We've reviewed the types of hay covers and how factors like your hay type, storage location, and climate can determine your needs. So now it’s time to put everything together! This chapter provides a guide for balancing those key considerations. It reviews critical material properties, helps you weigh short and long term budget concerns, and provides guidance on determining which cover is best for short or long-term storage.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Hay Cover
Material Properties
The properties of the cover material significantly influence its effectiveness. Durability is key, as a good cover should be able to endure exposure to sun, rain, wind, and snow without tearing or degrading. UV resistance is also crucial to prevent hay from bleaching and losing nutrients from prolonged sun exposure. Look for covers with UV inhibitors for rigorous, long-lasting protection.
Breathability is another critical factor, as it promotes adequate air circulation, which prevents condensation and mold growth. Finally, consider the cover’s water resistance. Does it shed water effectively? Is it water-repellent or fully waterproof?
Bale and Storage Factors
When choosing a hay cover, it’s not just about the cover itself; it’s also about what’s underneath it, and the size and shape of your bales play a role in determining the best cover. Round bales, for instance, naturally shed water when they’re stored on their sides, but they can be tricky to cover tightly. Square bales, on the other hand, are easy to stack and cover but must be stacked correctly to allow good air flow and control moisture levels.
Storage location also matters. Hay tucked away indoors, in a barn or shed, generally needs less protection from the elements. But since hay stored outdoors will be faced with the full brunt of Mother Nature’s mood swings, you’ll need a tougher, more weather-resistant cover to keep it safe and sound.
And let’s not forget about time. How long are you planning to store your hay? A lighter-duty cover might do the trick if it’s just for the short term. For the long haul, however, especially if your hay is braving the elements outdoors, you’ll need a durable cover that can handle the challenge.
Cost Factors
Of course, protecting your hay is a top priority, but it’s also important to be mindful of your budget and the environment. Finding that sweet spot between cost-effectiveness and the level of protection you need is key.
Hay covers come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly blue tarps to pricier (but more effective and durable) woven fabrics. Take time to consider your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in protecting your hay. We've already noted that a less expensive cover might be adequate for short-term storage in milder climates. But for hay stored for the long haul or in harsh weather conditions, an investment in a more durable cover can save you money and headaches down the road.
Think about the lifespan of the cover, too. How many seasons will it last with proper care? Some covers, like woven fabrics, are built for multiple uses, while others, like plastic films, are usually intended for a single-use. Reusable covers can make a big difference in your long-term costs.
Applying and Securing the Cover
Hay covers are only effective if they're applied correctly, and the ease or difficulty of this chore varies significantly from one cover type to another. Some covers, like net wraps, are designed to be applied during the baling process itself, while others, such as large tarps, may involve a team for manual deployment. Plastic films, on the other hand, usually require specialized equipment. The cost of equipment, time, and labor involved in applying a specific cover style may play an important part in making your decision.
Once a cover is deployed, it must be effectively secured, especially outdoors, where it can be dislodged by wind or other disturbances. When considering your cover options, keep in mind that different securing methods are used for different cover materials. For example, tires, sandbags, or other weights are used to hold down tarps and plastic films, while ropes and straps are used with woven fabrics and net wraps.
Repairs
All covers should be inspected regularly for damage like tears, punctures, or loose seams. Some materials, like canvas tarps or woven fabrics, can be patched or sewn relatively easily, while others, like plastic films, are more challenging to repair and often require more extensive work, including replacement. Since a damaged cover can quickly expose hay to moisture, molds, and pests, repair needs deserve consideration.
Budget
Budgetary considerations are almost always a factor in choosing a cover. While maximum protection is the ultimate goal, balancing costs with your financial resources is equally important.
Hay covers come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options like basic tarps to more
expensive solutions like high-performance woven fabrics. If you’re only storing hay for a short time or if you’re willing to accept a bit more risk, a lower-cost cover might be a good fit. But if you’re in it for the long haul or minimizing losses is a top priority, investing in a more durable premium cover is a logical choice. It's an investment that pays dividends in the form of reduced spoilage, better hay quality, and a longer-lasting cover.
In the end, when crunching the numbers, the initial price tag shouldn't be the ultimate determiner. Consider the cover’s lifespan and how many seasons you can expect to get out of it. Can it be reused? How complex are repairs and replacement parts? Factor in these long-term costs as you consider your options.
Storage Duration
Time flies, and so does the quality of your hay if it’s not stored correctly! How long you plan to store your hay is a key factor in choosing the right cover. Different covers are designed for different storage durations, and selecting the right one can help you maximize protection and minimize losses.
Short-Term Storage (Less than 6 months)
If you’re storing hay for a short period, such as a few weeks or months, it likely won't require as much protection as for the long haul, so a lighter-duty cover, such as a basic tarp or simple net wrap, might be sufficient. But even for short-term storage, don’t underestimate Mother Nature! If heavy rain or strong winds are likely, a more durable cover could still be a wise investment.
Long-Term Storage (6 months or more)
For long-term hay storage, especially outdoors, durability and weather resistance are your best friends. Choose a cover that can withstand prolonged exposure to the elements without falling apart or letting moisture in. Woven fabrics, such as reinforced polyethylene or coated woven fabrics, are excellent options for long-term storage. UV-resistant polyethylene film can be used as an underlayment beneath a woven fabric for added protection. Consider the specific weather challenges in your area, like heavy rainfall, snowfall, or intense sunlight, and choose a cover that can stand up to those conditions.
Factors Affecting Storage Duration
Since nothing in farming is ever simple, you probably know the cover isn’t the only factor that affects how long you can safely store your hay. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
Initial hay quality: Hay that’s properly cured and baled at the correct moisture content will store better and longer than hay that’s not quite up to par.
Storage conditions: A well-ventilated, dry storage spot will keep your hay in top condition for longer than a damp or poorly ventilated one.
Cover type and condition: A high-quality cover maintained in good condition will provide better protection and extend your hay's effective storage life.
Wrapping It Up
Since choosing the right hay cover isn’t a simple process, we've spent three chapters considering the details. Next, we’ll move on to the supporting work that's needed to keep your hay at top notch quality. Chapter 5 covers how to prepare hay for storage for maximum success.
