Bale probe advice

[EJS]

We currently have a protimeter with a bale probe attachment that we have calibrated every year yet seems to give odd readings. We have had our really dry hay which read between 8-10% moisture when baling now reads 20%, and our horse hay in the barn is reading 26% - it was made dry, does not smell at all, feels dry, breaks when you wind it - anyone recommend a good stand alone probe. We also make small bale haylage so could do with a decent one, haylage was reading between 20% and 35% which should be about right, yet opened bales now reading lower yet are good haylage - frustrating.

 

[M-J-G]

Bales always read a lot higher when in the bale for a while, the moisture held inside the stem when it is baled the meter will not pick up on, once it's in a bale that moisture works it's way to outside the stem and through the bale.

The meter will read as though it's wetter but its just a more accurate reading.

That's the reason why a grain sample will be more accurately moisture tested when it is milled before testing.

Shred the hay/haylage if you want a true reading.

 

[Derrick Hughes]

If it reads higher after a week it was not fit to bale,

Draminski would be best buy for meter

 

[M-J-G]

If it reads higher after a week it was not fit to bale,

Draminski would be best buy for meter

Higher than?

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Higher than 16

 

[Albert]

@EJS is your moisture meter a bale master? and how did you get it calibrated?

 

[Derrick Hughes]

http://www.dry-it-out.com/Draminski-Hay-and-Straw-Meter

A1 for service and price,

 

[EJS]

@EJS is your moisture meter a bale master? and how did you get it calibrated?

Hi Albert, bought through Martin Lishman and send back to get calibrated every year - not sure what they do.

If it reads higher after a week it was not fit to bale,

Draminski would be best buy for meter

Will check them out thanks FT - am pretty sure was fit to bale, we did not rush any of it as it is always pretty heavy crop, and had ideal conditions for several weeks. Last years straw bales all reading well over 18% - must be meter. Just don't trust it now, we want to increase our hay and haylage production so want to get it as right as possible

 

[M-J-G]

Higher than 16

It will always rise a bit after baling, unless it's pretty much 100%DM or the bales are really slack.

 

[Derrick Hughes]

I should be down there next month could call in and check for you if it helps

 

[EJS]

That would be great for our peace of mind, only if you have time we might have started harvest by then, never know!

 

[DanaKuperr]

I personally use to measure a microwave moisture meter. Of all the instruments, this is the most accurate. I use it for 2 years. Always had time for harvest

 

[EJS]

Didn't know there was such a thing! Should spend more time in the kitchen maybe

 

[DanaKuperr]

Didn't know there was such a thing! Should spend more time in the kitchen maybe

Do not say that. Microwave moisture meter very suitable to all!