Work out harvest loss percentage instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Harvest loss is the gap between the yield standing in the field and the yield reaching the storehouse, expressed as a percentage of the standing crop. It bundles shattering, header loss, threshing loss and spillage. Costing it at the grain price shows whether a combine adjustment or an extra labour pass pays for itself.
Harvest loss
Loss % = (standing yield - harvested yield) x 100 / standing yield
Value
Loss value = loss per ha x area x price per tonne
Cut and thresh several 1 m2 quadrats before the harvester passes, average them and scale to a hectare. Take at least five samples spread across the field.
Well-set combine harvesting typically loses 2-4%. Manual harvesting and threshing commonly loses 5-10%, and over-ripe or lodged crops much more.