Guides & Articles

In-depth guides to help you understand the concepts behind our calculators.

Livestock Feed Rations: How to Calculate What Your Animals Need

Learn how to calculate livestock feed rations by animal type, weight, and production stage. Covers dry matter intake, ration balancing, and daily feed costs.

Acres Per Hour: Understanding Farm Equipment Productivity

Calculate acres per hour for any farm implement. Covers field speed, implement width, field efficiency, and how to estimate daily acreage output.

Seed Rate Calculator Guide: Planting Rates by Crop Type

How to calculate seeding rates for corn, soybeans, wheat, and other crops. Covers target population, germination adjustments, and tillage factors.

Understanding Fertilizer Application Rates

How to calculate NPK fertilizer rates based on soil tests and crop needs. Covers nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium recommendations, and cost optimization.

Farm Operating Costs: A Complete Breakdown Guide

Complete breakdown of farm operating costs per acre. Covers seed, fertilizer, chemical, fuel, labor, land, insurance, and equipment expenses.

Crop Rotation Planning: How to Build a Multi-Year Field Strategy

Learn how to plan effective crop rotations that build soil health, break pest cycles, and improve long-term yields across your farm operation.

Livestock Water Requirements: Daily Needs by Animal Type and Season

Calculate daily water needs for cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and poultry. Covers seasonal adjustments, water quality, and delivery system planning.

Pasture Management: Rotational Grazing Systems That Work

Design a rotational grazing system that improves pasture health, reduces feed costs, and increases carrying capacity on your operation.

Grain Storage and Drying: Protecting Your Harvest Investment

Learn grain storage best practices including drying methods, moisture targets, bin management, and how to avoid spoilage losses that eat into margins.

Farm Fencing Guide: Types, Costs, and Installation Planning

Compare farm fencing types including barbed wire, high-tensile, woven wire, and electric. Learn costs per foot, installation methods, and which to use.

Calving Season Planning: Timing, Preparation, and Management

Plan your calving season for maximum calf performance and cow health. Covers timing decisions, nutrition, facilities, and calving difficulty management.

Farm Irrigation Systems: Choosing and Sizing for Your Operation

Compare farm irrigation systems: center pivot, drip, flood, and sprinkler. Learn sizing methods, water requirements, and cost-per-acre analysis.

Crop Insurance Explained: Coverage Types, Costs, and Claim Filing

Understand federal crop insurance programs including yield-based, revenue-based, and area plans. Learn how premiums are calculated and how to file claims.

Farm Equipment Costs: Buy, Lease, or Custom Hire Analysis

Analyze farm equipment ownership costs including depreciation, repair, and operating expense. Compare buying, leasing, and custom hiring for your operation.

Soil Testing for Farmers: How to Sample, Read Results, and Act

Learn how to take proper soil samples, interpret lab results for pH, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter, and translate numbers into field action.