Identify the True Value of Water in Your Grain

Shrinkage is a term which quantifies the reduced weight of a commodity due to a reduction in water content. This calculator specifically looks at grain which has been dried below the dry point, as defined by the Canadian Grain Commission, resulting in lost revenue for the farmer. To use the calculator enter the commodity being sold, average moisture content at the time of sale, sales price per bushel, average yield and total acres harvested. Then push calculate and the shrinkage losses for the given scenario will be presented as % shrinkage, lost value $ / bushel, lost value $ / acre and overall lost value in $.

The primary concern for any farmer during harvest is to get their crop off dry. During dry harvest seasons this focus will often result in significant over dried grain. Anytime you sell grain that has been dried below the "dry point" you are losing money. This calculator will quantify how much money is lost and help determine the value that can be added by purposely harvesting high moisture grain to be used for on farm blending.

Yes, the grain shrinkage calculator is designed to accommodate various types of grains. Simply select from our extensive list of commodities, and the calculator will provide tailored results.

There are two key times where this calculator will add value to your farm;

• During Harvest. In an ideal world you want to sell all grain at the dry point and get maximum value for your commodity. The only way this is possible is by blending over dried grain with tough grain at shipping. Using this tool at harvest will help you quantify the value of harvesting some high moisture grain for purposes of blending.
• When shipping your commodity you need to quantify any lost value. The key is to mix tough loads with over dried loads to provide maximum value. Minor variances in moisture can be dealt with through paper blending. Extremely high moisture grain may not be accepted by your buyer requiring on farm blending prior to shipping.