© 2022 Staheli West
80
Moisture Sensors
Preferred Method
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Type
Microwave
Bale Chamber Pressure
Handheld
Contact
Initial Reading
with Steam
Accurate
Accurate in cooler
conditions; similar read-
ings to natural dew (for
experienced balers only)
Reads high
3-5%
Reads high 3-5%
Initial Reading
without Steam
Accurate
Accurate in cooler
conditions; similar read-
ings to natural dew (for
experienced balers only)
Accurate ONLY
with even
moisture
dispersion
Accurate ONLY with
even moisture
dispersion
3-Day Reading
Accurate
With
St
em Mois
tur
e
Initial
Reading
with
Steam
Accurate
Accuracy varies
Reads low
3-5%
Reads low
3-5%
3-Day
Reading
Accurate
There are a variety of moisture sensors or gauges on the market. Be sure that your
moisture measurement method is installed correctly, properly calibrated, well-understood
and working properly before baling hay.
All methods of moisture measurement should be confirmed by measuring with a
handheld moisture probe a few days after the hay has been baled.
It is NEVER recommended to bale with stem moisture
