Hay Storage Ideas
Our Best Tips for Storing Hay In Southwest Florida
Are you someone who is looking for hay bale storage options? Do you want to find out more about hay storage? If you said yes to both these questions then keep scrolling down to read more.
Many producers work hard and spend a lot of money but end up throwing away the end product. You should, however, take notes on how to not follow in their footsteps. There are different ways of storing hay bales. Yes, you read that correctly.
If you are looking for a low-cost way of using the hay bales then the easier way would be to just leave it on the ground without having to do anything or covering it. According to recent studies done on the topic, almost 40% of the dryness of hay bales is lost within 6 months of them being stored.
Here is a list of ways you can store hay bales:
Ground Covers
One of the easiest ways to store hay bales is to just leave them on the ground. You need to make sure that the surface is the slope and it is also well-drained. If you are looking for low-cost options, you can start by spreading a layer of rocks on the ground before laying down the hay bales. It will help in reducing the moisture that the hay bales will seep over time.
If you want a better base option for the ground, you can also make use of the wooden pallets. They help in forming a moisture barrier and also allow the air to circulate the hay bales. It reduces the loss by at least two-thirds.
Top Covers
If you want, you can always cover hay bales using top covers. These top covers are made of plastic tarp. It is an economical choice. So, you do not necessarily have to worry about the cost. One thing that you need to keep in mind is the investment that you would be required to make. The plastic tarp used as a top cover might be of low cost but, it does require a minimal investment. It is, however, not reusable. If you want a reusable plastic tarp then make sure it is thicker. The thick plastic tarp can be used for years. It is a one-time investment.
If you are thinking about getting a plastic tarp as a top cover for the hay bales, make sure you invest in an individual one. They are more economical and becoming a favorite amongst many.
Storage Buildings
If you are someone who is looking for a long-term solution to store hay bales then you should consider getting storage built. A storage building is the most effective way to store hay bales and it is also quite economical. You do not have to build a storage space from scratch. You can always make do with an existing barn or shed. Try erecting a pole with a roof only and no sides. It will help you in constructing storage you already had from before.
The overall cost you would require in building the hay bales storage would depend on how much you are willing to spend on it. You can apply for financing with us if you are short on capital but want to initiate the storage building for your convenience.
There are many other ways of storing hay bales. You will eventually have to decide which one works well for you. You will also have to think about how much labor you require for the job. If you want to cover the hay bales with a plastic tarp then you would require the help of a laborer to get the job for you. Even for moving the hay bales from one place to another in the storage building, you would have to get some help.
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