48 In the 2010/2011 production season, fertiliser and lime made up 35% of the total variable input cost. Repairs and parts accounted for 7% of total variable costs, while seed costs contributed a smaller share. Chemical control represented 8% of the total variable input cost during this season. Source: Grain SA Source: Grain SA Figure 3.5: Contribution of different variable input cost items to the total variable input cost of maize for KwaZulu-Natal (2010/2011 production season). Figure 3.6: Contribution of different variable input cost items to the total variable input cost of maize for KwaZulu-Natal (2023/2024 production season). Fertiliser and lime Weed control Weed control Fuel Fuel Repairs and parts Permanent labour Interest on production credit Interest on production credit Other cost Other cost Fertiliser and lime Repairs and parts Permanent labour Seed Seed 6% 4% 6% 34% 7% 7% 14% 17% 7% 17% 35% 7% 8% 7% 8% 7% In the 2023/2024 season, the share of fertiliser and lime had declined slightly to 34% of total variable input costs. Repairs and parts maintained their relative contribution at 7%. Seed costs increased by 3% compared to 2010/2011, reflecting higher investment in improved seed varieties. The cost of chemical control also rose, decreasing from 8% in 2010/2011 to 7% in 2023/2024 of the total variable input cost. 4. Budgeted income and production cost figures for maize (2023/2024 production season) With the 2025/2026 season approaching, it is again time to make some calculations. The analysis of gross margins is a common and popular way of comparing the relative profitability of grains within a farm. This section provides a guideline in terms of the profitability of maize versus sunflower and soybeans. The responsibility still lies with each producer to do their gross margin calculations due to production costs radically differing from one farm to the next. This is differences are due to each grain producer's unique system, the type of farming unit, the production practices, etc. INCOME AND PRODUCTION COST
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