ISHS Acta Horticulturae 429: XIII International Symposium on Horticultural Economics
PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF SWEET CORN IN NEW JERSEY: PAST AND THE PRESENT |
| Authors: | R. Govindasamy, R. J. Samulis, Robin G. Brumfield |
| Keywords: | Sweet corn, Cost of production, Marketing, Budgets, Survey, Harvesting, Packing |
| Abstract:
Production and marketing of sweet corn have received a lot of attention since the 1940s. Although the area planted in sweet corn in the U.S. has declined by more than half since 1943, total production has been stable over years. The production stability is primarily attributed to a per hectare yield increase from 4259 kgs in 1943 to 9527 kgs in 1994. The viability of sweet corn in New Jersey depends on the ability of the growers to compete with other states in terms of cost of production, implementation of alternative marketing strategies, and consumer acceptance of the New Jersey varieties. This study documents the past efforts to improve sweet corn production and marketing strategies with particular emphasis on alternative strategies to increase profitability of sweet corn growers. The study also examines current production and marketing strategies adopted by producers, the marketing window for sweet corn, and farmers' perceptions about future directions through a survey. The results indicate that several important changes have occurred in sweet corn production over the years in New Jersey. Big gun-type self-propelled irrigation systems are common methods of reducing labor for irrigation. Irrigation is usually a necessity for producing large well-filled ears of corn which are demanded by most market buyers. Mechanical harvesters are used by larger growers to reduce dependence on seasonal labor for harvesting and reduced costs. New varieties have been developed that are sweeter and hold their sweetness over a longer periods of time. Hydro-cooling at the farm and cooperative distribution plants are used more and more for longer hauls to market. Some growers are producing early corn under transparent plastic. This is a more costly method of production, but the higher early season price makes the extra work and cost worthwhile. | |
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