A system and method for measuring a quality parameter of a harvested crop are provided. Specifically, the system is adapted to be carried by a harvesting device such that a sensor is enclosed in a controlled environment and such that the sensor is capable of precisely and reliably measuring the quality parameter while the harvesting device is in operation. The system includes a verification device and an actuator device contained within the controlled environment. The actuator device periodically conveys the sensor device to at least one of a verification position relative to the verification device and a measurement position. Thus, the sensor device may be periodically and reliably referenced and/or validated while in use in harsh agricultural environments such that the sensor device is capable of accurately measuring the quality parameter as the crop is harvested.