Grain Moisture Shrink Calculator
Calculate bushel shrink when drying grain from harvest moisture to market moisture.
Inputs
How It Works
Shrink % = (Initial − Final) ÷ (100 − Final)
Adjusted Bushels = Wet Bushels × (1 − Shrink %)
FAQ
What is standard market moisture?
For corn, standard market moisture is typically 15%. For soybeans, it is usually 13%.
Why does drying reduce bushels?
Drying removes water weight from grain, reducing total saleable bushels.
Does shrink include handling loss?
This calculator estimates moisture shrink only and does not include handling or processing losses.
About Grain Moisture Shrink
Grain harvested above market moisture must be dried before storage or sale. As moisture is removed, the total weight — and therefore bushels — decreases. This reduction is known as moisture shrink.
Understanding moisture shrink is essential for accurate grain marketing and revenue projections. Higher harvest moisture increases drying costs and reduces final saleable volume. Even a few percentage points of moisture difference can significantly affect total farm revenue.
Monitoring grain moisture and understanding shrink calculations helps producers optimize harvest timing, storage decisions, and marketing strategies.