There are current limitations for assessing biomass and quality traits in oaten hay breeding and agronomy research. The FieldExplorer is an in-field detection device that uses sensing technologies to measure hay quality in field similar to lab based NIR techniques, and provides rapid and accurate measures of biomass. Calibration models will be developed with the FieldExplorer to inform the design of low-cost multi spectral sensors which could be routinely implemented in oaten hay breeding and be used by growers and processors to improve management decisions impacting both yield and quality to support the continued growth of the export fodder industry.