HOW DO I USE A MOISTURE TESTER FOR HAY IN THE WINDROW?

To get a proper reading of its moisture, loose hay from the windrow should be packed into a five or 10-gallon bucket. The higher the density, the easier it is for testers with multi-pin prods to get an accurate reading. So, be sure to pack down the hay as tightly as possible before you begin to measure.

Like with baled hay, numerous tests are required to obtain an accurate, reliable moisture measurement. After taking the first reading, the operator should mix the hay, repack it, and test again several times, then average the readings.

An additional test involves choosing several large, slow-drying stems from the same area of the windrow and lying them one at a time across two adjacent points on a multi-prong electrode (Note: These readings will typically be a few points higher than the actual moisture level).

Pay attention to the areas where the hay is densest and repeat these steps in different parts of the field. Your decision to start baling should take into consideration the variation found among windrow readings and the average stem moisture.

The TK100H is a reliable moisture reading tool for on-the-go monitoring. If you’re seeking HOW to do this, using the TK100H is an easy and reliable method.