Tips for reducing round bale hay storage losses

It should be recognized that there is no “right way” for everyone when it comes to hay storage. Producers should consider three factors when determining the best storage method.

1. Check the quality or value of the hay. The better the quality, the cheaper it is to store.

2. Assess the potential for corruption in your climate. Spoilage or efflorescence is the result of moisture entering the cotton bale and temperature accelerating bacterial breakdown of cellulose. As the temperature rises and moisture increases, the deterioration of the bales increases. Wind can also affect drying time. Moisture enters cotton bales in three ways: rainfall, snowmelt, and humidity. The top of the bale absorbs moisture from rain and melting snow, while the bottom absorbs moisture from the ground.

3. Consider the length of time the bale is exposed to weathering. Forage that is cut first is more susceptible than hay that is harvested in the fall, depending on when it is fed. After you have considered your elements, choose the storage method that best suits your needs. Table 1. shows the amount of outer dry matter that can be lost in a round bale from a large round bale. For example, a 6-foot-diameter bale with an outer layer depth of 4 inches has hay volume accounting for 21 percent of the bale volume.