Grain Drying Economics Module

Climate conditions in the upper Midwest states make it necessary for most corn harvested for grain to be dried artificially. Grain producers are faced with a variety of choices when it comes to marketing their crop. This grain module is brought to you by the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative and was produced by the former Crop Adviser Institute.

Click here to access the Grain Drying Economics Module

Learning objective: Understand the economic components of drying grain.

Cost of drying corn on-farm: The cost of drying corn on the farm depends on the size and type of drying system, the amount of moisture in the corn, weather conditions, and the costs of labor, electricity, and drying fuel.

Wet grain at harvest: When grain is wet at harvest, there are several considerations to make in addition to the time of harvest. Most grain buyers assess moisture discounts and commercial elevators charge a drying cost for wet grain.

Other corn drying considerations: Both moisture level and temperature of the grain should be considered.

Storage time: The cooler the grain temperature, and the lower the moisture content, the longer the storage time is for both corn and soybeans.

Supporting information:

Ag Decision Maker (A2-31) - Estimating the Cost for Drying Corn

Ag Decision Maker (A2-31) - Comparison of Drying Systems Calculator

Ag Decision Maker (A2-32) - Corn Drying and Shrink Comparison

Ag Decision Maker (A2-32) - Corn Drying and Shrink Comparison Calculator

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Publication Date: 08/2016

Permanent link for this product: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/14571