Storing hay indoors provides a good starting point for protection, but it's not the whole story. Using the right covering techniques inside your barn or shed can make a big difference in preserving hay quality and preventing spoilage. In this chapter, we'll walk you through the best practices for covering hay indoors, focusing on how to prepare your barn, create effective hay stacks, and use covers to minimize moisture buildup and maximize ventilation.
Barn Preparation
Before you start stacking bales and rolling out the hay covers, it's time to give your barn or shed a little TLC. Proper preparation is key to creating the ideal environment for storing your hay and preventing unwelcome surprises like mold or pests. Here's a checklist for a successful barn prep:
Cleanliness
Start with a clean slate! Thoroughly cleaning your barn or shed before storing hay is essential for optimal storage conditions. Start by clearing out any old hay, dust, or debris that might be lurking in the corners. A good sweep or vacuum will help remove any lingering particles that could harbor mold or become a cozy haven for pests. If you've had any unwelcome rodent visitors in the past, consider giving the area a good disinfecting to eliminate any lingering bacteria or pathogens.
Ventilation
Just like you, your hay needs fresh air to thrive, and good ventilation keeps air circulating and prevents moisture buildup inside the barn. To achieve this, make sure your barn has adequate ventilation openings, such as eaves, vents, or windows. These openings should be placed to promote cross-ventilation and airflow throughout the storage area. If your barn feels a bit stuffy, consider installing additional vents or using fans to get that air moving.
Rodent Control
Rodents can wreak havoc on your stored hay and even spread diseases. Before bringing in your bales, do a thorough inspection for signs of rodent activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nests. Seal up any cracks or holes in the walls or foundation that could be serving as entry points for these unwanted guests. Setting up rodent traps or bait stations can also help prevent infestations. And don't forget to keep an eye out for any signs of rodent activity once your hay is safely stored.
Stacking Methods
Proper stacking is essential for efficient hay storage and maintaining top hay quality. How you arrange those bales inside your barn or shed can significantly impact ventilation, accessibility, and overall storage success.
First and foremost, prioritize airflow. Arrange the bales to allow for air to circulate around and between them. Avoid stacking bales directly against walls, as this can restrict airflow and create damp pockets where mold and mildew can thrive. Maintaining space between the bales and the walls will promote ventilation and keep moisture from building up.
Consider how you will access the hay when it's time for feeding. Stack the bales in a way that allows for easy and safe removal, whether you're using a tractor, forklift, or hand-loading the bales. Avoid potential safety hazards by ensuring the stacks are stable and won't topple over as bales are removed.
If you need to stack bales high, take precautions to help maintain stability, like using interlocking patterns to increase the structural integrity of the stack. Take into account the height of your barn and your equipment's limitations when determining the maximum stacking height. You should be able to reach and remove bales safely from the top of the stack.
Elevating bales off the floor using pallets is a good strategy for further improving airflow and preventing moisture from being absorbed from the ground. If you choose to use pallets, ensure they are in good condition and free of pests or rot. For added protection, you may want to cover the pallets with a tarp or plastic sheet.
Covering Techniques
With your barn prepped and your hay stacked, it's time to add the final layer of protection: the hay cover. Even though your hay is enjoying the security of indoor storage, proper covering techniques are still essential. A well-chosen and properly applied cover helps minimize moisture buildup, promote airflow, and prevent spoilage.
For indoor storage, breathable covers are usually preferred. Net wraps are a popular choice, as they are lightweight, allow air to circulate freely, and provide an effective barrier against some pests. However, they’re not very effective against dust. Since net wraps use an open weave, if your barn is prone to leaks or drafts, you might need a more protective cover, such as a tarp or plastic film, to prevent water damage. If you choose a less breathable cover, be extra diligent about ensuring proper ventilation.
When applying the cover, make sure it completely encloses the stacked bales, leaving no gaps or exposed areas. Overlap the edges of the cover to prevent moisture from seeping in, and fasten the cover securely to prevent it from shifting. Use weights, ropes, or straps as needed to hold the cover in place.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is paramount when storing hay indoors, especially in barns. Hay that is baled with even slightly excessive moisture can generate heat as it continues to cure. In enclosed spaces with poor ventilation, this heat can build up, potentially leading to spontaneous combustion – a dangerous fire hazard.
To mitigate this risk, ensure your barn has adequate ventilation. Ensure your barn has sufficient ventilation openings, such as eaves, vents, or windows. These should be strategically placed to allow for cross-ventilation and airflow throughout the storage area.
Promote air circulation around and through the haystacks. Avoid stacking bales directly against walls and leave space between stacks. Regularly monitor the temperature of your haystacks, especially during the first few weeks after baling. If you detect any unusual heat buildup, increase ventilation immediately. If natural ventilation is limited, consider using fans to improve air circulation within the barn.
Moisture Monitoring
Even when stored indoors, hay can absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation to form on the hay, creating a breeding ground for mold. Regularly monitoring moisture levels allows you to catch potential problems early and take action before they escalate.
Make a habit of inspecting your hay for signs of excess moisture, such as dampness, discoloration, or musty odors. Pay close attention to areas where condensation is more likely to occur, such as near walls, windows, or the roof. Feel the hay to check for dampness. If it feels cool or damp to the touch, it could be a sign of excessive moisture. Handheld moisture meters can be used to accurately measure the moisture content of the hay, providing a quick and easy way to identify potential problem areas.
During the first few weeks after baling, keep a close eye on bale temperatures as well. An increase in temperature often indicates excessive moisture and the potential for mold growth or even spontaneous combustion.
If you detect signs of excessive moisture, address the problem right away. Increase ventilation by opening windows, vents, or doors, or by using fans to improve air circulation. If necessary, remove the affected hay from the barn to prevent the spread of mold and further damage.
Wrapping It Up
Storing hay indoors is a smart move to protect your valuable feed, but it's only the first step. Proper covering techniques are essential for maximizing quality and preventing losses, even within the relative safety of a barn or shed. By carefully preparing your barn, implementing strategic stacking methods, and employing effective covering techniques, you’ll establish an ideal storage environment for your hay. Remember that ventilation and moisture monitoring are crucial aspects of indoor hay storage, especially to prevent spontaneous combustion.
Now, in the next chapter, we’ll move outdoors and explore the specific challenges and techniques for covering hay in outside storage.
