Conferences
From Data to Decisions - A Tool for Specialty Crops
Ariana Torres and Jean Zavala
Summary
Small and medium-scale specialty crop producers need accessible tools to evaluate complex financial decisions regarding technology investments. We developed HortCalculator, a web-based decision support application that enables growers to compare conventional and biological pest management strategies while generating comprehensive financial metrics including total costs, profitability, sensitivity analysis, breakeven analyses, return on investment, and marginal benefit-cost ratios.
HortCalculator was developed through iterative collaboration with diversified producers. We collected production and economic data from seven organic vegetable farms (1.5–35 acres) across Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio during winter and spring 2023–2024. All farms marketed through direct-to-consumer and retail channels. Farm visits and surveys captured data on variable costs, labor requirements, equipment investments, overhead expenses, and pest management practices. The tool was translated from an Excel prototype into an interactive web application using AngularJS, PHP, and MySQL with Highcharts visualization.
The application employs standard cost accounting methods with 10-year depreciation schedules adjusted for production area. Users input farm-specific data through an intuitive interface, receiving immediate outputs including detailed cost breakdowns, net profit comparisons, sensitivity tables exploring price and yield variations, and economic pest risk assessments for biological control adoption. Interactive features include interpretive hover-over tooltips and visual charts supporting scenario analysis.
HortCalculator provides growers with evidence-based financial projections to evaluate whether biological control investments justify additional costs. By standardizing calculations and enabling scenario analysis, the tool supports strategic decision-making for sustainable pest management in protected cultivation systems. Future development will expand HortCalculator to additional crops and production methods.
Details
| Conference | 2026 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference |
| Presentation Type | 30-Minute Concurrent |