Proper hay storage is vital for ensuring that your hay lasts as long as possible. It can rot when continually exposed to water and other elements. There are many different ways that people choose to store their hay, and you have to choose the best method for you and your hay. Good news for you, Western Packaging has put together this article to give you four tips on storing hay.
1. Don’t Store The Hay Too Close Together
One of the most important things that you can do is space out your hay bales. You do not want to store them touching each other, or packed in tightly. Ideally, you want to have a space between each one of your haystacks in order for them to breathe.
This will help the humidity levels to stay within proper range and not build up moisture. It is a constant cycle of storing hay bales and checking humidity levels. It is one of the most vital things that you can do to produce high quality hay bales.
2. Use A Moisture Sensor When Baling
The amount of moisture that your hay bales are exposed to is vital to the overall success of it. You will find yourself having to dispose of high rates of your hay bales when they’re exposed to high levels of humidity. Most farmers who bale hay regularly, will have a sensor that measures the amount of moisture in the air.
By using this, you can know if your hay is in the proper levels of humidity. The perfect humidity level that you want to be in is below 15%. By using a humidity sensor probe, you can manually check the bales individually. If one is a little too high, you can keep note to monitor the bale to make sure it comes down to a proper level.
3. Store Hay Indoors
If you have the option to store your hay indoors, you want to do that. It is a safer environment from humidity and moisture. When rolled hay bales sit in water, you can lose your hay due to rotting.
The color of the hay can fade when exposed to the sunlight all day, every day. Many farmers choose to have covered sheds or indoor facilities to store their hay in to preserve the color. It is another way your company can provide top-quality hay to its customers.
4. Keep A Log Of Your Hay Bales
It can be so easy to lose track of which hay bale was rolled and stored on which day, especially when you regularly do it every day. Keeping a log and labeling the bales as you do them will help you keep track of the time and date they were stored.
There are different methods that you can go about this. If you have large enough storage options, you can keep other bale dates separated. But, that is not possible for everyone, so a log with labeled bales is another excellent option.
Make The Right Choice For You
Some people choose to use tarps or other methods for storing their hay. It may be the right choice for you. But, if you have found yourself struggling with hay loss, maybe it is time to find a new method.
Contact Western Packaging Today For More Information
If you need more information on options for storing hay, give Western Packaging a call. We would be happy to help you develop the best solution for you. It is our pleasure to provide our customers with top-quality products and information that they need. We hope to hear from you soon.
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