Improved Packaging Efficiency with Automation

Valco et al. reported in The Cost of Ginning Cotton – 2013 Survey Results that seasonal labor costs were the largest single expense item comprising about one-third of the total variable ginning cost. By geographic region, seasonal labor costs as a percentage of total variable costs ranged from a low of 30% in the Southeast to 34% in the West. In addition to the burden of high labor cost, the availability of seasonal labor is increasingly difficult to source and retain. Bale packaging suppliers have developed systems to improve packaging efficiency and reduce variable labor cost. A generic review of available technologies and investment returns from commercial ginning operations are presented.