How do you test for moisture in hay?

The easiest and most effective way to test hay for moisture is to use an electronic moisture tester. Note that readings are more accurate with higher volumes of hay. Therefore, the general rule is to fill a bucket with hay that is tightly compacted. Then simply insert the tester probe and let it do its thing.

Are hay moisture meters accurate?

Overall, moisture meters are a fast and effective way to test the moisture of hay bales, combining the benefits of fast measurements with accuracy to give farmers a reliable measurement when time is of the essence.

How does a hay moisture tester work?

These electronic tools can be poked into either a bale or windrow to measure the moisture content of the hay. They work by measuring the electrical resistance of the hay between two sensors. The more moisture, the less resistance. They then convert this resistance to a value associated with average moisture content.

How do you check moisture in hay before baling?

To test the moisture content of forage you’re planning to ensile or bale, use your microwave. It can take a few trials to become comfortable with the process, but it’s quick, easy, and can provide a good estimate. Other options include moisture meters and probes, which can be fast, although results can be variable.

How do I know if my hay is dry enough to bale?

Breaking stems in half or twisting them in a circular motion to see if the stems break cleanly will give farmers the go-ahead to bale. “If all the stems break and crack that’s an indication that the hay is cured and then you can rely on the moisture test that you’re getting from the probe,” Yaremcio said.

How many days does hay need to dry?

It basically takes about three days of good weather to cure hay, which can be a challenge in late May or early June. A good strategy is to mow a day before or immeditately after it rains, because of the likelihood of good weather for the next few days.

How long does it take for hay to heat up?

Most hay fires occur within 6-weeks of baling. Heating occurs in all hay above 15% moisture, but generally peaks at 125 to 130 degrees F within three to seven days with a minimal risk of combustion or forage quality loss.

What is the best moisture for baling hay?

18 to 22 percent
When hay is baled, it should not be higher than 18 to 22 percent moisture. At higher levels of moisture, bales lose large amounts of dry matter (Figure 1) caused by excessive heating and molding (Figure 2). In severe cases, spontaneous combustion is possible.

Can you Ted hay with dew on it?

If drying conditions are lousy and rain is coming or hay is heavy may ted a second time. This is for any type, grass or legume or mix, if lots of legume use slow rpm and do it with dew on. Often times you only have a few hour window to do it right.

How can I dry hay fast?

Another method Kaatz suggests for making hay dry faster is to use a tedder. A tedder, which works especially well with grasses, will fluff the windrow or swath and allow air to flow through it more easily. The additional air dries the hay faster, but Kaatz advises not to use a tedder on partially dried alfalfa.

Can hay be dry daily?

Lay hay in a wide swath covering 70 percent or more of the cut area to enhance rapid initial drying. For the best timing, rake at 40 to 60 percent moisture rates with alfalfa and 25 percent for grasses. These percentages can be reached in as little as 24 hours.

At what moisture does hay combust?

Hay fires usually occur within six weeks of baling. Heating occurs in all hay above 15 percent moisture, and it generally peaks at 125 to 130 F in three to seven days with minimal risk of combustion or forage quality losses.

When do you use a hay moisture tester?

Using a Hay Moisture Tester is the only way a farmer can be sure that his hay is being baled at the ideal moisture levels. At what Moisture range should Hay be Baled? Traditionally, the recommended moisture content for baling hay without a preservative is between 18-20%.

Is the Delmhorst fx-2000 digital Hay moisture meter free?

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What kind of moisture tester do I Need?

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Where did the Delmhorst moisture meter come from?

Established in 1946 in New York City, Delmhorst is American Designed and American Made. With Over 65 Years of Experience in Developing Moisture Tester Products, you can be Assured of Quality Construction and Accuracy with America’s #1 Brand of Moisture Meters.