Production practices in the operating section are typical of better producers, and the operating input costs are typical rather than average. A detailed description of the various production practices is beyond the scope of this economic fact sheet. However, it is important to note that bananas are planted and grown in "mats" of four plants per mat, with about 200 mats per acre. We are assuming an average yield of 150 market able pounds per mat per year or 30,000 pounds per acre. Each plant produces one bunch of bananas, averaging about 50 pounds, but of course some of these bananas will be culls. We are also assuming a 20% annual replacement rate or 40 mats. The computer program calculates the required number of boxes and other harvest costs based on the yield.