Proper Ways To Store Hay

Hay is a very important agricultural product and a very valuable commodity for farmers and ranchers. Storing hay properly helps ensure that it is safe and protected from the elements. Elements like rain, sunlight and mold can be devastating to the quality of your hay. 

Additionally, properly stored hay maintains the nutritional value needed by cattle, horses and other livestock. When harvesting and storing hay, there are several things you can do to make the hay last and to more efficiently store your harvest. 

Things To Consider When Storing Hay

Hay is a term used to describe grass or legume that has been harvested, dried and stored to help feed cattle, horses and other livestock. The amount of livestock you need to feed and the amount of storage space you have to keep the hay up out of the elements will primarily determine the amount of hay needed. When harvesting hay, there are some things to consider.

• Bale Type- There are three primary ways to bale hay. Large round bales, Large square bales and small square bales. There are benefits to each type of bale. The amount of cattle or livestock you have to feed is the primary factor. Large round bales can begin to spoil within 2-3 days of being exposed to the elements. So, if you only have a small hobby farm and not enough livestock to consume the large round bales within a few days, you will be dealing with a lot of waste. 
• Storage Situation-Hay can be stored inside or outside. It is best to keep hay from the elements and store it in a covered building that is cool and dry. When storing hay outside, it is best to cover the hay once it is fully cured with tarps. This helps protect the hay from moisture as well as sun bleaching. Sun bleaching can deplete the nutritional value of the hay. 
• Stacking-Stacking your hay properly can prevent injury and waste. It’s a good idea to stack your hay on pallets to prevent rot and waste. When storing square bales, alternate the direction of the bales. Round bales can be stacked in a variety of ways. It is important to remember that round bales can weigh as much as 1800 pounds. Not properly stacking round bales could result in serious injury. 

Are There Any Products That Can Improve Hay Storage?

There are some products on the market that can improve and lengthen the lifespan of your hay harvest.  Hay Sleeves from Western Packaging are a great way to save on the overall cost of your hay harvest and storage. The sleeves are manufactured from agricultural products and offer breathable protection for your bales.

Because the hay sleeves are breathable, they do not sweat and allow your hay to dry out faster. They are offered in customized options, plain or printed. These hay sleeves will offer maximum protection from the elements and help to prevent waste of your hay harvest, saving you money. It’s an economical and simple solution to your hay storage needs. 

Are You Considering Hay Sleeves for Storage? 

If you are looking for a reasonable solution for storing your hay, let Western Packaging assist you today with a variety of customizable hay sleeve options. Our hay sleeves are a durable and sensible solution for keeping your hay out of the elements and ready for your livestock. It is our goal to provide our customers with an excellent product. We are committed to offering the best solutions for your hay storage needs. Call us today to discuss your needs! Our industry leading experts are waiting to assist you.