Grain Moisture & Shrink Calculator
Estimate how grain moisture affects saleable bushels and drying cost. Enter wet bushels, current moisture and target moisture to calculate approximate dry-equivalent bushels and shrink.
Grain Moisture & Shrink Calculator
Estimate dry-equivalent bushels, water shrink and drying charges.
Important: Water shrink uses dry-matter mass balance. The elevator comparison uses the shrink percentage and drying charge you enter; actual elevator schedules may include minimum charges, handling shrink, discounts or other rules.
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Why Grain Shrinks as It Dries
A portion of harvested grain weight is water. As grain dries, water weight is removed, so the number of equivalent dry bushels decreases. Commercial shrink schedules may also include handling or additional shrink beyond pure water loss.
Compare Harvest Moisture Scenarios
Use several moisture levels to compare the approximate bushel impact of harvesting wetter or drier grain. Then consider drying charges, field loss, harvest timing and storage capacity.
Check Your Buyer or Elevator Schedule
Elevators and processors can use different shrink factors and drying charges. Use this calculator for planning, then compare the result with the actual schedule where the grain will be delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is grain shrink?
Grain shrink is the reduction in weight or equivalent bushels as moisture is removed, sometimes with additional handling shrink applied by a buyer.
Is water shrink the same as elevator shrink?
Not always. Elevator schedules may include additional shrink factors or fees beyond mathematical water loss.
Can this calculator estimate drying cost?
Yes, when drying-charge inputs are provided, it can estimate the cost associated with removing moisture.
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