Hay Storage: Protecting Forage Quality
Unprotected hay is vulnerable to mold, bleaching, and nutrient loss, which significantly lowers quality and market value.
- Hay Storage Options:
- Hay Sheds: Provide the best protection and long-term economic return.
- Tarps: Lower initial cost but require more labor and offer less protection.
- Economic Benefit: Investing in proper storage can return $10 in higher market prices for every $1 spent.
Hay Storage Tips for Quality and Value
Organizing and Separating Lots
- Keep hay from different fields or lots separate for easy inspection and shipping.
- Build outside stacks from both ends to allow access to two different lots in one stack.
Hay Sheds: The Best Storage Option
- Benefits: Most economical and effective for preserving hay quality.
- Design: Basic pole shed with truss rafters and 2–3 sides sheeted; lifespan ~40 years.
- Cost: $3–$4 per tonne; returns estimated at $10–$50 per tonne.
- Extra Protection: Lay plastic under bottom bales to prevent ground moisture damage.
- Versatility: Can also store machinery, grain, or livestock.
Moisture Management for Export
- Hay for overseas export must be <12% moisture.
- Some producers bale small squares at up to 14% moisture and allow “sweating down” in stacks:
- Bale weight should not exceed 60 lbs.
- Proper stacking is essential for dry down.
- Risk: Weather must cooperate, and accurate moisture testing is critical. Rapid drying can cause false low readings, leading to spoilage.
Tarping Best Practices
- Site Selection: Good truck access, drainage, and space for snow removal.
- Stack Orientation: North–south or angled NW–SE for sun exposure.
- Spacing: At least 40 ft between stacks for ventilation and accessibility.
- Stack Design: Use ridge bale or peak top for runoff and airflow; leave ends open for ventilation.
- Tarp Setup:
- Overlap tarps by 3–5 ft; tie close to edges.
- Retighten monthly; prevent flapping to extend tarp life.
- Cover at least 3 ft down sides; wider tarps reduce wind issues.
- Bottom Layer: Will absorb ground moisture—do not market these bales.
- Quality Tarps: Reinforced grommets; lifespan 3–5 years with minor repairs.
Storing Wet Hay: Fire and Mold Risks
- Heating:
- Wet bales can reach 54°C from microbial activity and retained field heat.
- At ≥18% moisture, indoor storage increases risk of spontaneous combustion.
- Management Tips:
- Leave wet bales unstacked for 3 weeks to release heat.
- Use temperature probes (manual or homemade) to monitor stacks daily.
- Critical temperature ranges:
- Up to 49°C: Normal curing; monitor for mold.
- 43–65°C: Protein damage; check daily.
- 57–71°C: Dangerous; check every 4 hours.
- 79°C: Call fire department; do not move hay.
- ≥90°C: Spontaneous combustion risk
