The break‑even yield tool shows the minimum yield (t/ha) needed at a given price to cover variable costs.
How to use the tool
Use this tool to guide sowing decisions in low‑yield seasons and in‑season input decisions such as additional fertiliser or crop protection, noting that break‑even results only reflect variable costs and overheads must be recovered from returns above break‑even.
- Set the price to a level you are expecting.
- Adjust the variable cost slider to reflect your planned input program.
- The tool calculates the yield required to cover those costs.
- If your predicted yield is:
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- Above the break‑even yield – the crop contributes to overheads and profit.
- Below the break‑even yield – the crop has not paid for its own inputs.
- Set the expected yield and price for the season.
- The tool displays the maximum variable cost that can be spent before the paddock begins to lose money.
- If your predicted cost is:
-
- Above the break-even variable cost – the crop has not paid for its own inputs.
- Below the break-even variable cost – the crop contributes to overheads and profit.