There are about 70 to 80 ears of corn in a bushel. A “bushel” is just a way to measure volume, kind of like a big basket. It holds about 8 gallons. When it comes to corn on the cob (not the kernels), farmers usually say one bushel equals around 70 to 80 average-sized ears.
Now, this can change a bit depending on how big each ear is. If they’re small, you might squeeze in closer to 90. If they’re big and thick, you might only fit 60 or so.
Why does this matter? Well, if you’re planning a big cookout, making homemade cornmeal, or trying to figure out how much to buy at a farmer’s market, it helps to know how many ears you’re working with.
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What is a Bushel? Understanding the Basics
So, what exactly is a bushel? If you’re like me, you might picture a big basket or crate full of corn, but a bushel is actually a specific measurement, kind of like how a dozen means 12. In the U.S., a bushel is a volume unit equal to 8 dry gallons or about 35.24 liters. It’s been used for centuries to measure dry goods like grains, fruit, and, of course, corn.
Historically, the bushel started as a way to standardize trading. Before that, farmers and merchants just eyeballed quantities, which made pricing a nightmare. Today, the bushel is crucial in agriculture and commerce because it gives everyone a common ground to work from.
One thing that trips people up is the difference between a bushel of shelled corn (just the kernels) and a bushel of ears of corn (the whole ear with the cob). A bushel of shelled corn weighs about 56 pounds, but a bushel of ears depends on how big those ears are, so the number of ears per bushel can vary quite a bit.
Understanding what a bushel really means helps when you’re buying or selling corn or just trying to get a handle on your garden’s yield.
Standard Number of Ears in a Bushel of Corn
Now, let’s get to the heart of it: how many ears of corn make up a bushel? The usual answer farmers give is somewhere between 70 and 90 ears per bushel. But that range isn’t random. It depends a lot on ear size, moisture content, and even the type of corn.
For example, if you have big, fat ears, you’ll hit the bushel volume with fewer ears, maybe closer to 70. Smaller ears mean you’ll need more, sometimes up to 90 or a bit more. The USDA gives some guidelines, but remember, they’re averages. Corn grown in different regions or under different conditions can vary quite a bit.
Moisture plays a sneaky role, too. Corn ears with higher moisture content take up more space and weigh differently, which can throw off ear counts if you’re just measuring by volume.
When I first started farming, I thought a bushel was just a fixed number of ears. Nope. It’s way more flexible. That’s why when you’re buying corn by the bushel, it’s good to know what kind of ears you’re getting.
Measuring Corn Ears for a Bushel: Practical Tips
If you want to get a more accurate count for your own corn harvest, measuring ears consistently is key. Here’s what I do:
First, I measure the length and diameter of a few sample ears from my crop. This gives me an idea of the average size. You can also count the kernels per row and the number of rows; that helps estimate how much corn you’re packing per ear.
Next, you can weigh a sample of ears and compare that to the known weight of a bushel of shelled corn, around 56 pounds. Keep in mind, ears with more moisture will weigh more but might shrink after drying.
For quick DIY estimates, try filling a container that holds one bushel volume, about 8 dry gallons or 35 liters, with ears, then count how many fit. It’s a hands-on way to visualize what a bushel looks like.
I learned the hard way that eyeballing can be wildly off. One year, I thought I had 100 ears per bushel only to find out my ears were tiny. So take a few measurements before you guess.
Why Knowing the Ear Count Matters
You might wonder why it even matters to know how many ears fit in a bushel. Well, it’s super helpful in several ways.
For starters, if you’re selling corn, especially in bulk, customers expect to get a fair amount. Knowing the ear count helps set realistic prices. For buyers, it means they’re not getting shortchanged.
Farmers use ear counts to estimate their crop yields before harvest. That’s crucial for planning resources like storage space or sales contracts.
Even in cooking, some recipes call for bushels of corn, especially in big farm-to-table events or community cookouts. Knowing the average ear count helps with accurate ingredient estimates.
Plus, market pricing often depends on standard weights and volumes, so knowing the ear count can help you understand price fluctuations.
Variations by Corn Type and Region
Not all corn ears are created equal. Sweet corn, field corn, and popcorn each have different ear sizes and kernel densities, which affect how many ears fit in a bushel.
Sweet corn ears tend to be smaller and more tender, so you might need more ears to make up a bushel. Field corn ears are usually larger and drier, which means fewer ears per bushel but more kernels overall. Popcorn ears are smaller and denser, changing the count again.
Where you live also matters. Corn grown in warmer climates might develop larger ears, while cooler regions sometimes produce smaller ears.
And farming practices like irrigation and fertilization play a big role in ear size and number. I’ve noticed when I switched to drip irrigation, my ears grew noticeably larger, which meant fewer ears per bushel but heavier overall yields.
Conclusion
Typically, you’re looking at 70 to 90 ears, but it really depends on the ear size, moisture content, and corn type. Knowing this helps with everything from farming to pricing to cooking.
If you’re handling your own corn, take the time to measure and weigh your ears for the most accurate estimate. Remember, a bushel is a volume measurement, not just a number of ears.
Got your own tips or experiences with corn bushels? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!