June 27, 2008

Over one-fourth of your hay's nutrients can be lost due to weathering between now and feeding next winter. Taking steps now can help minimize this loss.

First, make dense, evenly formed bales or stacks. They will shed water better and sag less than a soft core or less dense package. Use net wrap or plastic twine spaced no more than four inches apart on round bales to maintain bale shape and provide a smooth surface that encourages water runoff.

Store hay on an elevated, well-drained site so it won't soak up moisture from wet soils or standing water. Especially avoid terrace valleys. Also avoid fences or tree lines that cause snow to drift onto hay or that prevent wind and sunshine from drying off wet bales. Place bales so that water running off of one bale won't soak into an adjacent bale. Never stack round bales during the rainy season unless they are covered or unless they will be fed soon.

Avoid placing bales in a row with the twine ends touching one another.Instead, place round bales or stacks so there is about one foot of air space on all sides for good ventilation. Round bales also store well when flat ends are butted end-to-end in a cigar-like shape. Orient these rows north and south so prevailing winds will not cause snow drifts and so both sides of the row can receive sunlight for drying.

Follow these guidelines and you will lower your storage losses, increase feed quality, and improve animal performance.

Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist