Storing Hay For The Fall and Winter

Fall is here, winter is right around the corner, and it’s never too late to start figuring out your hay storage strategy! We here at Atlantic Tractor strive to make your life easier, so we’ve put together some tips on fall and winter hay storage. If you want more advice or want to shop farm equipment for sale, visit our dealerships. We have locations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The Perfect Time

There’s always a right time for any agricultural operation, and storing hay is no exception. Aim for days with low humidity and moisture, since these can cause your hay to rot or grow mold. If you can’t avoid humidity, bale in the late afternoon when it’s driest. 

The Perfect Spot

Once you’ve got your hay baled, remove it from the harvest area quickly to ensure your crops grow back uniformly. Ideally, you’ll be able to store your crops indoors in a climate-controlled shelter, like a barn. These will help protect the bales from pests and the weather, but you should also make sure to keep it far from any livestock you might have. Hay is dusty, which can impact your animals’ lung health. You’ll also want a spot with excellent air circulation to keep that dust from settling too heavily. Somewhere with windows can be great, but just installing a fan in the room can be enough. 

If you can’t store your hay bales indoors, that’s fine! Just invest in a durable, waterproof tarp and ensure it’s secured tightly. This will prevent precipitation from soaking your hay, leading to that molding issue. When possible, pick a spot with some shade and good drainage.

The Perfect Stack

Once you've got the “when” and “where” settled, it’s time to figure out “how.” Proper stacking can further reduce moisture, you know! Firstly, don’t place bales directly on the ground. Place them on wooden pallets to create a buffer between the absorbent hay and the ground. Many businesses give away free pallets, so call around to check out your options. 

Next, make rows with lots of space between bales. If they’re touching, there will be reduced airflow which increases the chances of moisture buildup. Aim for about three feet apart to a side for optimal airflow and sun exposure. 

Third, never stack bales higher than you can safely move. It can seem efficient to build up a massive stack, but it’s dangerous and can be unstable. 

Finally, make sure new and old hay is in separate bales, with old hay in a position to be used first. 

We hope this guide helps you keep your hay in good condition the next time the temperatures drop! If you have any questions, or you want to see the agricultural equipment in our inventory, contact us at Atlantic Tractor. We proudly serve the people of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware—let us serve you today!