Online Tool Will Help Small Farmers Assess Economics of Leafy Greens

A new online tool developed by Purdue University associate professor Ariana Torres will help small farmers in the Midwest make economic decisions related to leafy greens production. The HortCalculator app can help growers of crops like spinach, collard greens, and green leaf lettuce assess the economic feasibility of alternative methods for producing pesticide-free greens, such as using biological control agents or predator insects. Farmers will input information on revenues and expenses related to growing single crops, and the app will deliver key indicators such as projected profitability, breakeven and sensitivity analyses and return on investment. Torres’ work includes online and in-person education for farmers on utilizing the tool. She hopes to later expand this tool from an individual crop analysis to serve an entire farm and to help beginning and underserved farmers overcome barriers to profitable and sustainable farming.