Protect the value of stored hay
Improper hay storage cuts into the profits for hay and cattle producers. With demand for hay high, take steps to protect this year’s crop from loss.
A third of the entire round bale resides in the outer 6” of a large round (66” diameter) bale and is subject to weathering. About one-half of that storage loss comes from round bales directly contacting the ground, according to University of Kentucky research.
Storage Methods
Unwrapped round hay bales stored outside on the ground will result in the highest level of dry matter loss, up to 35%, according to Kentucky Extension’s Round Bale Say Storage summary. In addition, outside storage impacts the nutrient value and palatability of the hay, says Travis Meteer, Illinois Extension beef cattle specialist.
“If hay is stored outside and fed with an open ring feeder, it is not uncommon for waste loss to be over 30%,” Meteer says.
If you must store unwrapped bales outside, Meteer suggests these practices to reduce damage:
“Pick a well-drained site where danger of fire is limited. Do not store bales under trees or areas that harbor moisture.
“Use pallets, coarse rock or timbers to keep bales off the ground. This avoids bales from wicking moisture from the ground.
“Avoid bales touching on the sides or rounded portions; flat ends should be firmly butted together. Run rows of bales north to south to increase sunlight exposure and with the slope for best drainage.
“Bales that are tighter and denser will be less permeable to water infiltration.”
Stacking bales on an elevated platform, such as rock, will result in about 10% loss in dry matter.
Bale sleeves result in about 8% dry matter loss but have additional labor of moving and placing bales in the sleeves.
Using reusable tarps over stacked bales can reduce loss to about 7% and is improved if a flooring is used under the ground-level bales.
Plastic wrap on outdoor bales reduces dry matter losses to about 5%. It also saves labor costs by wrapping bales at harvest instead of applying sleeves later.
Storing hay inside a well-ventilated barn will result in the least amount of loss, about 5%, says Meteer. There are some cautions to indoor hay storage.
“Strictly monitor bale moisture. Bales with moisture over 20% have a risk of heating and combusting. Bales may need monitored for temperature for up to 30 days. Temperature under 120°F degrees after this period is safe. Bales over 170°F pose serious danger of combusting. Bale temperature usually peaks 7 to 10 days post-baling. Invest in a hay moisture probe. This is crucial to avoid combustion and risk of fire.
“Stack bales to allow access to hay in the order it will be fed or sold.
“Allow room for ventilation. Do not stack bales up against side walls. Allow some gaps in the stack for large lots of hay. Leave at least two feet of room between the bales and the rafters. Consider a covered ridge vent on your storage structure for better ventilation.”
“Leaving new bales in the field is like leaving dirty dishes in the sink. Sure, it’s convenient at the time, but in both situations, after a while, they begin to stink.”
Source: Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension Beef Cattle Specialist
Editor: Judy Bingman, ILGLC Coordinator
References:
Hay Storage, University of Illinois Extension Beef Cattle Website
For more information, download the University of Illinois Extension Hay Storage Fact Sheet.