2008 Cider Season by the Numbers

Sweet Juice (jugs) sold......279 gallons
Sweet juice unsold (vinegar, frozen, given away)......111 gal
Fermenting stock sold......243 gal
TB's fermenting stock......100 gal; 1/2 will go to vinegar
Vinegar sold......4 cases
Total # Squeezes......54
Total Gallons Squeezed......780
Profit (juice sales - apples, jugs,etc.)......$1800
Mill improvements (Pan, steelwork, paint)......$450
Net Profit......$1350
Hours spent......100 (very conservative)
Return on time ($/hour)......$13.50

Not included is initial cost of mill, home orchard, etc that could
probably be amortized over say ten years for about $350 per year, puts
my time under $10 per hour.

Obviously I don't do this for money, but more to spread the good cider
culture about and cover my expenses while I'm at it. Also not taken
into account here is the lack of a day off from Labor Day to Halloween,
and Julie's time spent tending to Alice and out home life alone while
I'm squeezing away. I need to officially thank Julie and Alice for all
they deal with while I'm hiding out in the garage on weekends.

Worth it? Yes, but I'm always glad when the season's over, and look
forward to it as it begins. Sounds like it's balanced itself out a
little. And no, I don;t ever plan on going into November.

TB