Are round bales better than square bales?

Are round bales better than square bales?

The only difference between square and round bales is the type of machinery used. The shape of the bale won’t influence the nutrient content of the hay. Why have most of hay producers changed from making small square bales to large round bales? It is primarily due to the labor requirements for making the smaller bales.

Can round hay bales get wet?

Anderson recommends storing hay on elevated, well-drained spots that will prevent the bales from soaking up moisture from wet soil or standing water. Never stack round bales during the rainy season unless they are covered or unless they will be fed very soon.

What is the advantage of round bales of hay?

The first advantage is the cost. It is generally cheaper to feed round bales compared to feeding square bales. The second advantage to feeding round bales is the ease of feeding. Round bales are less labor intensive to feed if you are feeding an entire round bale at a time.

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Why are some hay bales round and some rectangular?

The shape of the hay bales comes down to the baling equipment that is used. Older balers produced square or rectangular bales while newer balers usually produce round bales of hay. Hay for such bales must be dried for long periods of time between the time they are cut and the time they are baled.

What’s the best way to store round bales outside?

Round bales stored outside need air circulation and sunlight to help dry the outer layer after a rain. Storing the bales under trees blocks wind circulation and sunlight, which helps dry the bales. Any protection that trees might offer from rain is more than offset by the damage due to the shading they provide.

How do you store round hay bales outside?

Plastic wrap, net wrap or tarps can be used to prevent loss from weathering. Don’t stack bales on top of each other unless the entire stack is to be covered. Large, round bales should be stored in the open, not under shade and have good air circulation.

How do you keep round bales from molding?

Stack the bottom layer of bales on their sides, with the strings facing sideways instead of up. The uneven surface allows better air circulation and helps prevent mold from growing. Stack the second layer with the strings facing up, all pointing in the same direction.

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Can round bales be left outside?

Ever since round balers were introduced in the early 1970s, one of the selling points—besides the low labor demand—has always been that round bales can be stored outdoors. And that is true to a greater extent than it is with square bales of any size.

What are round hay bales called?

The two most common options are large round bales, also called rolls, and small square bales.

How big is a round hay bale?

Round bale 48” wide x 60” dia. Hay bales can weigh between 40 lbs and 2,000 lbs. They come in two basic shapes, round and square. Round hay bales are usually quite large and weigh from 600 to 1,200 lbs. Square hay bales come in two size groups, small and large.

How many small bales of hay are in a large round bale?

A standard three-string bale weighs around 140 pounds and breaks into 17 flakes, each weighing about 8 pounds. Small bales, called two-string bales, weigh only 40 to 75 pounds each. The best quality hay is baled into three-string bales, and over-mature hay is baled as round bales.

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What is the best way to stack round bales of hay?

If the majority of the bales feel heavy due to moisture, place them in a dry area (away from livestock barn) with plenty of space around each bale and wait a few days before stacking. Which end up: It is a good idea to stack square bales on their sides with the stems of the cut hay running up-and-down.

How many small bales are equal to a large bale?

It depends on the weight of both the large round and small square hay bales. For example, if the round bale weighs 1,000 pounds, then it equals 20 of your 50-pound small square bales. If the large round-bale weighs 1,200 pounds and the small square bales weigh 40 pounds, then one large round hay bale would be equal to 30 small square bales.

How do you make hay bales?

Steps Decide what type baler you want. Hook the baler up to your tractor. Install the string or net wrap in the appropriate compartment. Perform maintenance checks before beginning to bale. Drop the pick-up wheels from each side of the baler and make sure that they are barely touching the ground.