Memoranda of the Canadian Grain Commission
Calculation of moisture shrinkage for grain at licensed primary and terminal elevators
- Trade memo number
- 2026-08
- Date issued
- 2026-08-01
To provide regulatory consistency for producers and improve responsiveness to sector needs, the Order Respecting the Calculation of Moisture Shrinkage for Grain includes all terminal elevators licenced by the Canadian Grain Commission.
Background
The Canadian Grain Commission received several inquiries from eastern industry stakeholders regarding the Canadian Grain Commission’s moisture shrinkage calculation in the Order Respecting the Calculation of Moisture Shrinkage for Grain, and its application. In particular, some Ontario producers voiced concerns about moisture shrinkage calculations for corn at country elevators. Country elevators in eastern Canada are regulated by provincial governments and the Canadian Grain Commission is not able to respond to concerns at these elevators. However, the Canadian Grain Commission’s moisture shrinkage order is applicable to producer deliveries made directly to all terminal elevators licensed by the Canadian Grain Commission in Canada.
Description and rationale
In February 2023, the Canadian Grain Commission consulted with relevant grain sector stakeholders, including all licensed terminal elevators in Canada and eastern Canada producer associations. All stakeholders supported extending the application of the moisture shrinkage order to licensed terminal elevators, but a concern was raised about the proposed July 1, 2023, implementation date. Changing the drying discount methodology for each commodity handled by a terminal elevator requires upgrades to its grain accounting software and some terminals had already purchased some grain for the 2023-24 crop year with contract terms based on their existing moisture shrinkage methodology.
To accommodate this situation, the Canadian Grain Commission amended the moisture shrinkage order on August 1, 2024. Sections 1(1) and 1(3) of the registered order now apply to terminal elevators licensed by the Canadian Grain Commission, in addition to primary elevators licensed by the Canadian Grain Commission.
Contact us
For more information about requirements for condition of grain at delivery, contact Industry Services.
Inquiries
Questions related to this memorandum should be directed to Derek Bunkowsky, Chief Grain Inspector for Canada, at 204-297-8541 or by email at derek.bunkowsky@grainscanada.gc.ca.
Derek Bunkowsky
Chief Grain Inspector for Canada
Industry Services
800-303 Main Street
Winnipeg MB R3C 3G8