YIELD ESTIMATION

 Because of the time, expense and difficulty involved, sampling techniques
are necessarily employed in trying to estimate the potential yield of a field
of cane. Samples must be taken at random in the field to give as true an esti-
mate as possible. Samples taken in places that have no merit other than being
convenient will not be of much value. This includes outside rows, rows near
ditches, or rows that can be traversed easily.

 The sample taken for determining the average stalk weight should be cut
as low, topped as low, and cleaned of leaves and other trash as if the sample
were representative of the mill run, which it should be.

 Most cane in the Everglades is planted on rows 5 feet apart. Since an acre
contains 43,560 square feet, the length of an acre-row would be:
 13,5 =8,712 feet
 5

A good convenient sample would be one-hundredth acre, or about 87 feet. One
method of estimating the yield from a sample is as follows:

 1. Count the millable stalks on 87 feet of row and record the count.
 2. Cut a 10-stalk sample, cut off the top and strip the leaves. Weigh
 the sample to nearest pound and divide by 10 (point off one place to
 the left).
 3. Enter the table on the left at the closest number of millable stalks
 per 87 feet, to the nearest 20 stalks. Next, enter the table at the
 top on the nearest stalk weight, to the nearest 0.2 pounds. The
 figure in the table, where these two factors intersect, gives an
 estimate of the yield. If more than one sample is taken, average
 the values obtained.

Example:

 Millable stalks per 87' of row = 246 Use 240
 Sample weight = 34 lbs.
 Therefore stalk weight = 3.4 lbs. Use 3.4

 Therefore, the estimated yield, reading right from 240, and down from 3.4,
where the columns intersect is 41 tons per acre.

 For those who prefer to use 100 feet of row for increased accuracy of the
estimate, a column on the extreme right of the table is furnished.

Weighing device The stake pockets of pickup trucks make convenient receptacles
in which to mount a metal frame to hold and hang scales for weighing samples.
The frame can be made of galvanized pipe stock for the upright onto which is
welded an arm made of flat steel stock, suitably braced. A hook made of steel
bar stock is welded to the brace, on which the scale will be hung.