Best Hay Moisture Testers and Baler Monitors

Baling hay too wet risks mold, heating and even barn fires; baling too dry loses leaves and quality. A hay moisture tester takes some guesswork out of when to bale. This page explains the types and lists makers in our directory. We have not tested these meters; check each vendor's specs.

Types of hay moisture testers

• Handheld probe meters: you push a probe into a bale or windrow. Cheap and portable, good for spot checks.
• Baler-mounted monitors: sensors on the baler read moisture continuously as you bale and can display in the cab.
• Preservative applicator systems: combine moisture sensing with automatic application of hay preservative so you can bale at somewhat higher moisture.

Makers in our directory

Delmhorst makes moisture meters, including hay testers. Harvest Tec makes baler moisture monitoring systems and hay preservative applicators. Baler makers such as Vermeer and John Deere offer moisture options and data tools on some models; ask your dealer.

Tips for accurate readings

1. Take several readings from different spots and bales; moisture varies across a field.
2. Calibrate or check the meter per the maker's instructions.
3. Know the meter's range for the hay type you bale.
4. Record readings with bale counts so you know which bales to feed first or watch for heating.

Target moisture depends on bale type and storage; your extension service, such as Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, publishes guidance. If a stack starts heating, monitor temperature closely and take it seriously; hot hay can ignite.

Also see: all hay and feed tools.

Tools in this guide

1. Vermeer

   Hay and forage equipment maker (balers, rakes, mowers).

   Pricing: See site · Hay & Feed

2. Harvest Tec

   Hay preservative applicators and baler moisture monitoring systems.

   Pricing: See site · Hay & Feed

3. Delmhorst

   Moisture meters, including hay moisture testers.

   Pricing: See site · Hay & Feed

4. John Deere Operations Center

   John Deere's online platform for machine and field data.

   Pricing: See site · Hay & Feed

5. Purina Animal Nutrition

   Cattle feed and supplement brand with nutrition resources.

   Pricing: See site · Hay & Feed

6. Vytelle

   Cattle feed efficiency testing and genetic insight services.

   Pricing: See site · Hay & Feed

7. C-Lock SmartFeed

   Precision systems measuring livestock methane and feed efficiency, used by researchers and producers.

   Pricing: See site · Hay & Feed

8. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

   Free extension resources on forage, hay and cattle nutrition.

   Pricing: Free resources · Hay & Feed