Effective round bale storage methods
L
arge round bales can be a relatively
low-cost method for harvesting hay.
15% feeding loss – meaning that
we actually need to start with 57 tons
of hay to cover storage and feeding
losses (48.5/0.85=57.1).
Indoor storage
When round bales are properly stored
in a barn, they have no significant
storage loss. However, storing them
uncovered on moist ground results in
significant storage and feeding losses.
Storing bales in a barn or under a tarp
on a well-drained, dry surface saves hay
and hay quality, and it can be very cost
effective.
Outdoor storage
Unprotected outdoor storage losses
occur due to rain and melting snow
penetrating the top of the bale and
water wicking up into the bottom
of the bale from the soil.
Most losses occur in the winter when
the bales cannot dry out between
storms, which causes the water to
soak deeper and deeper into the
bales.
In general, large round bales incur
higher losses in wet years than in dry
years. More loss occurs in grass-legume
hay than in grass hay, and bales left
out all year have more loss than
bales stored for a short time.
When storing round bales outside,
it is important to prevent rain from
entering the bale from above and from
below. Even though barn storage is
convenient, it is expensive. Woven
tarps provide a low-cost, flexible
storage alternative. When storing
bales outside, place them on a raised,
well-drained area covered with 4 to
6 inches of clean gravel to keep water
from