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Proper Storage of Hay Can Cut Losses

Wind and ran can damage baled hay, but learning the outdoor storage practices listed below can cut these losses.

• Make sure hay bales or stacks are evenly formed and densely packed. These bales shed water better and sag less than bales with soft cores or that are less densely packed.

• Use plastic twine or net wrap on round bales to maintain their shape and to provide a smooth surface for water runoff. Plastic resists weather, insects and rodents better than natural fibers.

• Store hay on well-drained sites so bales won’t absorb moisture from wet soil or standing water. Avoid storing bales in terrace valleys or along fences or trees that cause snow drifts.

• Do not stack round bales unless they are covered or will be fed to livestock soon. Avoid placing bales in a row with the twine ends touching on another. Both practices cause spoilage.

• Round bales store well when placed end to end. Place these rows in northwest to southeast lines to let winds reduce snow drifts and allow the sun to dry both sides of the bales.