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Abstract
Introduction: Tart cherries are produced in large areas of the United States, but most production is confined to only a few States and is concentrated in relatively small areas of these States. It is an important industry, as indicated by an average annual farm value approaching $20 million. It is especially important to those areas in which tart cherries are a major source of income. Tart cherry production cost studies have been made in Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania, and cost estimates have been prepared for Wisconsin. These States produce most of the tart cherries in the United States. The studies give tart cherry producers some measures by which they can compare operations. But, because tart cherries are produced over a wide area and there is strong inter-area competition, it is necessary to make comparisons between States and between producers within States. The main purpose of this bulletin, therefore, is to place the estimates of individual States on comparable bases, insofar as is possible, and to point out some of the primary cost and production input differences and the reasons for these differences. The input and cost figures presented are averages for a sample of producers in each State. A large amount of variation exists among producers within States--often more than exists among the averages shown for States or areas. A cost advantage or disadvantage for a State, therefore, is an advantage or disadvantage for "average" producers. Costs of individual producers may vary considerably from the averages for their States.