Estimating Corn Yields
Posted: August 7, 2012
To make an approximate preharvest estimate of corn yields, count the number of kernel rows on a representative ear. Also count the number of kernel/row. Next determine the number of ears/acre.
Now, multiply the kernel rows by the kernels/row and then by the ears per acre. Divide this number by 90,000 to get bushels/acre. Repeat this process at several areas in the field to get a representative sample of the crop. The final yield will depend on conditions during grain fill- this estimate is for average size kernals. Under continued drought stress through grain fill this may overestimate yields.
Example:
16 kernel rows × 25 kernels/row × 25000 ears/A = 10,000,000 kernels/A
10,000,000 kernels/A ÷ 90,000 kernels/bu = 111 bu per acre
After you have estimated the corn grain yield for your field divide that number by 6.5 to get the estimated tons per acre of corn silage.
Example:
111 bu per acre ÷ 6.5 = 17 tons per acre
Contact Information
- Professor of Agronomy
