Forage Cost of Production Calculator
A worksheet for working out forage production costs, so farmers can see what hay, silage or pasture costs them. Work through it top to bottom, using your own records, and revisit it when conditions change.
WorksheetForages, Pasture & GrazingFree PDF
What you fill in
- Forage type and acres
- Seed and establishment costs
- Fertilizer and lime
- Fuel and labor
- Machinery costs
- Land cost or rent
- Total production cost
- Yield and cost per unit
How to use this worksheet
Fill it out in pencil first, check the numbers against your records, then ink it. Make a fresh copy for each field, pen or enterprise.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA Economic Research Service.
For more in this area, see the cow-calf and ranch know-how. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Rural Voters’ Breaking Point Sits Below Cost of Production, and farming farm stories.