Hay Storage Tips

Purchasing hay to feed is costly so why not protect that investment?  Proper hay storage does come with a price tag but will save you money in the long run.  In this blog post we will explore the two main hay sizes that are fed to horses and the different storage options.

 

Round Bales

If you are purchasing round bales you have a little more flexibility when it comes to storage options vs. small square bales.  You can store round bales outside, however, you do not want to store them on the ground uncovered if you can avoid it.  Bales stored on the ground can absorb moisture and can have as much as 50% loss. 

Best storage practices outside to minimize waste include:

·         Never store round bales directly on the ground.  Pallets work well to keep bales off the ground for optimum air flow.

·         Storing round bales end to end rather than a pyramid if uncovered.

·         Purchase bales that are tightly wrapped.

·         Choose bales wrapped in net wrap over baling twine.

·         Store bales on well-drained sites and never under trees or in low lying areas.

·         If you can, cover round bales stored outside, tarps work well.

Ideally, you want to store round bales inside.  Storing inside can cut hay loss down to 5% or less which is significant.  Keep in mind, even if you store round bales inside, do not store them directly on the ground.    

 

Small Square Bales

Small square bales are not as forgiving as large round bales mainly due to their size.  You definitely do not want to store them outside uncovered.  If you have to store them outside make sure they are placed on pallets and tarped to keep the weather out. 

Best storage practices for small square bales:

·        Never store bales directly on the ground, even inside.  Any moisture that comes in can be absorb by the bale.  Pallets works well to keep the bales off of the ground and to allow air flow.

·        Make sure to examine the shelter for roof leaks and rodents/wildlife activity.  Deter rodents/wildlife as much as possible by plugging holes, keeping the area clean, and using traps/baits if necessary.  Some wildlife can cause diseases such as EPM if horses come in contact with their droppings.

·         Purchase bales that are tightly wrapped.

·        If you are using a pole shed or three-sided shelter be certain that the weather cannot get to your hay and if it can, you may want to tarp the hay as well.

 

The main concern with storing any hay is keeping the moisture out.  You have to be careful though not to encourage moisture when storing inside.  Your hay storage area needs to have good ventilation for air flow. 

 For additional information check out the following websites: https://extension.umn.edu/horse-nutrition/selecting-and-storing-horse-hay and https://site.extension.uga.edu/forageteam/2019/09/hay-storage-options/