It is vital for the success of your hay for it to stay dry and protected from the winter weather. Wet hay will mold and spoil when it isn’t able to dry out. That is not a scenario that you want to happen. Financially, it can make a significant impact on you if that happens. The good thing is, Western Packaging has the options you need to help keep it dry. Let’s see what the best option is.
How Do You Keep Hay Dry?
There are a few options when it comes to protecting your hay bales. The best choice for you will depend on your budget, the amount of hay you produce, and the available storage room you have. Some of the ways that you can protect your hay from winter weather are:
- Hay Sleeves
- Tarps
- Elevate Hay Off The Ground
- Covered Storage Space
The main key to protecting your investment is to have adequate measures in place to keep your hay dry. When hay is kept off of the ground, allowing airflow underneath, you have a better chance of it drying. Your best option for hay that is stored outside is to use hay sleeves.
What Are Hay Sleeves?
A hay sleeve is a product specifically designed to protect your hay from many different elements. The rain, sun, snow, critters, and other things can cause damage to your hay. Hay sleeves are an added cost, but they can save you money as well.
This product also reduces the amount of hay that can be lost from moving the hay bales. Little bits and pieces will fall in the process of moving them. With a sleeve, that doesn’t happen. The makeup of the hay sleeves is designed with a breathable design. This allows air to flow through them.
A Few Tips To Store Hay In The Winter
The number one thing to keep in mind when storing hay for winter is for it to be dry. The hay, the tarp or plastic you are using, and the area. Keep the hay in an area that is covered if that is an option for you. If not, then do you best to cover it with hay sleeves or tarps.
A few additional tips are:
- Ventilation- The hay needs to be able to breathe. Keep it off the ground and not stacked one on top of the other.
- Pack Loosely- Don’t pack down the hay bales. Allow them to loosely sit by one another.
- Keep A Close Eye- Don’t get it all set up and forget about it. Do routine checks on the hay and the area to make sure it is keeping dry. If you catch a problem early, you have the chance to rectify it.
How Long Will Hay Bales Last?
If you can provide your hay bales with adequate storage in a dry place, they can last up to 3 years. To ensure that the hay you are feeding your herd is safe, give them a proper inspection. Don’t automatically think that hay from last year or the year before is bad. That is a good investment that you made, use all of it that you can.
If you don’t see any signs of mold or spoilage, and it is within one to three years old, you should be okay to use it.
Contact Western Packaging Today
Are you needing advice on how to keep your hay bales dry this winter? Call Western Packaging now for help, ask us more questions, and get more information. Our team would love to help you protect your investment. We look forward to working with you very soon!
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