Moisture Meters for Hay

Hay moisture meters are used to check hay in the windrow, during the baling process, and in the bale.
Hay growers rely on hay moisture meters to product top-quality hay with optimum nutritional value and reduced risks of mold growth and spoilage.

ABQ Industrial offers a variety of specialty moisture testing devices for agricultural purposes.
From soil moisture meters that help improve irrigation efforts, to hay moisture meters for baled and loose hay,
and grain moisture meters with more than 250 species corrections, we have the right tools for your needs.


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AGRICULTURE - HAY:

Why should i use a Moisture Tester?

Moisture content is one of the most important variables — and challenges — the high quality hay producer must face. Baling at proper Moisture levels is critical to the hay grower’s objective — to bale and store hay in a manner to reduce mold development and at the same time preserve leaves, color, and feed value. Using a Moisture Tester is the only way a farmer can be sure that his hay is being baled at the ideal Moisture levels.

How does a Moisture Meter operate?

Most probe-type meters operate on the principle of electrical resistance, utilizing the relationship between the Moisture content of the material and its conductivity. This relation is possible because Moisture is an effective conductor of electricity and hay acts as an effective insulator. The "reading" is made between the two metal contacts at the tip of the probe.

At what Moisture range can hay be baled?

Traditionally, the recommended Moisture content for baling hay without a preservative is between 18-20%.

If using a preservative, follow the instructions set forth by each particular preservative manufacturer. Smart use of a Moisture Tester in combination with preservatives and drying agents allows hay to be baled at higher than traditionally recommended Moisture levels.

In either case, do not attempt to bale hay before it is at an acceptable Moisture level, even when using a preservative.

What methods are commonly used for testing hay Moisture?

In The Windrow

  • Collect hay from the windrow and place it in a five or ten gallon container. Apply a multi-pin prod to the hay and press down on the handle. Take a reading. Mix the hay and repeat this procedure no less than three times.
    Then from the same area of the windrow, select up to five large, slower-drying stems and place one at a time across two adjacent points on the multi-pin prod and take readings. The average of these stem readings should be about two to five points higher than actual Moisture content.
  • Repeat these steps in different parts of the field and pay special attention to the areas where the hay is heaviest. Your decision to start baling should consider the amount of variation found among windrow readings as well as the average stem Moisture.

In The Bale

  • Since the interior of most bales is seldom uniform with regard to density and leaf/stem ratio, and it is impossible to obtain a truly "representative" sample, it is important to take a number of readings from various parts of a bale and average them. Pay close attention to the range of readings and the high readings. Drive the prod across the bale slices to obtain firmer, more uniform contact.

Random spoilage of baled hay can occur due to fluctuating field conditions, i.e. windrow size, soil Moisture, stand density, low spots, and shade. Therefore, it is imperative to check bales at several locations in the field.

In The Bale Chamber

  • The hay producer can install a micro-controller based Moisture Meter in the tractor cab and connect it to a sensor in the bale chamber to monitor Moisture while baling, without leaving the cab.
  • The microcomputer collects and processes eight readings that are accumulated every four seconds. The meter then displays the average and highest reading. This cycle is repeated every four seconds.

A microprocessor-based continuous monitor is an easy and reliable way to give the operator clear guidelines and a little less to worry about. Even though this method provides reliable information, we recommend that you take readings in several bales, especially at the beginning of baling, and as you see conditions change. The FX-2000 can be used for on-the-go Moisture monitoring or as a portable meter.

What affects the meter readings?

Besides Moisture content, factors which affect meter readings most are: Moisture distribution, crop variety, temperature of the hay, crop maturity, sample density, cutting, and the overall climatic conditions present. Cloud cover and high relative humidity result in more variable Moisture readings than a sunny, dry day with light breezes.

How can i know i'm receiving the most accurate results?

Because field conditions can change rapidly, accuracy guidelines must be considered in terms of "ranges", not specific points. Claims of accuracy should be taken with caution, because it is unlikely that such claims can be consistent. Expert evaluations of the same meter may yield different results, mainly dependent on the technician’s sampling procedure, conditioning and uniformity of the samples, difference in crop, and differences in oven test procedure. For optimum results, carefully read the owners manual provided with each meter.

Is there a way to make sure my meter is in calibration?

The primary or electrical calibration of the tester can easily be checked by the built-in calibration checkpoint feature or by using an optional Moisture content standard.

How do I keep a Delmhorst meter in good working condition?

Delmhorst Moisture Meters are well known for their ruggedness and ability to withstand years of rough handling. Like any testing instrument, a little care goes a long way toward trouble-free service:

  • Store the meter in clean, dry place
  • Change batteries and pins as needed
  • Keep the meter and electrode clean by using any biodegradable cleanser sparingly on external parts only.


  • Delmhorst F-2000 Digital Moisture Meter for Hay

    Delmhorst F-2000 Digital Moisture Meter for Hay
    Price: $335.00 - $525.00

    Delmhorst F-2000 Digital Moisture Meter for Hay
    Bright, clear digital display.
    Averages up to 100 accumulated readings.
    Displays average and highest of accumulated readings.
  • Delmhorst FX-2000 Digital Moisture Meter for Hay

    Delmhorst FX-2000 Digital Moisture Meter for Hay
    Price: $515.00 - $815.00

    Delmhorst FX-2000 Digital Moisture Meter for Hay
    Bright, clear digital display.
    Can be used for on-the-go moisture monitoring or as a portable meter.
    Moisture Range: 6%-40% on hay.
  • Delmhorst FX-20 Digital Moisture Meter for Hay

    Delmhorst FX-20 Digital Moisture Meter for Hay
    Price: $300.00 - $520.00

    Large, custom display with auto backlight – easy to ready under all conditions
    On-screen readings statistics – High, Low, Average, Standard Deviation, Last 10
    Alarm set point - alerts to user-selected MC level
  • Delmhorst FX-30 Digital Hay Plus Moisture Meter

    Delmhorst FX-30 Digital Hay Plus Moisture Meter
    Price: $375.00 - $595.00

    Large, custom display with auto backlight – easy to ready under all conditions
    On-screen readings statistics – High, Low, Average, Standard Deviation, Last 10
    Alarm set point - alerts to user-selected MC level
    Features the Delmhorst EDGE app with customizable settings and user-selectable calibrations for Hay, Hops, Hemp, Brazil Nuts, Tobacco
  • Delmhorst F-6/6-30 Analog Moisture Meter for Hay

    Delmhorst F-6/6-30 Analog Moisture Meter for Hay
    Price: $310.00 - $500.00

    Delmhorst F-6/6-30 Analog Moisture Meter for Hay
    Easy-to-read analog display.
    Moisture Range: 6%-30% on hay.
    Also available with 13%-40% MC range as F-6.
  • Delmhorst 1235 Electrode for Hay Moisture Meter

    Delmhorst 1235 Electrode for Hay Moisture Meter
    Price: $80.00 - $88.00

    Delmhorst 1235 Electrode for Hay Moisture Meter
    10” prod used for testing standard bales
    Attaches directly to the connector on top of the meter
  • Humimeter MCT-HS Hay and Straw Moisture Meter

    Humimeter MCT-HS Hay and Straw Moisture Meter
    Price: $857.00 - $1,350.00

    Humimeter MCT-HS Hay and Straw Moisture Meter with Stabbing Probe 
    2 Models: MCT-HS 8% to 40% with accuracy ±2%, MCT-HS-PRO 8% to 60% with accuracy ±1% & USB Output
    23.6 inch long moisture probe
    For testing water content deep inside hay and straw bales
  • Humimeter FLW Moisture Meter for Hay, Straw and Insulating Material

    Humimeter FLW Moisture Meter for Hay, Straw and Insulating Material
    Discontinued Product
    Hay, Straw and Insulating Material Moisture Meter
    Measuring range: 10 to 60% water content
    Resolution: 0.1%
    Selectively working with two kinds of probes, a stingprobe or a stabprobe.