Forage bale storage

Proper storage management is essential to avoid already poor quality feed losing its feed value. Storing bales indoors or covered outside will minimize the effects of weathering and dry matter loss. The ISU study found that dry matter loss was 3 percent when corn stover bales were stored under a roof, compared to 9 percent dry matter loss when stored uncovered outdoors. As temperatures rise in early spring, deterioration increases rapidly after 120 days of outdoor storage. To avoid the frustration of the mesh freezing to the ground and the bales breaking, consider building a base to rest the corn stover bales on. This could be a row of pallets, tires, lime, or even unfolded corn stalks to help keep the bales off the ground.