A “Corn Replanting Decision Tool” has been released as part of the FAST series of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Mathematical functions in this tool estimate yields from the original and replanted stands. Estimated yields, along with cost and crop insurance information, then are used to calculate net income from replanting. This tool is part of the Planting Decision Model, which can be accessed from the FAST section of farmdoc. A direct link to the model download page model is available here.

A screenshot of the tool is shown in the graphic below. Inputs into the tool are divided into five categories:

Functions provided by Emerson Nafziger, professor in Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois, are used to estimate yields from the original and replanted stands.

The end result of inputs is “Estimated Net Income from Replanting,” the last line on the nearby graphic. A positive value indicates that replanting is projected to be more profitable than leaving the original stand. A negative value indicates that replanting will be less profitable than leaving the original stand. The example has a $40.77 estimated net income from replanting, indicating that net income increases by $40.77 with replanting.

Current high corn prices cause more situations in which replanting looks favorable. The above $40.77 net income was generated using a $6.05 price. The $40.77 income reduces to $23.36 net income if a $5 corn price is used. Hence, more farmers this year may find replanting economical than in a typical year.

See this article on the farmdoc website.