At the time of baling the ideal moisture level is between 18 and 22 percent. Hay baled with higher moisture percentages can foster mold, resulting in loss and, in severe cases, damage as the accompanying heat can cause spontaneous combustion.

Due to its importance, testing hay for moisture content is essential to the success for both the buyer and seller.

Prior to the invent of electronic testers, farmers would visually inspect the hay for moisture by picking up and subsequently breaking the stem to examine the moisture level in the stem to determine if it was ready for the baling process.

Having the technology of electronic testers allows farmers to pinpoint the ideal time for baling, resulting in a higher overall yield from their fields.

With the introduction of hand-held electronic testers, farmers not only have the benefit of accuracy, they also have the benefit of efficiency.

Instead of sending samples into a laboratory, drying and testing in the house with the microwave, using a large convection oven, testing using a field drier or even twisting the hay by hand to test, you simply take the samples from the windrow, place them in a designated bucket and test for moisture using a probe-style tester. Simple, clean, efficient.

Baling your hay at the correct moisture levels saves time and money
Testing for moisture does not end with the bale; testing occurs during and after baling. During the baling process, the use of baler-mounted hay moisture testers assures the producer that the hay is at the correct levels as it is being baled. Installation is simple and the results are displayed to the operator every two seconds or so.

The one thing to keep in mind about baler-mounted testers is that the levels can read from 2 to 3 percent higher than a hand-held or portable tester.

This is not to say that the testers are inaccurate, just that there is a variable when using a baler-mounted-style moisture tester throughout the baling process.

You will develop a feel for the difference in equipment and, again, can be assured that the hay being processed is at its ideal condition for production.

Hay that has been baled too wet will produce mold and can heat up to fire-producing levels. A bale of hay with mold is typically not a bale that can be sold – if it is sold, the sale price is drastically reduced as the hay is no longer safe for food matter where livestock is concerned.

If the hay is baled too wet and results in a fire, the loss can be catastrophic in product sales, property damage and loss of life.

Testing the moisture levels of stored hay
After the baling process, hay is stacked and awaits sale. Testing at this stage is vital for the same reasons that stood prior to the baling process.

With a hand-held electronic probe tester, you are able to simply insert the probe into the bale and determine its moisture level. Probes come in a variety of lengths, 18-inch, 20-inch, 24-inch and 32-inch, giving you flexibility along with reliability.

As with hay that is in process, hay that has been baled is subject to a variety of conditions and/or circumstances that can affect the test results.

Bale density should be considered when testing – a tighter bale will produce higher moisture levels, which will be reflected in the results.

The shape, the size and the baler being used all have an effect on the test results. For example small, rectangular bales tend to be denser toward the bottom whereas large rectangular bales tend to be densest in their upper corners.

The “sweating” process which occurs naturally, and passes, can alter the results of a moisture test as can the use of preservatives.

Preservatives will become absorbed in approximately one to two days; however, prior to that a result that is 2 to 4 percent higher is not unheard of.

Even the type of hay tested can alter the results – if your tester is calibrated for alfalfa but the hay being tested is a grass/alfalfa mix, the moisture level can vary. A simple matter of including conditions into your test results will result in better hay production.

Electronic moisture testers take the guesswork out of hay production
Testing hay throughout the process is, as stated, vital to the proper and profitable production of hay. Without testing, hay production relies on luck and experience, whereas experience needed is vast and luck is just not practical.

Hand-held electronic testing equipment takes the guesswork out of production and allows farmers to produce and bring to market hay ready to sell with little to no waste.

The electronic moisture testing devices also save valuable time – the production of hay does not happen in a factory – neither can a wasted bale be “fixed.”

Making sure the hay is ready for baling and subsequently ready for sale with hand-held electronic testing equipment used throughout the process, removes any doubt where quality is concerned, provides convenience to the farm staff and assures the buyer that they are purchasing a quality product.

Hay buyers are very particular customers – your hay is feeding their livestock; their livestock provides for their family. If the hay purchased is riddled with mold, not only is it dangerous to store, it is unable to be fed.

Wasted hay due to poor conditions during production can lead to a myriad of problems for livestock owners, from sickness to disposal of the unusable hay.

If a ranch purchases hay that results in sick livestock, chances are they are going to shop around for another supplier; if a ranch purchases hay that catches and causes fire damage, you can be sure they will shop around.

The price of hay in today’s market is high – livestock owners, ranchers and the like are looking for well-priced quality hay; testing assures them of that.

Hand-held electronic testing equipment allows the farmer confidence in his crop and convenience for his staff, not to mention happy and returning customers.  FG

PHOTO
With the introduction of hand-held electronic testers, farmers not only have the benefit of accuracy, they also have the benefit of efficiency. Photo courtesy of AgroTronix.