3 Harvest Season Essentials: Your Guide to Grain Moisture Testers, Hay Moisture Testers, and Soil Probes
Jul 12th 2024
With harvest season just around the corner, it truly is the calm before the storm. The success of harvest season can determine the profitability of an entire year’s work, and we’ve got the tools you need to ensure you have a stress-free, profitable harvest.
This comprehensive guide will delve into the importance of these three harvest season essentials: grain moisture testers, hay moisture testers, and soil probes. Explore our customers’ favorite harvest products, and you can be certain no bushel will get discarded, this season or the next.
Moisture is mold’s best friend, but with a moisture tester, farmers can save their yield from mold and bacteria growth. Grain moisture testers are crucial for determining the optimal time to harvest and the right time to store.
There’s no need to guess the moisture levels when Barndoor Ag has a variety of user-friendly, precise moisture testers to choose from. By investing in a moisture tester for this harvest season, farmers can secure their profit for years to come.
Types of Grain Moisture Testers
- Portable grain moisture testers: Handy and easy to use in the field.
- Hot grain moisture testers: Shore’s 935 Grain Moisture Tester can measure hot grain right from the dryer.
- Crop-specific moisture testers: Agratronix offers moisture testers specific to coffee beans, cotton, and other crops
Buying Guide
When purchasing a grain moisture tester, consider:
- Accuracy: Look for high-precision models.
- Durability: Ensure it can withstand field conditions.
- Ease of use: Choose a model that is user-friendly.
Tips for Accuracy
To ensure accurate readings:
- Calibrate regularly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Browse Barndoor Ag's inventory of calibration tools.
- Clean the tester: Remove any residues after each use.
- Use fresh samples: Ensure grain samples are representative of the batch.
Barndoor Ag's Top Customer Picks
- 40 different grain scale
- Moisture Range: 5% to 40%
- Accuracy: ±0.5%
- 20 different grain scale
- Moisture Range: 6% to 45%
Accuracy: ±0.3%
3. Shore 930 Portable Moisture Package
- 40 difference grain scale
- Moisture Range: 6% to 40%
Hay moisture testers, much like grain moisture testers, play a crucial role in measuring the moisture content within hay bales. Ensuring the proper moisture level is
vital to prevent mold growth, which can compromise the quality and safety of the hay. Moreover, maintaining optimal moisture levels is essential to preserving the hay's nutritional value, which is critical for livestock health.
By using hay moisture testers, farmers can ensure that their hay is stored and used at the ideal moisture content, thereby enhancing its profitability and effectiveness as a feed source.
Types of Hay Moisture Testers
- Portable hay moisture testers: Ideal for use in the field.
- Bale sensors: Installed in balers to provide continuous moisture readings.
Buying Guide
Consider the following when buying a hay moisture tester:
- Accuracy: Choose a model with high precision.
- Durability: Ensure it is built to withstand field conditions.
- Ease of use: Opt for a user-friendly device.
Tips for Accuracy
For accurate hay moisture readings:
- Calibrate regularly: Follow manufacturer instructions. Stock up on calibration products at Barndoor Ag.
- Clean the probe: Remove debris after each use.
- Test multiple spots: Ensure a representative sample of the bale.
Barndoor Ag's Top Customer Picks:
1. AgraTronix Windrow Hay Tester
- Only portable hay moisture tester for use before baling
- Moisture Range: 13% to 70%
- Accuracy: ±2-4%
2. AgraTronix 20” HT-Pro Probe-Style Hay Moisture Tester
- 10” and 20” probe lengths available
- Moisture Range: 8% to 44%
- Accurate throughout the normal range of stored, baled hay
A great soil probe--also known as a soil sampler--is a game changer when planning for next season. Once you’ve used a moisture tester to harvest and store this year’s yield, it’s time to start prepping the soil for next spring. Soil probes make it easy to collect and test soil samples for compaction, moisture, nutrients, and more.
Even if you’ve been working with your land for a while, soil probes can help you reach maximum yield and crop quality year after year. With the data from soil sampling, you’ll be able to make more effective decisions about fertilizer application and irrigation.
Types of Soil Probes
- Manual soil probes: Simple and cost-effective.
- Digital soil probes: Provide precise readings.
Buying Guide
Consider the following when purchasing a soil probe:
- Material: Durable materials like stainless steel.
- Length: Suitable for your specific needs.
- Ease of use: Choose a user-friendly model.
Tips for Accuracy
To ensure accurate soil sampling:
- Use clean probes: Remove any previous soil residues.
- Sample consistently: Take samples from similar depths.
- Calibrate digital probes: Regularly check calibration.
Barndoor Ag's Top Customer Picks:
1. AgraTronix Soil Compaction Tester
- Large and small tip for firm and soft soil
- Penetration depth: up to 24” in 3” increments
2. AMS Samplers ½ in x 40 One Piece Step Probe Soil Sampler
- Available as one piece or two piece probe
- Penetration depth: up to 14”
- One-piece alligator style opening
- Penetration depth: up to 8”
FAQs - Moisture Testers and Soil Probes
What is the ideal moisture content for storing grains? The ideal moisture content for storing grains varies by type but generally falls between 12-15%. This range helps prevent mold and bacterial growth.
Can soil probes be used in all soil types? Yes, soil probes can be used in various soil types, but harder soils may require more durable probes. It’s essential to choose a probe suitable for your specific soil conditions.
How do I know if my sample test is accurate? You should collect and test multiple samples to increase accuracy. This will give you a better understanding of the moisture levels in your soil or crops.
What are the common signs of a malfunctioning moisture tester? Common signs include inconsistent readings, device not turning on, and visible damage to the probe or sensor. Regular maintenance can prevent many of these issues.
How do I complete regular maintenance? Remove any crop or soil residue after use and ensure your device is calibrated regularly. Additionally, make sure to replace batteries or charge your device as needed. Store in a dry, safe place to prevent damage.
How often should I calibrate my moisture tester? Calibration frequency depends on usage, but it is generally recommended to calibrate before each harvest season or after every few uses to ensure accuracy. Pair your moisture tester with these Axiom products for easy calibration.
For any future harvest season, the quality and yield of your yield relies heavily on moisture levels and your soil health. It’s essential farmers equip themselves with the right tools, whether that’s a moisture tester or a soil probe. By integrating these devices into your harvest routine, you can prevent spoilage, maximize yield, and enhance crop quality. These small but powerful gadgets will make the fruits of your labor all the sweeter this fall.
Ready to equip yourself with these essential tools and take your harvest season to the next level? Reach out to our team at Barndoor Ag, and we’ll help you find the right equipment for your operation.
