When I retired five years ago our ten year overall farm average of harvested acres was right around 135-140. Don't remember exact figure. I suspect my nephews average is a little better than that now (they farm our owned ground now). They do a great job, use fungicide and manage for high yields. I would guess around 150.

If things go well (rains around Independence day) we can have the best spots in fields exceed 200 bpa. But of course then there are the side hills and other areas only around 100.

If things burn up (about one out of ten years) We look at 85 or so. If it really burns up (probably 4 times in my career) 25-45. Bottoms will make a little and often the upland is not harvested.

Our soils average about 7-8" deep with a clay pan underneath. Our old time area agronomist was fond of saying in SE Ks it can be raining outside and we are 10 days away from a drought. We get lots of rain (around 42" a year in our tiny enclave of Cherokee/Crawford counties) but half of it when we don't need it and not much when we really need it.

What is considered average in your area?

 Some pictures from 2019 in my heyday. Year before retirement. 18 row 20" cornhead.

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20190904_152912 (full).jpg (91KB - 76 downloads)

20190904_153209 (full).jpg (103KB - 79 downloads)

20190904_151106_renamed_7856 (full).jpg (94KB - 81 downloads)