Crop Breakeven Calculator
Why you need to know your breakeven
A crop priced above your breakeven is margin. A crop priced below is a loss that compounds every bushel you produce. You cannot make a sound marketing, leasing, or forward-contracting decision without knowing the number.
Your breakeven price is total cost per acre divided by expected yield. That single figure tells you the floor for every marketing decision from spring insurance to fall delivery. The store vs sell grain guide explains how to use your breakeven in the harvest marketing decision — when to hold, when to move, and how storage cost shifts the math.
How breakeven price and breakeven yield relate
They are two sides of the same equation. Higher yield lowers breakeven price. Lower yield raises it. If you know your costs and a target market price, breakeven yield tells you the bushels you need to avoid a loss.
Example: $600/acre total cost at 200 bu/acre = $3.00/bu breakeven price. Same $600 cost at $4.50/bu market price = 133 bu/acre breakeven yield. Use both outputs together — not just one.
Using the breakeven in cash rent decisions
Land cost belongs in your breakeven. Cash rent, ownership payments, or opportunity cost of owned ground all count. A $50/acre rent increase on 200 bu corn adds $0.25/bu to breakeven before you plant a seed.
See how your breakeven interacts with a lease offer in the cash rent calculator. If the landlord wants $275/acre and your breakeven is already $3.50 at $4.00 corn, you know the margin before you sign.
Common cost items farmers underestimate
Machinery depreciation — equipment wears out whether you write the check this year or not. Include a realistic per-acre depreciation charge.
Unpaid labor — family hours at planting, spraying, and harvest have value. Omitting them makes breakeven look better than reality.
Crop insurance — premiums are a real cost even when you do not collect.
Drainage assessments and tile maintenance — fixed costs on owned or long-term leased ground.
Your breakeven is only accurate if your costs are complete. University budget presets in the calculator above are estimates — override every line with your own records when you have them.
Crop Breakeven Calculator FAQ
What is a typical breakeven price for corn?
Highly variable. 200 bu/acre at $750/acre total cost ≈ $3.75/bu. Run your own numbers above.
How do I lower my crop breakeven price?
Increase yield, cut inputs where agronomically justified, or reduce land cost.
Can I use this calculator for crop insurance decisions?
Yes for planning. Confirm coverage decisions with your agent.
What costs should I include in my breakeven?
All production costs including land, machinery depreciation, and material unpaid labor.
How does cash rent affect my breakeven price?
Land cost is in total cost per acre — higher rent raises breakeven directly.