The baler that you use — along with the shape and size of a bale—have an effect on the moisture test results. For example, small, rectangular bales tend to be denser at the bottom, whereas large, rectangular bales tend to be densest in the upper corners. As a bale gets tighter, the moisture levels increase.



It’s important to test moisture levels before baling hay. Wet, baled hay will grow mold and potentially catch fire. If a fire should occur, your operation would suffer from a drastic drop in product sales, property damage and loss of life. Even if a fire does not start, the moldy bale won’t likely be sold because the hay is no longer safe to feed livestock.