Hay Storage-Minimizing Loss

.
.
(File)

Traveling throughout Oklahoma I often observe how many round bales we produce and the numerous ways they can be stored prior to feeding time.  Since the large round bale was introduced, it has become the most common form of baling hay.  This is primarily due to low-labor demand and fewer storage requirements than the traditional small square bale. 

Most round bales are typically stored outside and unprotected because of their ability to shed moisture.  It’s not always easy to control weather related losses, but producers can minimize storage losses.  Dry matter loss of hay is generally a function of moisture, temperature, and time.

Research has shown storing round bales outside and unprotected can be much greater than producers realize. Losses have can range from 5-40% due to bale quality, storage conditions, and length of storage.  Bale shape and density can aid in minimizing loss.  A good shaped and dense bale with a good core will decrease “squatting bales” and rejected hay while aiding in transporting well shaped bales. 

Creating a good “thatch” layer will shed water decreasing the amount absorbed in the bale.  Wrapping bales with net vs. twine impacts dry matter loss.  Net wrapped bales maintain the bale integrity and reduces losses compared to twine through the storage period.

Minimize dry matter loss by storing your hay on the best well drained surface available to reduce moisture absorption into the underside of the bales.  As much as 12 inches of the bottom of the bale can be lost through the wicking action. 

Elevating bales from contact with the soil surface is optimum but not necessarily practical in most operations.  Storage sites free from sources of shade (tree lines, along barns, buildings, etc) allows for good airflow and sun exposure to reduce the amount of spoilage.

Orientation of the round bales in the storage site is another important consideration in minimizing loss.  Bales should be stored in rows, butted end-to-end, and in a north/south direction with a southern exposure if possible.  This orientation at least 3 ft. between rows will provide good sunlight and air flow, which allows for a faster drying time following a rain or snow event.  It will also allow for easier vegetation control between row if needed, to reduce losses.

“Mushroom Stacking” and “Pyramid Stacking” are other common storage practices which should be avoided.  Each of these practices lead to large dry matter loss due to increased water infiltration, reduced airflow within the stack, and limited exposure to sunlight.  

Loss of round bales stored outside and unprotected can be reduced by baling smart, with a good dense bale, good thatch layer, and net wrapping.  In addition to storing bales in a well-drained site, with a slight slope, north/south direction with sun exposure.

References:

Round Bale Hay Storage fact sheet https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/print-publications/bae/round-bale-hay-storage-bae-1716.pdf

Shinners, K.J., B.M. Huenink, R.E. Muck, and K.A. Albrecht. 2009.  Storage Characteristics of Large Round Alfalfa Bales: Dry Hay. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. Vol. 52(2): 409-418.

The Rancher’s Thursday Lunchtime webinar series by Dr. Kevin Shinners https://youtu.be/yhyDl2Uz2CM http://beefextension.okstate.edu/files/BaleStorageOkSUPDF.pdf

 

 

Latest News

Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections
Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to reinstate rules protecting endangered plants and animals, action that would reverse changes made during the Trump Administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act.

Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors
Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors

EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.