Michigan State University has released the findings of its first cost of highbush blueberry production study in the state. The results show that production hit $10,000 per acre in 2024, and MSU reports that figure matches revenues for the average blueberry field in the state.
The study’s findings show the average grower operates at an economic breakeven, with an income for growers of about $240 per acre.
Also of note in the study is that input costs for blueberry growers make up about 29% of production costs. While harvest costs, which include picking and fresh packing, make up about 56% of the costs.
Due to weather conditions and sort-outs from packing lines, MSU estimates the current industry split in the state is about 54% fresh and 46% processed.
Chris Bardenhagen, a farm business management educator with Michigan State University Extension, says this was the first time that the university put together a comprehensive study, calling this one foundational. The plan is to continue these studies every five or seven years moving forward.
“These are really handy for benchmarking and for comparison in the future,” he says. “It gives growers a window into what the average grower is doing.”
Bardenhagen says cost of production studies were popular in the past but fell by the wayside; now they’re garnering attention again as growers face rising input costs.
“The landscape is changing in the blueberry industry in Michigan, and there’s more effort toward looking at different varieties that different quality aspects,” he says.
Bardenhagen notes that, unlike other crops, highbush blueberry plants have a long life cycle, but the industry has hit a crossroads where growers seek to compare more cultural activities and pruning and how that impacts overall profitability.
