Preparation of land for SRC occurs in Autumn. This is desirable for the control of weeds and gives ample time before planting in the spring. The cost of preparation will depend on the condition of land before establishment, with land previously under arable crop being easiest and cheapest to cultivate. The need to fence a site is subject to requirement, with mammals such as deer and rabbits causing the most problems. The cost of fencing is a factor of perimeter length, with smaller sites having higher costs per hectare than larger ones.
Weed control is essential during the earliest stages of development.
Once established a SRC crop will require some form of weed control after each harvest to ensure continued high yields. The cost of purchasing and planting suitable clones is the most significant agricultural cost. The type of clones chosen will depend on productivity, disease resistance and plot location. Once planted the site may require general maintenance, replacement of failed plantings and fertiliser application. All these agricultural processes are determined by the area of land planted, except for the fencing.