Estimating Corn Yield
Early corn yield estimations are a great way to get out into your field and start to predict the yield of different varieties given the growing season. It allows a grower to start making harvest decisions, marketing decisions, and to estimate needed storage capacity. Generally doing a kernel count every 10-15 acres is recommended. For soils that are extremely variable, doing a kernel count every 5-10 acres would be beneficial. Select random spots in the field when walking through as you are trying to get the best representation of the field.
How many spots should I sample from?
Steps to take for estimating corn yield
| Row width | 1/1000th of an acre |
|---|---|
| 20″ | 26′ 1″ |
| 30″ | 17′ 5″ |
| 36″ | 14′ 6″ |
| 38″ | 13′ 10″ |
Average number of ears x Average number of kernels x 1000
Representative kernel sizes to help guide you in determining the kernels per bushel for different varieties.
Things to remember
- Yield estimates are only as accurate as the samples that you take. Make sure you sample several areas over the whole field.
- The best estimates are taken as close to black layer (physiological maturity) as possible.
- Insects, disease and water can all affect actual final yield from the time you take your estimate to the time you harvest.
Contact us
For more information contact one of our Agronomy Solution Specialists or any local Thompsons branch.
Chris Hunt, CCA
Agronomy Solutions Specialist
Phone: 519-676-5411, Ext. 20478 | Cell: 519-365-3593
Jevin Vyn
Agronomy Solutions Specialist
Phone: 519-676-5411, Ext. 20303 | Cell: 519-401-2120
Mike Wilson
Advanced Agronomy Solutions Manager
Phone: 519-676-5411, Ext. 20480 | Cell: 519-809-0284
Information and picture references:
www.agry.purdue.edu, www.pioneer.com, www2.ca.uky.edu, publications.tamu.edu, www.aganytime.com, ilsoyadvisor.com, dekalb.ca, farmprogress.com
