Our on-farm drying method delivers accurate moisture readings in five easy steps.
The EMS moisture testing process is straightforward and reliable. Follow these steps exactly for consistent, actionable results every time.
Place your aluminum specimen container on the digital scale. Note the weight — it is approximately 250 grams. Zero out the scale with the container on it so your reading starts at 0.
With the scale zeroed and the container on it, add exactly 100 grams of your wet crop sample — corn, hay, silage, grain, or other material. This is your wet weight. Note this starting weight.
Place the filled specimen container on the EMS evaporation unit. Set the built-in timer to the recommended drying time for your crop. Refer to the crop time chart — for example corn shelled is 85 minutes, wheat is 30 minutes, hay is 25 minutes, and corn silage is 30 minutes. Turn the unit on and let it run.
When the timer is done remove the container and weigh the dry sample. Subtract the dry weight from your original 100 gram wet weight. The difference is your moisture percentage. For example — if you started with 100 grams and ended with 60 grams dry, you lost 40 grams of moisture which means 40% moisture content.
Place the sample back on the evaporator for an additional 15 minutes and weigh again. If the weight has not changed more than 2% your test is complete and your moisture reading is accurate. If the change is more than 2% continue heating in 15 minute intervals until the weight stabilizes within 2%.
The EMS moisture tester works across a wide range of agricultural commodities. If it grows on a farm, chances are we can test it.
| Crop | Drying Time | Safe Storage Moisture |
|---|---|---|
| Barley | 30 minutes | 15% or less |
| Corn Cob | 85 minutes | 20 to 25% |
| Corn Shelled | 85 minutes | 15% or less |
| Hay | 25 minutes | 25% or less |
| Corn Silage | 30 minutes | 60 to 65% |
| Oats | 15 minutes | 15% or less |
| Rye | 25 minutes | 15% or less |
| Wheat | 30 minutes | 15% or less |
| Haylage | 25 minutes | 40 to 60% |
Drying times from the official EMS Ag Solutions Instruction Booklet. Not listed? Contact us — we're happy to advise on your specific crop or material.
Please Note: For recommended moisture content for safe storage in your locality, consult your local agricultural agent as the above are approximate for guidance only.
Grain moisture content is one of the most financially critical measurements on any farm. Here's why getting it right matters every harvest.
Corn dried one extra point below market requirement costs you real money — fuel, electricity, and time. Accurate moisture data means you dry exactly to spec and not a point more. Farmers routinely pay for the EMS kit in a single season's savings.
Grain stored too wet goes out of condition fast — mold, mycotoxins, and hot spots can destroy an entire bin. Grain stored too dry loses weight and nutritional density. The right moisture level protects your crop's quality and market value.
Elevators dock heavily for wet grain and may reject shipments that are out of spec. Know your moisture before you haul — not after. EMS testers let you negotiate from a position of knowledge, not guesswork.
Download our free instruction booklet and moisture worksheet — professional tools that take the guesswork out of every test.
Complete setup guide, operating instructions, and recommended drying times by crop type.
Download PDF →Step-by-step data recording sheet that walks you through the moisture calculation formula. Print as many copies as you need.
Download PDF →