10
Curing
Before proper curing has taken place, wide variations in
moisture content should be expected in both recently baled
hay and hay in the windrow. These variations will be exposed
by meter readings taken on different parts of the windrow or
bale. The higher the moisture range, the wider are the
variations. The more curing has been allowed to take place,
the greater uniformity in moisture distribution can be
expected.
The validity of the meter readings is closely related to the
care spent in sampling the hay to be tested. Whether hay in
the windrow or baled hay is tested, the number of tests made
should be increased whenever the initial readings show
considerable variations.
Density
The calibration of the moisture testers applies to bales of
normal “average’ density. Generally:
hDenser bales may yield readings 1-2% points higher.
hLooser bales tend to yield 1-2% point lower.
hTests in stacks usually yield readings 2%-3% lower.
hTests on grass hay may yield readings about 3% lower.
Baling should be done according to the lower meter reading.
When testing baled hay, drive the prod across the slices of
the bale, not between them. This will ensure firmer and more
uniform contact.
When using the short pin prod, uniformity of pressure from one
sample to the other is achieved by applying pressure to the “pres-
sure button” at the end of the H-3 handle as described on page 7.
Use of Preservatives
Hay preservative or stabilizers may also have an affect on
meter readings. Normally a bale of hay treated with preser-
vative will read higher than a bale of the same hay that had
not been treated. The readings typically increase by 2-4%
points, and 24-48 hours after treatment, the readings
between the bales tends to equalize.
FX-2000 B&W manual:FX-2000 B&W manual 50406Q5 12/10/08 8:57 A
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