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ROI calculator for lettuce thinning, weeding, and precision crop applications

Compare current field programs against AI sprayers or laser weeders using your own numbers. The calculator is set up for lettuce-only programs, other crops only, or lettuce plus other crops together.

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Step 1

Program setup

Numeric fields start blank so you can enter current-year values directly.

Crop program Technology Acquisition

Step 2

Lettuce program

Use this block for lettuce thinning plus weeding in the same field program.

Current lettuce scenario Lettuce acres Weed pressure (0-10) Hand crew labor rate ($/hour) Current cultivator passes Current cultivator cost ($/acre/pass) Current thinning crew hours (hours/acre) Current Mantis service ($/acre) Current follow-up crew hours (hours/acre) Candidate service fee ($/acre) Candidate machine field speed (acres/hour) Machine operator labor rate ($/hour) Machine fuel and wear ($/acre) Residual doubles crew hours (hours/acre) Residual true doubles crew hours (hours/acre) Residual weed crew hours (hours/acre)

Step 3

Other crops program

Use this block for broccoli, spinach, celery, carrots, and other specialty crops.

Current other-crop scenario Other-crop acres Weed pressure (0-10) Hand crew labor rate ($/hour) Current cultivator passes Current cultivator cost ($/acre/pass) Current hand crew hours (hours/acre) Candidate service fee ($/acre) Candidate machine field speed (acres/hour) Machine operator labor rate ($/hour) Machine fuel and wear ($/acre) Residual follow-up crew hours (hours/acre)

Include AI sprayer savings from precise pesticide, fungicide, fertilizer, biological, or other beneficial applications.

Precision application passes per year Blanket application input cost ($/acre/pass) Expected input reduction (%)

Step 4

Shared machine economics

These fields matter only when the grower is evaluating a machine purchase.

Service mode keeps ownership costs out of the calculation and compares only annual operating and service costs.

Purchase price ($) Machine life (years) Annual subscription ($/year) Lettuce model fee ($/year) Other-crop model fee ($/year)

Step 5

ROI results

Enter your own values to generate results. Use “How to use the calculator” if you want a field-by-field guide.

Cost line	Current program	Candidate program

The calculator will summarize annual savings, labor changes, follow-up crew needs, and ownership economics once the visible fields are filled in.