Corn Yield Estimator

Predict your harvest. Use the industry-standard 1/1000th acre sampling method to estimate your total grain yield per acre.

80 = Average, 75 = Large, 90 = Small

Yield Component Method (Corn): 1. Sample Area: Count ears in 1/1000th of an acre. 2. Kernel Count: (Avg. Kernels per Row) × (Avg. Rows per Ear). 3. Total Sample Kernels: (Ears) × (Kernel Count). 4. Bu/Acre Estimate: (Total Kernels) / (Weight Factor). Weight Factor (Kernels per Bushel): • 75 = Large kernels (High test weight) • 80 = Average kernels (Standard) • 90+ = Small kernels (Poor fill)
Scenario: You count 32 ears in a 17' 5" row (1/1000 acre). Sampling 3 ears reveals an average of 16 rows around and 35 kernels long. The year has been average (factor 80). Calculation: 1. Kernels per ear = 16 × 35 = 560. 2. Kernels in sample area = 32 × 560 = 17,920. 3. Yield = 17,920 / 80 = 224. Result: The estimated yield is 224 bushels per acre.

How is corn yield estimated before harvest?

The most common method is the "Yield Component Method." It involves counting the number of ears in 1/1000th of an acre, counting the kernels on sample ears, and dividing by a kernel weight factor.

What is 1/1000th of an acre?

In a field with 30-inch rows, 1/1000th of an acre is a row length of 17 feet 5 inches. Counting all harvestable ears in this distance gives you the ear count per 1/1000th acre.

What is the "Kernel Weight Factor"?

This factor represents the number of kernels (in thousands) per bushel. A common average is 80 (meaning 80,000 kernels per bushel). In a good year with large kernels, this might be 75; in a poor year with small kernels, it might be 90 or higher.

How many ears should I sample?

To get an accurate estimate, you should sample at least 3 to 5 representative ears within your 1/1000th acre row segment.

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