Crop Yield Estimator

Estimate expected crop yield based on acreage, soil quality, and growing conditions.

Results

Visualization

How It Works

Crop yield depends on genetics, soil quality, rainfall, temperature, and management. A soil productivity index (like CSR2) rates soil potential from 0-100. Weather during pollination and grain fill is the biggest variable.

The Formula

Estimated Yield = Base Yield × Soil Factor × Rainfall Factor
Soil Factor = 0.4 + (Soil Index / 100) × 0.8

Variables

  • Base Yield — Trend-line yield for the crop in good soil (corn: 180 bu, beans: 55 bu)
  • Soil Factor — Adjustment based on soil productivity rating (CSR2 or CPI)
  • Rainfall Factor — Weather adjustment: drought 55%, normal 100%, excess 90%

Example

Corn on soil rated 75 with normal rain: 180 × 1.0 × 1.0 = 180 bu/acre. On 500 acres at $4.50/bu = $405,000 gross.

Tips

  • Soil productivity ratings are available from your county soil survey (Web Soil Survey).
  • Drought during pollination (VT/R1 in corn) causes the most yield loss.
  • Above-normal rain can reduce yield via root diseases and nitrogen loss.
  • Yield trend increases ~2 bu/year for corn due to genetics and management.

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