Calculate the true cost of storing grain including moisture shrink, monthly storage fees, and drying energy costs.
Enter grain quantity, initial and target moisture, storage rate, and energy price to see total storage and drying costs per bushel.
Moisture Shrink % = [(Initial − Target) ÷ (100 − Target)] × 100
Final Bushels = Initial × (1 − Shrink%)
Storage Cost = Bushels × Monthly Rate × Months
Drying Cost = Water Removed × Energy Factor × Energy Price
5,000 bu corn at 20%→14%: Shrink = (20−14)÷86×100 = 6.98%. Final = 4,651 bu. Storage 6mo @ $0.03 = $900. Drying ≈ $378. Total = $1,278 ($0.256/bu).
1. Enter total bushels. 2. Initial and target moisture. 3. Monthly storage rate. 4. Energy price. Click Calculate.
Grain storage costs include direct storage fees and hidden moisture shrink during drying. Understanding these costs helps decide whether to sell at harvest or store.
Forgetting drying reduces bushel weight. Underestimating drying energy. Storing above 14% without aeration risks spoilage.
✓ Expert Reviewed: This calculator and its content have been reviewed by agricultural experts. Formulas are based on standard extension service recommendations.