Should you stack hay bales on pallets or directly on floor?

Should you stack hay bales on pallets or directly on floor?

Always stack hay with cut side down. You can put your hay on pallets to try to encourage air flow under the stack. Never store hay directly on concrete or the ground, for it will pull up moisture from the contact point between the bale and the ground.

Which cutting of hay is the best?

First cut hay is coarser than second cut, this is because the spring growth (rain, etc.) leads to thicker stems and stalks and heavier leaves. Second cut hay has a finer texture and usually, a greener color and heavier leaves. It is more dense, the leaves are more tender and healthier, especially in protein.

Can hay be stored on concrete?

Never store hay directly on concrete or the ground, for it will pull up moisture from the contact point between the bale and the ground. Use of a tarpaulin cover for the floor is recommended, but no matter what you try the bottom of the stack will always be suspect for horse hay.

What is the best way to store hay outside?

"In most cases, it is recommended to elevate bales using gravel, which can reduce DM losses to 3-15%. The best option for storage is covering hay bales with tarps, which will help to prevent losses on hay stored outside."

What do I do if my hay bales get wet?

Also, hay stored in a loft poses an increased fire hazard. Reduce fire risk by storing hay at proper moisture levels around 18% and by stacking bales so adequate air movement and ventilation can occur. Stack hay so older hay is used first.

How do you throw a hay bale?

Squat over the hay bale, lift with your legs and hoist the bale to your waist, now walk to the trailer, using your knee, shove the bale chest high and then press it forward on to the trailer. Repeat with the next bale, alternating legs.

How do you stack hay in a short bed truck?

Since you have a short bed what you will want to do is stack bales on edge on the first layer in the truck bed with the bales running the same direction as the vehicle travels. It's best to put your tie-down straps in the stake pockets of your truck now before they get covered by the hay bales.

How do you store hay inside?

What is the best way to store hay?

Use a minimum of three feet between bale rows for air circulation, and always place bale rows going north to south. Avoid storing bales under trees and in the shade of buildings. If space is available, store some bales inside, especially higher quality hay that should be used near the end of the feeding period.

How do you stack hay in a pickup truck?

The bottom layer of hay gets turned on its side, so the strings are facing the pickup bed walls. Load four bales across the front, in front of the wheel wells. Load three bales (on their sides – strings facing bed sides) between the wheel wells. Load one bale back by the tail gate.

How do you stack square bales of hay on a wagon?

Lay the first bales long way front to back in a single row down the middle. Fill the outsides with bales side by side at right angles to the first bales. With 16 x 32" bales There will be 72 bales on that layer. 3600 pounds for 50 pound bales.

How do you keep hay dry outside?

The best option for storage is covering hay bales with tarps, which will help to prevent losses on hay stored outside." is key, says Hernandez. "Good ventilation is needed during the first 1-3 weeks after baling to eliminate moisture quickly as it exits the stack," she says.

What size is a square bale of hay?

Small squares average at 30 to over 75 pounds (some get to be 100 pounds), and their dimensions are typically 36" to 40" long (some longer, depending on the baler) by 18" wide by 18" tall.

How do you stack round bales in a barn?

Keep bales out of shaded areas so the bales get full sun, and leave a space between rows so that water has a place to go. Always place round bales end-to-end, and never let the sides of the bales touch.

How do you keep alfalfa hay fresh?

As a general rule, the Siemens bale their alfalfa as soon as it starts into the bud stage, then store the bales in two giant storage sheds to preserve color and quality.

How many square bales fit a trailer?

On your trailer you should be able to fit 25 bales in a tier (spelling). 6 high would give you 150. Then you should be able to put another 10-20 on the neck of the trailer. All depends on how high you want to stack.