Harvest labor.
The time needed to prepare and transport the order.
She quickly discovered that a sale could look profitable until she calculated what it actually cost to make. A higher price from a distant buyer wasn't always better than a smaller local order requiring less travel.
Her father's notebook had taught her how to observe land.
Now she needed to learn how to build a business that could survive bad years.
Daryl helped review the figures.
He still disliked the project.
But he couldn't argue with the numbers when Marlene presented them clearly.
One Sunday afternoon, he visited the ranch for the first time since their argument.
He arrived carrying a folder.
Marlene met him on the porch.
He looked toward the hills.
For several seconds, he seemed surprised.
"There are more of them."
Marlene smiled.
"That's usually what happens when plants grow."
Daryl rolled his eyes.
"Very funny."
She laughed.
Then led him toward the test plot.
As they walked, she explained the changes she'd made after the first year's losses, the soil observations, and the early sales.
Daryl listened.
He asked questions.
Some were difficult.
What happened if demand disappeared?
What if prices dropped?
What if a long freeze damaged the plants?
What if the bank refused another restructuring?
Marlene answered as honestly as she could.
Sometimes she admitted she didn't know.
Other times, she opened the notebook and showed him the data.
When they reached the healthiest rows, Daryl stopped.
He looked at the plants.
Then toward the hills beyond them.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Finally, he asked, "How much have you planted now?"
"About forty acres established, with more nursery stock coming."
Daryl nodded.
Then looked toward the notebook.
"How far are you planning to go?"
Marlene smiled faintly.
"As far as the land, the evidence, and the money will allow."
Daryl studied her.
Then he laughed softly.
"That's almost exactly what Dad used to say."
Marlene looked toward the plants.
"I know."
For a moment, they stood quietly.
Then Daryl took a slow breath.
"I still don't know whether this is going to work."
Marlene nodded.
"Neither do I."
He looked at her.
She continued.
"But it's working better than what we were doing."
Daryl couldn't argue with that.
Instead, he opened his folder.
"I brought some ideas for reducing your hauling costs."
Marlene stared.
Then smiled.
"Well, I'll be."
He looked embarrassed.
"Don't make a big deal out of it."
She laughed.
Then took his arm.
"Come on. I'll make coffee."
They walked toward the house together.