Ag Decision Maker
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Estimated Costs of Crop Production

To Begin Select Crop Type:
Field Name     Expect Yield
bu./acre
    Acres
 
    Cost/Acre     Total Cost
Preharvest Machinery *   Fixed Variable Total All Acres
 
$
$
$
$
 
$
$
$
$
 
$
$
$
$
 
$
$
$
$
 
$
$
$
$
 
$
$
$
$
 
$
$
$
$
 
$
$
$
$
 
$
$
$
$
Total per acre  
$
$
$
$
Total all acres  
$
$
$
 
           
Seed, Chemicals, Etc.          
Seed    
$
$
$
   cost per 1000 kernels
$
       
   kernels per acre        
Nitrogen    
$
$
$
   price per pound
$
       
   pounds per acre        
Phosphate    
$
$
$
   price per pound
$
       
   pounds per acre        
Potash    
$
$
$
   price per pound
$
       
   pounds per acre        
Lime (annual cost)    
$
$
$
Herbicide    
$
$
$
Insecticide    
$
$
$
Crop insurance    
$
$
$
Miscellaneous    
$
$
$
Interest on preharvest variable costs    
$
$
$
   length of period (months)        
   interest rate (%)    
Total    
$
$
$
           
Harvest Machinery *          
 
$
$
$
$
 
$
$
$
$
 
$
$
$
$
Haul  
$
$
$
$
   Fixed- price per bushel
$
       
   Variable- price per bushel
$
       
Drying **  
$
$
$
$
   Fixed- price per bushel
$
       
   Variable- price per bushel
$
       
Handling  
$
$
$
$
   Fixed- price per bushel
$
       
   Variable- price per bushel
$
       
Total per acre  
$
$
$
$
Total all acres  
$
$
$
 
           
Labor    
Operator  
$
 
$
$
   Hours        
   Rate per hour
$
       
Hired    
$
$
$
   Hours      
   Rate per hour
$
   
Total  
$
$
$
$
           
Land          
Cash rent equivalent  
$
 
$
$
           
Total Costs   Fixed Variable Total All Acres
Per acre  
$
$
$
$
Per bushel  
$
$
$
 
All acres  
$
$
$
 
           
      Return/Acre Return/Acre  
      Over Over Return
Gross Returns   Variable Cost All Costs All Acres
Expected selling price ***
$
 
$
$
Other income    
$
$
Total returns      
$
$
       
Net returns    
$
$
$
 
↑ TOP ↑
 
 
NOTES :
*
Fixed machinery costs include depreciation, return on investment in machinery (interest), insurance, and housing.
Variable machinery costs include fuel, oil, and repairs.
Choosing a machinery operation populates with 2024 ISU Cost of Production Estimate.
The user may use this estimate or override with their own data.
 
**
For more detailed drying costs, use the "Comparison of Drying Systems Calculator" decision tool:
www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/xls/a2-31dryingcosts.xlsx
 
***
Visit the CME Group website for price information:
www.cmegroup.com
 
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, visit:
www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext