Alfalfa Yield Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the total acres planted with alfalfa, the estimated plants per acre, and expected yield per plant in pounds. The calculator estimates total alfalfa yield per acre in pounds and tons so you can compare against the US average of 4 tons/acre.

Why This Matters

Accurate alfalfa yield estimation helps with harvest planning, storage logistics, and marketing decisions. Comparing your projected alfalfa bushels per acre to the US average of 4 tons/acre reveals whether your management practices are on track or need adjustment.

Methodology

Yield is estimated as: Plants per acre × Yield per plant = Pounds per acre. Total harvest = Pounds per acre × Acres. This approach works best when combined with field scouting during the May-Oct (multiple) harvest window to validate per-plant yield assumptions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a single plant sample to estimate per-plant yield instead of averaging across multiple field locations.
• Not adjusting plant population for actual stand count — emergence losses reduce the planted population.
• Forgetting to account for harvest losses, which typically reduce recoverable yield by 1-5%.
• Comparing yields without normalizing for moisture content — always convert to standard moisture before comparing.