Proper Hay Storage For Fall And Winter

Those who own hay balers will eventually have a collection of hay bales needing to be stored. These bales can be a great resource throughout the fall and winter months, but only if they are properly stored. Otherwise, there can be a host of issues including broken bales, mold growth, insect infestation, and even fire.

Here at Middletown Tractor Sales, we strive to make your life easier. We created the following guide to proper hay storage throughout the fall and winter. If you have any questions or want to shop hay balers for sale, visit our dealership. We have locations in Fairmont and Buckhannon, West Virginia, as well as Washington and Uniontown, Pennsylvania. We also proudly serve those in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Morgantown, West Virginia.

Timing Is Important

The time that you bale the hay matters. If possible, avoid this task on days with high humidity or heavy dew. The excess moisture is not going to do you any favors.

Of course, sometimes this chore has to take place on a certain day. When this happens, aim for the late afternoon and before nightfall. 

Once you've created the hay bales, try to remove them from the harvest area quickly. This helps promote uniform regrowth.

Pick The Right Location

Storing Indoors

The best place for hay storage is indoors. The building can offer valuable protection from the elements and pests, which helps reduce loss of hay due to damage.

But not any building will do. First, avoid places that are near your animals. Hay is dusty, which can be damaging to animals' respiratory systems. Second, seek out somewhere with good air circulation. Find a spot with vents and/or windows. You can even install a fan, especially a model that automatically turns on when temperatures reach a certain point. Third, avoid placing the hay near anything flammable and near any source of heat.

Storing Outdoors

Not everyone has enough space to store all the hay inside. If you have to keep bales outside, be sure to invest in a sturdy waterproof tarp. It'll offer some protection from moisture buildup. It's also helpful to pick a location that is shaded and well-drained.

Use Proper Stacking Techniques

There are a few key stacking approaches to utilize. These help prevent and reduce moisture buildup, which helps maintain the quality of the bales.

First, avoid placing bales directly onto concrete or dirt. This can lead to moisture wicking up from the ground and getting into the hay. A better strategy is to place them on wooden pallets, which encourages airflow underneath the bales. Many businesses will give out wooden pallets for free, so check around your local community.

Second, create single rows with space in between. Try to keep bales from touching each other. Aim for about three feet apart to promote decent airflow, decent sun exposure for drying, and keeping the moisture accumulation lower.

Third, be careful how high you stack the bales. Don't place them higher than you can safely move!

Finally, don't place new hay in with the older bales. Instead, put the old bales near the front and use those up first.

We hope you found this guide to proper hay storage throughout fall and winter helpful. For more advice or to shop hay balers for sale, visit Middletown Tractor Sales. We carry various hay balers that can make your work more productive and more efficient. Our expert staff is happy to make personalized suggestions and help you find the ideal hay baler for your budget and needs. We run dealerships in Fairmont and Buckhannon, West Virginia, and Washington and Uniontown, Pennsylvania. We also serve those in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Pittsburgh, Philadelphia.