labour - hand weed	6.55	6.55
Interest on operating	9.75	10.10
Total Operating Expenses - Grain	245.05	254.05

Expenses for Straw	Winter Wheat Sample Costs/Acre	Spelt Sample Costs/Acre
Tractor and Machine Expenses - Fuel and lubricants	2.65	2.65
Tractor and Machine Expenses - Repairs and maintenance	3.25	3.25
Twine	2.75	2.75
Other	10.50	10.50
Total Operating Expenses - Straw	19.15	19.15
Total Operating Expenses	264.20	273.20

Revenue	Your Farm Budget
Expected yield _______________
Expected price _______________
Total Market Revenue (Yield x Price)
Program payment
Total Revenue
Expected straw yield
Expected straw price
Total Straw Revenue (Yield x Price)
Total Revenue
Gross Margin (Revenue - Operating Expenses)

Overhead Expenses	Wheat Only	Wheat & Straw	Spelt Only	Spelt & Straw
Machinery - Depreciation	21.40	25.40	21.40	25.40
Machinery - Interest on investment	15.20	18.70	15.20	18.70
Land
Other overhead	4.50	5.50	4.50	5.50
Total Expenses	286.15	313.80	295.15	322.80
Breakeven price on your farm is: (total expenses/expected yield)

*Organic budget estimates do not include transition period costs
** Manure, compost and cover crop costs are estimated but can be highly variable depending on your farm situation

2009 Crop Comparison Summary Table for Selected Field Crops ($/acre)*

| Coloured Beans | Grain Corn | Grain Corn - Genetically Enhanced Hybrids |

| Silage Corn | Flax | Oats |

| Organic - Grain Corn and Soybeans | Organic - Winter Wheat and Spelt | Organic - Barley and Oats |

| Soybeans | Soft Winter Wheat | Hard Red Winter Wheat |

| Hard Red Spring Wheat | White/Black Beans |

| Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Resources |

| Related Links |

For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca