Yes there is an easier way.
Private Sub process()
Dim ce As String
Dim AA As Range
Dim d As Integer
Range("D1").Select
d = 4
ce = "y"
Do
Set AA = Range(Cells(1, d), Cells(48, d))
Cells(50, d).Value = Application.WorksheetFunction.CountIf(AA, ce)
ActiveCell.Offset(0, 1).Select...