Fixed or long-term assets are not consumed entirely in one production process but are gradually used over a period of time, referred to as their estimated lifetime or lifespan.

The provision for depreciation is essential due to the loss in the value of assets that occurs from wear and tear and obsolescence. Farm managers must account for depreciation to ensure that assets can be replaced once their lifespan expires.

Meaning of Depreciation

Meaning and Importance of Depreciation in Farm Products

Fixed assets, such as machinery or tools like a cutlass, are not consumed in a single production cycle. Therefore, reflecting the entire cost of such fixed assets in the profit and loss account of the purchase year would inaccurately underestimate the enterprise’s profitability.

As farm assets are used each year, a portion of their value is consumed. This portion is known as the annual depreciable value or depreciation. Depreciation is considered an annual cost and is treated as a variable cost, allowing the spreading of an asset’s cost over its useful life. Depreciation is defined as the loss in the value of an asset due to wear and tear and obsolescence.

Each asset, such as a freezer, planter, or milling machine, should have its annual depreciable value accounted for and saved as a sunken cost. This ensures the replacement of assets at the expiration of their lifespan, taking into consideration the effects of wear and tear or obsolescence.

Purposes for Calculating Depreciation in Farming

Depreciation helps adjust taxable income, which is crucial for tax purposes. Without making provisions for depreciation, managers might attempt to deduct the entire purchase price of a fixed asset in the year it was purchased, which is legally incorrect.

Depreciation also provides a method for assigning non-cash expenses to various farm enterprises and offers an estimate of the current value of assets.

Methods of Depreciation in Farming

The rate at which assets depreciate differs depending on various factors such as usage intensity, environmental conditions, and maintenance levels. For example, a vehicle regularly traveling long distances (e.g., from Lagos to Abuja) will depreciate faster than one used within a smaller area.

Assets like vehicles imported from developed nations (often referred to as “tokunbo”) tend to depreciate at a slower rate due to factors such as good road conditions and a strong maintenance culture. These differences in depreciation rates necessitate the use of appropriate methods for calculating depreciation, considering the rate at which different assets depreciate.

There are three primary methods of depreciation:

1. The Straight Line Method

As the name suggests, this method is straightforward and simple. It is widely employed by researchers and firms due to its ease of calculation.

2. The Double Declining Balance Method

This method uses an “accelerator” that causes the asset to depreciate more in the early years of its lifespan. It is commonly used for assets such as vehicles, which tend to lose value more quickly during the initial years. The procedure for calculating depreciation using the declining balance method follows this principle.

3. The Sum of the Years’ Digits Method

This method is used for assets that may depreciate faster in the later years of their estimated useful life. In this method, the number of years in the asset’s useful life is summed, and depreciation is calculated accordingly.

Partial Year Depreciation in Farm Asset Management

If an asset is purchased partway through the year, depreciation must be prorated. For example, if a cage is purchased on May 1st, it would be eligible for 8/12 of a full year’s depreciation during that first year.

Depreciation Schedule for Farm Assets

It is essential for farm managers to prepare a depreciation schedule. This schedule provides a clear overview of when an asset was purchased, the method of depreciation employed, and the annual depreciable value. Having such a schedule assists managers and stakeholders in tracking the depreciation of assets over time.

Depreciation represents the loss in the value of an asset due to wear and tear and obsolescence. There are three main methods of calculating depreciation: the straight line method, the double declining balance method, and the sum of the years’ digits method. The rate of depreciation is a key factor in determining which method is most appropriate for each farm asset.

Do you have any questions, suggestions, or contributions? If so, please feel free to use the comment box below to share your thoughts. We also encourage you to kindly share this information with others who might benefit from it. Since we can’t reach everyone at once, we truly appreciate your help in spreading the word. Thank you so much for your support and for sharing!