Introduction to Grain Scales and Accessories
Grain scales and their related tools have been important for agriculture. They have served as an efficient way to measure weight and quality. Determining the percent of moisture and inert material in a bushel are most common. These tests are used to determine the value of the seed.
They are used by farmers, elevators, grain markets, test labs, and others. Samples are taken from wagons, trucks, and railroad cars that transport grain.
There are standards for the weight of grain and other seeds. Here are some examples of the weights in pounds per bushel using the US Winchester bushel standard:
Corn 56, Wheat 60, Oats 32 (Canada is 34), Barley 48,
Buckwheat 52, Sorghum 50, Rape 50, Rye 56,
Alfalfa 60, Blue Grass 14, Flax 56, Hemp 44,
Spelt 40, Spinach 12, Millet 50, Cotton 32
The most common sizes for grain scales are below. However, there are other sizes such as one-fourth cup and one-half bushel.
- 8 Ounce or 1/2 Pint
- 1 Pound or 1 Pint
- 2 Pounds or 1 Quart
- 4 Pounds or 2 Quarts
In 1902, the price of grain testers was typically:
1/2 pint for $12.50. 1 pint, $13.00. 1 quart, $14.00. 2 quarts, $15.00.
The term Winchester measure was a set of legal standards set by King Henry VII in the late 15th century. In 1824 in the UK, it was redefined as 8 Imperial gallons and called the Imperial bushel. The US Winchester bushel measurement is 18.5 inches in diameter and 8 inches high, which is about 3% smaller than the Imperial bushel.
In the USA, the bushel is used only for dry measure, whereas the Imperial system has no distinction between liquid and dry measure. In some countries, weight is a measure per sack.
Note: More detailed information on the bushel, weights, and calculations may be found at: