Investigation was made to observe the compressive load property of rice gain both rough rice and brown grain. Six rice varieties (indica and japonica) were examined with the moisture content at 10-12%. A compressive load with reference to a principal axis normal to the thickness of the grain were conducted at selected inclined angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 70°. The result showed the compressive load resistance of rice grain based on its characteristic of yield strength, of which can be expressed as relationships of the shear strength. Two similar experiments, both parallel and cross grain positions were conducted on the rough rice and brown rice. Result showed the trend of load resistance of rice grain, which may be used as an important parameter for the design of related post-harvest machines. The properly designed machine in conjunction with this compressive strength might lead to the minimal use of power consumption of the machines as well as lowering the broken rice during the process. © 2008 Science Publications.