What Do Elevators Charge to Dry Corn?

When harvest comes fast and wet, many farmers face the decision: dry corn on-farm, or take it to the elevator? If you don’t have a dryer or it’s at capacity, grain elevators offer a quick solution. But it’s not free. So, what do elevators charge to dry corn? Let’s break down the actual numbers, how those fees work, and whether it’s worth paying or better to dry it yourself.

Why Drying at the Elevator Still Matters

Even in 2024, many small and mid-sized operations still depend on commercial elevators to dry corn. Some farms don’t have the infrastructure, some dryers can’t handle high volumes, and sometimes weather forces a quick harvest. Elevators give flexibility, but those drying charges add up quickly if you’re not careful.

Typical Corn Drying Charges at Elevators

1. Per Point of Moisture Removed

Most grain elevators charge by the point of moisture removed, usually starting once corn exceeds 15% moisture. Common rates range from $0.03 to $0.06 per bushel per point. That means if you deliver corn at 20% moisture, you’re paying to remove 5 points. At $0.04 per point, that’s $0.20 per bushel.

Here’s a quick example:

• Corn moisture: 22%
• Elevator charge: $0.045 per point
• Points over 15%: 7
• Total drying fee: 7 × $0.045 = $0.315 per bushel

2. Shrink and Handling Charges

Drying corn isn’t just about moisture removal—it also involves shrink. Elevators apply a “shrink factor” to account for the weight lost when moisture is removed. This typically includes two components:

• Moisture shrink: around 1.18% per point removed
• Handling shrink (sometimes added): up to 0.5–1.0% more

So, if you bring in 1,000 bushels at 20%, and the elevator removes 5 points, your final dry bushels might only be 930–940 depending on the shrink rate applied. That reduction directly affects your payment.

3. Variation by Region and Season

Drying charges can vary widely depending on location, fuel costs, and even seasonal elevator capacity. In the Midwest, $0.04–$0.05 per point is common. In more remote areas, or during a wet harvest year, rates can climb higher due to propane costs and volume stress.

Some co-ops and elevators offer early harvest incentives or reduced drying fees for contract grain, so it’s always worth asking your local buyer what their rate sheet looks like before delivery.

Real Examples: What Farmers Actually Paid in Recent Seasons

Jason, a farmer in central Iowa, shared his drying ticket from Fall 2023: “We delivered 25,000 bushels at 21%. Our elevator charged $0.042 per point over 15%. That’s 6 points, so $0.252 per bushel. It ended up costing us $6,300 just for drying.”

In Indiana, a farmer delivering to a local ethanol plant reported a lower rate: “They only charged $0.035 per point, and they stopped at 15.5%. It saved us about $1,000 compared to another elevator we usually use.”

These examples show the value of shopping around—not all elevators charge the same, and even a small rate difference can mean thousands of dollars across a full season.

Is It Cheaper to Dry Corn On-Farm or at the Elevator?

Here’s where things get interesting. On-farm drying has higher upfront costs (equipment, maintenance, fuel), but once the system is in place, per-bushel costs are often lower—especially if propane prices are reasonable.

Let’s compare:

• Elevator drying: 6 points × $0.045 = $0.27 per bushel
• On-farm drying (propane): ~0.02 gallons/bu/pt × 6 pts × $1.60 propane = $0.192

Even adding electricity and labor, many farmers find on-farm drying costs closer to $0.20 per bushel, compared to $0.25–$0.30 at the elevator. Over 50,000 bushels, that’s a $2,500–$5,000 difference.

However, if you don’t have a dryer or your system is overloaded, paying the elevator might be a necessary part of harvest logistics.

How to Lower Your Elevator Drying Costs

• Harvest at lower moisture if possible: Every point removed costs money. Waiting a few days can cut your bill by hundreds.
• Shop around: Some elevators have more favorable shrink and drying schedules. Ask for rate sheets before delivering.
• Use bin aeration to pre-dry: Even knocking off 1–2 points before delivery helps.
• Split your loads: Use your on-farm dryer for part of the crop and send only overflow to the elevator.

Final Thoughts: Understand the Math Before You Dump Wet Corn

So, what do elevators charge to dry corn? On average, $0.03–$0.06 per point over 15%, plus shrink. It doesn’t sound like much until you run the numbers over a few thousand bushels. Suddenly, that small fee becomes a big line item in your harvest expenses.

If you use elevators to dry corn, know the full cost—including shrink. Get the rates upfront. Compare local options. And if you’re running enough volume, consider investing in on-farm drying infrastructure to cut those costs long-term.

Ultimately, whether you dry corn yourself or let the elevator handle it, knowing the real charges helps you make better decisions—and keep more money in your pocket at the end of harvest.

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