If you are new to deer hunting or just getting started with deer feeders, it probably won’t take you very long to figure out that there will be some math involved as you fill or refill a deer feeder. If you do end up having to do any math, it will most likely be a pounds to gallons conversion, and here’s why: most deer feed is sold by the pound, while most deer feeders are built to accommodate feed by the gallon. One of the most common questions I’m asked at my day job involves the question of how much does a gallon of corn weigh?
The Gallons to Pounds Dilemma with Deer Corn
For as long as I can remember, deer feed (deer corn, pellets, etc.) has been sold by the pound or, in some cases, by the bushel (but I’ll get more into the bushel conversions later). And, for some unknown reason that I never entirely understood, makers and manufacturers of deer feeders built feeders to hold feed based on a gallon measurement.
Because of the two different weight metrics, most hunters end up having to do some basic conversion math to figure out how many pounds of deer feed will be needed to fill up a gallon-based deer feeder.
Now, the math isn’t that hard, but I still find it annoying to do when feeder manufacturers could easily solve the issue by offering feeder models based on pounds versus gallons. (Ok, I’m done with my soapbox complaining).
But here’s where the dilemma comes: deer corn varies slightly in weight based on the moisture content and condition.
I generally use a weight number of 6.5 to 7 pounds per gallon of deer corn. So, a 5-gallon bucket of deer corn usually weighs somewhere between 32.5 lbs. and 35 lbs.
To use the 6.5 to 7 pound per gallon conversion, multiply the number of gallons by the 6.5 to 7-pound conversion number.
To make things easier, here are the conversions from gallons to pounds for most of the more commonly sized deer feeders:
- 30 gallon feeder holds 195 to 210 pounds of corn or feed
- 40 gallon feeder holds 260 to 280 pounds of corn or feed
- 50 gallon feeder holds 325 to 350 pounds of corn or feed
- 55 gallon feeder holds 357.5 to 385 pounds of corn or feed
- 100 gallon feeder holds 650 to 700 pounds of corn or feed
Converting Bushels to Gallons
Specifically, in the case of deer corn, you may end up purchasing it in a bushel format versus a pound format.
A bushel of deer corn weighs between 55 and 60 pounds, so one bushel of deer corn converts over to somewhere between 8.46 gallons and 8.57 gallons of corn.
Depending on the circumstances, buying by the bushel can sometimes be the most cost-effective method.
FAQS
Here are some other frequently asked questions that I see and read regarding the weight of corn by the gallon:
How many pounds of corn in a gallon?
Since the actual weight of shelled corn can vary by moisture content and condition, one gallon of corn usually weighs between 6.5 pounds and 7 pounds.
Now, there are instances where corn with very high moisture content will exceed the 7 pound per gallon weight mark, but that’s not common.
How many pounds of corn fit in a 5 gallon bucket?
Using the ratio of corn weighing 6.5 to 7 pounds per gallon, a 5-gallon bucket typically holds 32.5 pounds to 35 pounds of deer corn.
How many pounds of corn fit in a 6 gallon bucket?
Figuring that deer corn usually weighs somewhere between 6.5 to 7 pounds per gallon, a 6-gallon bucket typically holds 39 pounds to 42 pounds of deer corn.
How many pounds of corn will a 55 gallon deer feeder hold?
A 55-gallon deer feeder will usually hold between 375 pounds and 385 pounds of deer corn. The variance in weight is attributed to the varying moisture content of corn.
Does cracked corn weigh less than whole corn?
While cracked corn offers smaller particles of corn compared to whole kernel corn, both weigh the same. A pound of cracked corn is the same as a pound of kernel corn.
How many pounds of corn in a 55 gallon drum?
If you purchase deer corn by the 55-gallon drum, you are buying between 357 to 385 pounds of corn.
How much does a bushel of corn weigh?
Depending on the moisture content, a bushel of deer corn weighs between 55 and 60 pounds.
