Hay storage tips . . .

feeding has become crucial.
Below are tips on how the farmer can safely store hay:
Indoor storage
l Keep hay dry. If storing it in a barn, it is necessary to ensure there are no roof leaks or water drainage problems.
l Be sure condensation does not accumulate on the inside of the roof.
A surprising amount of water can drip on your hay from a sweaty roof. Use a plastic tarp to channel water away from bales.
l Keep an eye out for rodents. Rats and mice can contaminate your hay. Plug any entrances with steel wool. If you cannot keep them out, cats and black snakes are great mousers.
l Keep the hay off the floor. Used wooden pallets are available from many local businesses. They are often free for the taking and work perfectly.
l Stack your hay for maximum airflow. Square bales should be stacked on edge with narrow gaps between rows. Be sure to check for heat in the bales by driving a metal rod into the centres.
l Use older hay first. Pull old bales to the front or side before stacking in new hay, and feed older hay first before starting on the fresher supply.
l As much as possible, keep bales in their compacted state.
Broken bales expose the hay to air, which will cause it to degrade in quality. Break off flakes to minimise air exposure.
Outside storage
l When stored outside, hay must be stacked on pallets or some type of ventilated platform to keep away ground moisture. Be aware of seasonal wet spots.
l Bales should be protected from sun and rain with tarps. Stack the bales in a pyramid formation to encourage water runoff.
l Tarps also protect your hay from sunlight, which causes rapid nutrient loss. Hay needs to be stored properly for maximum safety, nutrition and usability.
But no matter how carefully it is stored, always check each bale for mould or foreign objects. Never feed animals hay that looks or smells mouldy. – Ezine Articles.