Grain Drying Cost Calculator

Calculate the energy cost to dry grain from harvest moisture to target moisture. Estimates BTU required, total cost, and shrink percentage.

Initial Moisture

Target Moisture

Bushels to Dry

Energy Cost

$/MMBTU

Grain Type

Tab to move between fields

Total Drying Cost

$3,130.73

≈ 3 smartphones

Cost per Bushel$0.16

Water Removed per Bushel5.93 lbs

Total Water Removed118,588 lbs

Shrink10.59%

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the grain type, initial moisture content, and target moisture content.
Set the dryer type (continuous flow, batch, in-bin) and fuel type (propane, natural gas).
Input the grain quantity in bushels and current fuel price.
Review estimated drying cost per bushel and total fuel cost.
Compare drying cost to current basis or discount for wet grain to find the most economical path.

How the result changes with Initial Moisture

Initial Moisture: Grain moisture at harvest in percent. Corn is commonly 20-30% at harvest.
Target Moisture: Desired final moisture for safe storage. Corn: 15%; soybean: 13%; wheat: 13.5%.
Bushels to Dry: Total bushels of grain to dry at the initial moisture content.
Energy Cost: Cost per million BTU. Natural gas: ~$8-12/MMBTU; propane: ~$15-25/MMBTU.
Grain Type: Select grain: 1 = Corn (56 lb/bu), 2 = Soybean (60 lb/bu), 3 = Wheat (60 lb/bu).

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