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How do you store hay long term?
Another way to preserve your hay in long-term storage is to use plastic hay crates. These large crates come in different sizes and offer the perfect amount of space for hay bales. You can stack the crates to keep them organized and to prevent your hay from getting wet.
How do you store hay bales?
Store hay inside “In most cases, it is recommended to elevate bales using gravel, which can reduce DM losses to 3-15\%. The best option for storage is covering hay bales with tarps, which will help to prevent losses on hay stored outside.”
How do you keep hay 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.
Can hay bales go bad?
With too little moisture, hay becomes brittle, loses nutritional value, and is unpalatable for livestock. With too much moisture, hay can spoil while baled hay can experience thermal expansion—causing it to combust and creating a severe hazard.
How do you store hay bales outside?
Take a look at ways to minimize loss when storing large round bales outside:
- Maintain good bale density.
- Cover it up.
- Check out your storage site.
- Elevate the bales up off the ground.
- Position rows of bales to promote good drying.
What is the best way to store hay?
Store hay where it’s accessible. Don’t stack hay higher than you can safely move it—this is especially important when stacking large round bales. And stack new hay behind older bales so you can feed the older hay first. Hay stacked on bare ground or concrete wicks moisture up through the bottom tiers, ruining the hay.
How do you store hay without a barn?
Without a barn, you can adapt a large storage shed or cargo container. If you have to store hay outdoors, protect stacked hay with secured tarps or a plastic covering. Raise hay off bare ground using wood pallets or tires, or by building a pad of rocks or gravel.
How do you store straw bales outside?
When storing hay outside, cover the hay with plastic or another type of waterproof material. If you are unable to cover the bales, arrange the bales so that air can circulate between them to promote drying.