Calculate hay yield in short tons per acre from bale count or total harvest weight, or estimate acreage needed from your expected yield. Use weights on the same moisture basis and a consistent harvest period.

Use the harvested bale count, measured average weight and harvested area.

Illustrative values only; measure your bales and adjust the weight.

Related Calculators

Hay Per Acre Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the total hay production:

TH = Y × A

Variables:

  • TH is the total hay production (short tons; 2,000 lb each)
  • Y is the yield of hay per acre (short tons per acre)
  • A is the total acreage (acres)

To calculate the total hay production, multiply the yield of hay per acre by the total acreage.

What is Hay Per Acre?

Hay per acre is a measure of the amount of hay that can be produced on one acre of land. It is an important metric for farmers and agricultural professionals to estimate the productivity of their fields and to plan for the feeding needs of livestock. The yield can vary based on factors such as the type of hay, soil fertility, weather conditions, and farming practices.

How to Calculate Total Hay Production?

The following steps outline how to calculate the total hay production:

  1. First, determine the yield of hay per acre (Y) in short tons per acre.
  2. Next, determine the total acreage (A) in acres.
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = TH = Y * A.
  4. Finally, calculate the total hay production (TH) in short tons.
  5. For the calculator above, enter that total weight and acreage in Yield from total weight, or divide hay need by expected yield in Acres needed. Estimates exclude storage and feeding losses.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

yield of hay per acre (Y) = 2 short tons per acre

total acreage (A) = 50 acres; total hay production = 2 × 50 = 100 short tons