Modular Pilot Budget Template
Use this outline to model Johnny Autoseed deployments across luxury estate pilots, community demonstration plots, and nonprofit research beds. Update the unit costs for your site and geography.
1. Input assumptions
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plot size | Total automated growing area in square feet | 320 sq ft raised-bed grid |
| Automation kit | Primary robotics platform or CNC gantry | FarmBot Genesis XL |
| Labor rate | Blended hourly rate for setup and field ops | $42 / hr |
| Pilot length | Weeks of build-out plus monitored operations | 16 weeks |
2. Capital expenditures
- Automation hardware (FarmBot / Mobile ALOHA): $14,500
- Sensors and telemetry: $1,250
- Raised beds and soil remediation: $2,400
- Weather enclosure and shading: $1,050
- Tooling, grounding, and safety signage: $850
Illustrative CapEx total: $20,050
3. Operating expenses (16-week pilot)
- Technical lead installation and calibration: $5,200
- Community liaison and training sessions: $2,280
- Consumables: $1,100
- Insurance and site permits: $900
- Data hosting and remote monitoring: $480
Illustrative OpEx total: $9,960
4. Revenue and grant inputs
- Produce subscription (40 shares): $12,800
- Sponsor contribution: $8,000
- Municipal innovation grant: $5,000
Illustrative revenue total: $25,800
5. Outputs to model
- Net cash = Revenue minus (CapEx + OpEx)
- Break-even weeks = (CapEx + OpEx − Grants) / Weekly subscription margin
- Impact stats = meals produced, volunteer hours, greenhouse-gas offsets
How to extend it
- Duplicate each section for multiple deployment paths such as luxury, public-private, and nonprofit.
- Add sensitivity toggles for hardware swaps, shared labor, or grant tiers.
- Track qualitative learning next to the sheet so funding conversations include both numbers and narrative.
Need help adapting this for your city? Email info@johnnyautoseed.com with “Budget Template” in the subject line and include your intended site, partners, and decision timeline.