This factsheet provides economic information on establishing and operating a U-pick strawberry enterprise. This information was generated by a group of strawberry producers who arrived at a consensus on investment, production, costs and revenues. This information is intended as a business planning tool. Managers will have to assess all the key production and financial variables that would influence the success of their enterprise. Production Targets Marketable production per acre 7000 lbs.
Strawberries are an intensely managed crop requiring precise timing.
Because of the short season, yield and quality hinge on the timely management of all cultural practices. Production planning should be based on achieving target production by the fifth year. Newly established operations will require two years of field preparation. Fields must be clean and weed free prior to planting in the second year. Failure to have weeds under control will impact yields and labour requirements during production.