Work out break even yield instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Break-even yield is the tonnage that just covers total cost after crediting by-product income: (cost - by-product income) / price. The mirror figure, break-even price, is the same numerator divided by expected yield. The gap between expected and break-even yield is the buffer against a poor season.
Break-even yield
Break-even yield = (total cost - by-product income) / price per tonne
Break-even price
Break-even price = (total cost - by-product income) / expected yield
A break-even yield 30-40% below your realistic expectation gives room for one bad season. If break-even sits close to your average yield, the enterprise is fragile.
For a go/no-go decision on planting, use variable costs only. For judging whether the whole enterprise is viable, include fixed costs and depreciation.