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Cost of producing an acre of corn increases

Based on a study of more than 600 on-farm records, the cost to produce an acre of corn in Central Illinois for 2012 is pegged at $832 an acre. 

The Landowner newsletter says the study, conducted by the University of Illinois’ Dwight Raab found variable costs to produce the 2012 crop are estimated at $386/acre and 3.5% increase over 2011.  Nitrogen and dry fertilizer account for the majority of that increase.

Total Non-land costs are estimated at $587/acre, an increase of just over 4 percent for 2011.  The greatest of those increases found in storage costs and machinery depreciation.

Raab’s study shows land costs are projected at $245/acre – nearly a 9.5% jump from 2011.

Using a $5 selling price – it would take 166 bu of corn to cover the cost to produce an acre.