Tools in This Collection
Crop Yield Calculator
Estimate expected yield per acre by crop type and soil rating
Seed Rate Calculator
Calculate pounds of seed per acre based on target plant population
Livestock Feed Calculator
Estimate daily dry matter intake for cattle, swine, and poultry
Livestock Weight Estimator
Calculate cattle body weight from heart girth and body length measurements
Farm Profit Calculator
Compute net return per acre with break-even yield and price analysis
Grain Bin Volume Calculator
Calculate bushel capacity of cylindrical bins by diameter and height
Hay Storage Calculator
Estimate tons of hay stored in a barn by dimensions and bale type
Irrigation Water Needs Calculator
Estimate weekly crop water requirements by crop and growth stage
Farm Planning and Livestock Management Workflow
Accurate calculations at the planning stage prevent costly over-purchasing and under-budgeting in farm operations. These tools cover the two main areas: crop and field planning, and livestock management and farm profitability.
Crop Yield and Field Planning
The Crop Yield Calculator estimates expected yield per acre based on crop type and soil productivity. National average yields for reference: corn 175 bu/acre, soybeans 50 bu/acre, winter wheat 47 bu/acre — your actual yield will vary by soil rating and input levels. The Seed Rate Calculator determines pounds of seed per acre to plant based on target plant population, germination rate from the bag tag, and thousand-seed weight. For corn targeting 32,000 plants/acre with 95% germination and a 280 TKW, you need approximately 34 lbs/acre. The Irrigation Water Needs Calculator estimates weekly crop water requirements based on crop type, growth stage, and local evapotranspiration rates.
Grain and Hay Storage
The Grain Bin Volume Calculator determines bushel capacity for cylindrical bins. A 27-foot diameter bin filled to 20 feet holds approximately 11,000 bushels. The formula: π × r² × h × 0.8036 (bushels per cubic foot for corn). The Hay Storage Calculator estimates tons of hay that fit in a given barn based on dimensions and bale type. A large round bale weighs approximately 1,000-1,200 lbs; a 3-string large square bale weighs 110-130 lbs.
Livestock Management and Farm Financials
The Livestock Feed Calculator estimates daily dry matter intake requirements. Beef cattle consume 2-3% of body weight in dry matter daily; dairy cows consume 3-4%; swine consume 5-7% as starter pigs down to 2.5-3% as finishers. The Livestock Weight Estimator calculates body weight from heart girth and body length for cattle using the standard tape-weight formula — accurate to within 95-97% for mature beef cattle. The Farm Profit Calculator computes net return per acre by subtracting variable and fixed costs from gross revenue, showing break-even yield and price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate seed rate for corn or soybeans?
Use the Seed Rate Calculator: enter your target plant population per acre (32,000-36,000 for corn, 100,000-140,000 for soybeans), the field germination rate from your seed bag tag, and the thousand-kernel weight (TKW) from the bag. The calculator outputs pounds of seed per acre. Adjust upward by 5-10% for fields with heavy residue, wet soils, or early planting dates.
What is dry matter intake for livestock?
Dry matter intake (DMI) is the amount of feed consumed on a dry weight basis, excluding water. It matters because feed moisture content varies widely — baled hay is 85-90% dry matter, fresh silage is only 30-35% dry matter. Planning feed needs in dry matter ensures consistent nutrition delivery regardless of feed type. Beef cattle typically consume 2-3% of body weight in dry matter per day.
How do I measure grain bin capacity in bushels?
For a cylindrical bin: Bushels = π × (diameter/2)² × height × 0.8036. The 0.8036 factor converts cubic feet to bushels for corn at 56 lbs/bu. For wheat (60 lbs/bu), use 0.8727; for soybeans (60 lbs/bu), use 0.8727. The Grain Bin Volume Calculator applies the correct conversion factor for your grain type and accounts for cone top additions.
How do I calculate farm profitability per acre?
Net return per acre = gross revenue - variable costs - fixed costs. Gross revenue = yield × price. Variable costs include seed, fertilizer, chemicals, fuel, and custom work. Fixed costs include land rent or ownership cost, equipment depreciation, and insurance. The Farm Profit Calculator lets you model different yield and price scenarios to understand your risk exposure and break-even points.