in operating costs in the Midsouth were analyzed for 1971/72 and 1972/73 on the basis of a sample of 48 plants representing about 8 percent of the total ginning capacity of the region. Although average capacity utilization of the sample gins increased from 59 percent in 1971/72 to 64 percent in 1972/73, average total cost per bale also increased--from $18.54 to $19.28. When adjustments were made for the differences in volumes ginned, the cost increase for 1972/73 was $1.41, compared with a $0.16-increase during the 1971/72 season. Total out-of-pocket cost rose $0.53 per bale over the previous year.
