In the journey to maximize the productivity of a microgreen farm, understanding the relationship between potential revenue per tray and the total potential profit from the farm is paramount. While part two of our series focused on maximizing the yield per tray—a critical strategy for enhancing revenue per tray—it's essential to recognize that the costs associated with growing a tray remain relatively fixed. This includes the costs for seeds, soil, and labor, which do not change significantly whether a tray yields 5 ounces or 7 ounces of microgreens. However, extending the grow time of a crop to increase yield can have implications for the overall operational efficiency and space utilization of the farm. Let's explore this balance further.
Growing microgreens for a longer period typically increases yield per tray, but it also requires more space in the farm—a valuable resource that's often limited. To maximize profitability, it's crucial to grow trays just long enough to achieve a high yield without unnecessarily extending grow times that require additional space.
Consider the cultivation of broccoli microgreens as a prime example of this balance.
Scenario One: Growing broccoli for 17 days, with 3 days in germination and 14 days under lights, means we need double the spots under lights to accommodate overlapping cohorts. Consequently, only one-third of the trays in production are harvested each week, limiting weekly revenue to the output from these older cohorts.
Scenario Two: Alternatively, growing broccoli for a total of 10 days, with the same 3 days in germination but only 7 days under lights, significantly increases turnover. This schedule allows for immediate replacement of harvested trays with the next cohort in germination, effectively doubling the number of trays that can be grown and harvested in the same space over a given period.
Although the yield—and thereby the revenue per tray—may be lower when the grow time is reduced, the ability to harvest more trays in the same timeframe can lead to greater overall profitability for the farm.
This strategic approach underscores a fundamental principle in microgreen farming: maximizing farm profitability is not just about maximizing the revenue per tray but optimizing the total output and efficiency of the farm's available space. By carefully adjusting grow times, farmers can enhance the throughput of their operations, achieving a sweet spot where the reduced profit per tray is more than compensated by the increased number of harvests over time.
As we wrap up our series on maximizing the production capacity of your microgreen farm, it's clear that understanding and optimizing grow times is a crucial element in balancing yield per tray with overall farm profitability. By adopting a strategic approach to grow times, microgreen farmers can make the most of their limited space, ensuring that every tray—and every square inch of the farm—contributes to maximum profitability. The journey towards a more productive and profitable microgreen farm involves constant experimentation, observation, and adjustment, but the rewards of finding that perfect balance are well worth the effort.
Disclaimer: This article assumes that adjustments to the grow time of microgreens, whether for shorter or longer periods, do not affect the taste, appearance, or overall quality of the microgreens. It's important to note that any changes in grow time should be carefully evaluated for their impact on product quality, as this can influence customer satisfaction and market demand. Always consider conducting small-scale trials to assess the effects of grow time adjustments on your specific crops before implementing widespread changes.
3 Levels of Farm Output - Yield, Tray Count, & Tray Timing
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