How to use the calculator:
- Enter your seeding rate in pounds per acre. This is the amount of seed you applied to your field.
- Enter your plant population in plants per acre. This can be estimated or measured from your field.
- Enter your first harvest date in MM/DD format. This is the date when you first cut your hay.
- If you have a second harvest, enter the date in MM/DD format as well. If not, leave this field blank.
- Select the type of hay you are growing from the dropdown menu.
- Click the "Calculate" button to see the estimated potential yield.
Understanding the formula:
The calculator uses the following formula to estimate hay yield:
Yield (tons/acre) = [(Seeding Rate × Plant Population × Harvest Efficiency) / 2000] × Harvest Frequency
This formula takes into account how many plants were established from your seeding rate, how efficiently those plants produced hay, and how many times you were able to harvest from your field.
Important considerations:
- This calculator provides an estimate based on average conditions. Actual yield may vary based on weather, soil quality, and other factors.
- The harvest efficiency value varies by hay type and depends on field health and management practices.
- For more accurate yield predictions, consider consulting with local agricultural extension services or agricultural consultants.