The invention relates to the field of measuring dry matter content of pasture. It is known to calculate the dry matter content of pasture by walking over a field and taking manual readings with a rising plate meter. This can be a slow and less than efficient procedure. In its preferred embodiment the invention comprises a meter for use in determining the dry matter content of pasture in a relatively efficient manner. The meter has a wheel 2, a planar rigid skid 3, and a weight or other means for applying a downward pressure to the plate. When the meter is in use it is coupled to and moved by a motor vehicle or other carrier over a field with the wheel 2 rolling along the ground and the skid 3 sliding over pasture. The wheel is spring loaded to help keep it in contact with the ground. A controller causes the meter to take multiple readings indicative of the distance between the ground and the skid, and these are used for determining the dry matter content of the pasture.
