Grain Drying Cost Calculator
Calculate cost of drying grain to safe moisture levels
About this calculator
The Grain Drying Cost Calculator helps farmers and grain handlers determine the financial cost of removing excess moisture from harvested grain to achieve safe storage levels. This tool calculates expenses including energy costs, equipment usage, and labor required for the drying process. By accurately estimating drying costs, users can make informed decisions about harvest timing, storage strategies, and whether to dry grain on-farm or use commercial facilities, ultimately optimizing their grain marketing profits.
How to use
Enter your grain type, initial moisture content, target moisture level, and grain quantity. Input your drying equipment specifications including fuel type, energy costs, and drying capacity. The calculator will compute total drying costs including fuel, labor, and equipment expenses, helping you determine the most cost-effective drying approach.
Frequently asked questions
What moisture levels are considered safe for grain storage?
Generally, corn should be dried to 15% moisture or less, soybeans to 13%, and wheat to 14% for safe long-term storage without spoilage.
How much does it typically cost to dry grain per bushel?
Drying costs typically range from $0.03 to $0.06 per bushel per moisture point removed, depending on fuel prices and drying efficiency.
Should I dry grain on-farm or use commercial elevators?
Compare your calculated on-farm drying costs with elevator discounts. On-farm drying is often cheaper when removing more than 3-4 moisture points.