How to Calculate Ear Corn Weight

Weigh corn when it has reached maturity.

Corn weight calculation uses a simple formula that is dependent on specific variables unique to each field. Calculating weight can begin when the corn has reached maturity. Mature ears will display a black layer on the corn kernels. According to agronomist Joe Lauer, corn usually reaches maturity at 30 to 35 percent moisture. Corn moisture is a key variable in the weight formula. Equally important variables are average corn size and number of mature kernels.

Things You'll Need

• Ears of Corn
• Bucket
• Moisture Tester
• Calculator
• Pencil
• Paper

Instructions

Calculate Ear Corn Weight

1. Choose several sample locations in your corn field. Measure a length of row equal to 1/1000th of an acre in each location.

2. Count the number of mature ears within the 1/1000 of an acre. Write down the number of ears from each sample location.

3. 

   Weigh a sampling of ears to determine the average ear weight for a specific field.

   Choose the 5th or 6th ear from each sample location and weigh it. Write down the weights and calculate an average weight.

4. Shell the ears that were weighed and thoroughly mix the kernels in a bucket.

5. Pour the kernels into a portable moisture tester and write down the percent of moisture. Average ear weight will change as the corn field dries and the ears mature.

Tips & Warnings

• Corn should be harvested at 15.5 percent moisture or less.

• Use the moisture, corn weight and number of ear data for calculating yield.

References

• University of Wisconsin Agronomy Department. Agronomy Advice; Methods For Calculating Corn Yield. Joe Lauer. January 2002.