Although round baleage is becoming a popular method of harvesting and storing forages for dairy and beef producers, dry round bales is still a common method of handling and storing dry forages. Improperly stored round bales can result in substantial losses for the producer. Outside, uncovered storage of round bales is very common. Many times, bales are stored along a fence row. While this method avoids the cost of a storage structure or site preparation, forage losses can be very high. The amount of forage lost during outside storage depends upon several factors, including the duration of storage, precipitation, site drainage, bale density and bale dimensions. Dry matter loss can range from five percent to more than 40 percent. In the Midwest, with storage periods often exceeding several months, forage loss is seldom below 15 percent.
There are rare situations where farmers are better off to “take their losses” than worry about protecting bales. In these cases, stacking bales end-to-end in a north-south direction, away from trees, and leaving approximately three feet between rows can help reduce losses. This arrangement allows enough sunlight and wind movement to keep the bales dry.
A base to keep the bales off of moisture-retaining soil will give the producer an even bigger pay back. Examples of bases include pallets, gravel, rocks and railroad ties. The purpose is to decrease wicking and absorption of moisture by the bale from the soil and also allow drainage after rains or snow melt. Losses only multiply if bales are piled closely together and/or stacked in multiple layers without a cover.
In-barn hay storage can drastically reduce storage losses. Due to respiring microorganisms in hay, some losses will inevitably occur, but in-barn storage can reduce losses to about four percent. The total cost for in-barn storage is usually $18 to $22 per ton and includes the structure, extra machinery and extra labor. When comparing outside, uncovered storage to in-barn storage, farmers must realize that they may have to purchase machinery that can stack bales appropriately and safely. Machinery probably amounts to less than 25 percent of the total storage cost, but it should be considered. Also, additional labor will be needed to transport the hay to the barn, stack it and later remove it. Extra labor probably amounts to less than 15 percent of the total cost for in-barn storage.
Many times, an existing barn can be used to store hay. However, at prices of only $5 to $10 per square foot, special structures for storing hay can usually be justified. An enclosed building, or one with an open south-facing wall, will help keep rain and snow out of the storage area. Hay storage structures should have ample height (the structure should leave two or three feet above the bales for stacking room), proper ventilation to avoid moisture buildup and sufficiently strong walls to hold the bale load. Even though it is more difficult, stacking the bales on end is recommended for indoor storage because the barn walls will not have to withstand the weight of the hay stack. See the entire report by Bisek at www.ozarksfn.com.
Ray Bisek is with the University of Minnesota Extension in Mehnomen, Minn.
