Corn Yield Estimator Calculator
Free corn yield estimator calculator. Use the Yield Component Method or Pro Farmer Method to estimate bushels per acre from ear samples, kernel counts, and ear measurements.
Uses ears per 1/1000th acre, kernel rows, and kernels per row
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Estimate Your Corn Yield Before Harvest
Accurate pre-harvest yield estimates help with planning grain storage, marketing decisions, and harvest logistics. Our calculator uses proven estimation methods from Purdue University and the Pro Farmer Midwest Crop Tour to give you reliable bushels-per-acre projections.
Understanding Corn Yield Estimation
Pre-harvest yield estimation uses the relationship between yield components: ears per acre, kernel rows per ear, kernels per row, and kernel weight. By sampling ears in representative areas of your field, you can calculate expected yields within ±15-20 bushels of actual harvest.
Yield Component Formula
Yield = (Ears × Kernel Rows × Kernels/Row) / Kernel FactorWhy Estimate Yields Early?
Marketing Decisions
Know your expected production to time grain sales and forward contracts effectively.
Storage Planning
Arrange adequate bin space or commercial storage based on expected harvest volume.
Harvest Logistics
Plan trucking, drying capacity, and harvest crew needs for your expected yields.
How to Use This Calculator
Common Applications
Pre-Harvest Scouting
Walk fields at R3 (milk) stage or later to estimate yields field by field.
Crop Insurance
Document yield potential before claiming losses or making prevented planting decisions.
Landlord Reports
Provide yield estimates to landowners for cash rent negotiations.
Benchmarking
Compare estimated vs. actual yields to refine your estimation accuracy over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can estimate as early as the milk (R3) stage, about 18-22 days after pollination. However, estimates become more accurate closer to physiological maturity (black layer). Early estimates risk being overly optimistic if stress causes kernel abortion.