10 Best Hay Moisture Testers 2025 in the United States

The Delmhorst RDM3 Moisture Meter is a solid choice for checking moisture levels in hay and other agricultural materials. It uses pin-type measurements, which provide a direct and reliable moisture reading by physically penetrating the material. The digital display makes it easy to read results, and the built-in alarm can alert users when moisture reaches critical levels, helping to prevent spoilage.

It also features data logging, allowing you to keep track of moisture over time, which is helpful when monitoring multiple samples or batches. The meter runs on a standard 9-volt battery, which is convenient and included with the package. It can handle temperatures up to 100°C, making it durable enough for most farm environments.

This user-friendly device includes important features like temperature compensation and data logging, making it well-suited for farmers or professionals who want a dependable tool without complicated setup.

The Delmhorst TECHCHECK-PLUS Moisture Meter is well-suited for hay moisture testing, offering a good balance of features that meet the needs of users, especially farmers and agricultural professionals. One of its main strengths is its bright, clear digital display, making it easy to read measurements, even in various lighting conditions. The meter provides an impressive moisture range of 0.1% to 60%, ensuring it can effectively measure moisture content in both drywall and wood, which is helpful for users who might also be dealing with different materials. The scan mode allows for quick assessments over a broad range, which could be beneficial when testing large bales of hay or other agricultural products.

However, there are some limitations to consider. The integral contact pins, while useful for direct penetration, only offer a 5/16” depth, which may limit the reading's accuracy in denser materials. Additionally, the device operates on a 9-volt battery, which could require frequent replacements depending on usage frequency. Also, while the device's build quality is reasonable, it may not be as rugged as some users might prefer for harsh outdoor conditions, particularly in agricultural settings.

The Delmhorst TECHCHECK-PLUS is a reliable tool for anyone involved in hay moisture testing, balancing ease of use with functional features. Be aware of its limitations regarding penetration depth and potential battery life to ensure it fits your needs effectively.

The AgraTronix 07150 BHT-1 Hay Moisture Tester is designed specifically for baler-mounted use, making it handy for farmers who want to check hay moisture levels as they bale. It measures moisture in a useful range from 8% to 44%, which covers most needs for hay testing to avoid spoilage or fire risks. The built-in self-calibration button helps keep readings accurate over time without complicated steps. One of its strong points is the multi-sensor technology that checks moisture from three different bale spots, improving accuracy by averaging these readings.

The backlit digital display updates every 3 to 5 seconds and includes clear indicators if moisture is too high or too low, making it easy to read even in low light conditions. The probe cable length of 25 feet offers flexibility to connect the sensor to the tractor cab, where the sturdy display module is mounted for quick reference. The tester does not require batteries, simplifying maintenance, but it must be powered via the tractor. Although it is made with durable polypropylene and designed for rough farm use, its weight of 2 pounds and size may be a bit bulky for some users.

This tester is especially suited for growers who bale hay regularly and want an integrated system to monitor moisture in real time, helping to protect hay quality and storage safety. For occasional or very small-scale use, the size and setup might be more than needed.