Kenaf: A Potential Pulp Crop

The study evaluates kenaf as a new crop potential in the southern coastal plains region for use in the pulp and paper industry. Study results are in term of the 1977 price level. Cost estimates for producing kenaf were liberal and ranged from $19 to $25 per ton for a 10-ton per acre yield and from $35 to 46 per ton for a 5-ton yield. The 5- and 10-ton yields represent the lower and upper range generally considered likely among the different areas studied if it is grown commercially. At $30 per ton delivered at the mill, kenaf could compete with corn at yields ranging among the study acres from 5.2 to 6.3 tons per acres, with cotton from 5.9 to 8.9 tons and with soybeans from 7.2 to 8.9 tons. At $40 per ton delivered the competitive yield range is 3.9 to 4.7 tons with corn, 4.4 to 6.7 tons with cotton and 5.4 to 6.7 tons with soybeans. Kenaf can be profitably grown in competition with other crops in the southern coastal plains. It likely is needed and would be welcomed as new alternatives crop by farmers in the region, if it is accepted and used in pulp and paper manufacture.