Drying Cost Calculator
Estimate total grain drying cost based on moisture points removed, and calculate cost per bushel and per acre.
Inputs
How It Works
Moisture Points Removed = Initial Moisture − Final Moisture
Total Drying Cost = Bushels × Points Removed × Cost per Point
Cost per Acre = Total Drying Cost ÷ Acres
FAQ
What is a typical drying cost per point?
Drying costs commonly range from $0.03 to $0.05 per moisture point per bushel, depending on fuel prices and dryer efficiency.
Why does moisture at harvest matter?
Higher harvest moisture increases fuel usage and total drying expense, directly reducing net farm income.
Does this include moisture shrink?
No. This calculator estimates drying expense only. Use the Grain Moisture Shrink Calculator to estimate bushel reduction.
About Grain Drying Costs
Grain harvested above market moisture must be dried to prevent spoilage and meet elevator standards. Drying removes excess moisture using heated air systems that consume fuel and electricity. The cost of drying depends on the number of moisture points removed, total bushels processed, fuel prices, dryer efficiency, and environmental conditions.
Each additional percentage point of moisture increases energy consumption. For example, harvesting corn at 20% moisture instead of 15% requires removing five moisture points. Across thousands of bushels, even small differences in moisture can translate into thousands of dollars in additional drying expense.
Understanding drying cost per bushel and per acre helps producers make informed harvest timing decisions. In some cases, waiting for field dry-down may reduce total cost, while in other situations early harvest can prevent yield loss and offset drying expense. Accurate drying cost analysis improves overall grain marketing and profitability.