Bales of hay stacked along agricultural fields are a common sight and a popular technique for hay storage, especially when barn space is limited. But let's face it: even outdoor storage comes with a few disadvantages. Outside, hay is exposed to the full force of Mother Nature – rain, snow, wind, you name it. That's why an effective cover is essential to protect your hard-earned harvest from moisture damage, spoilage, and nutrient loss.
This chapter will walk you through the best practices for covering hay outdoors. It'll cover everything from picking the perfect storage spot to stacking those bales like a pro and applying the cover correctly for maximum protection.
Site Selection
Imagine picking the perfect campsite for your family trip – you want it to be level, well-drained, and sheltered from the elements. Those are essentially the same conditions your hay prefers. Here's what to look for when selecting the ideal site for your hay bales:
Well-Drained Ground
Water is the enemy of hay, so make sure your storage area is situated on well-drained ground. Avoid low-lying areas or spots where water tends to pool after a rain. If the ground isn't naturally well-drained, creating a slope or adding a layer of gravel can help water run off and keep your hay high and dry.
Elevated Storage
Give those bales a lift! Elevating your hay off the ground improves drainage and airflow and reduces the risk of moisture damage. Consider storing your hay on pallets, tires, or a gravel bed to keep those bottom bales from soaking up moisture from the ground and help air circulate freely around the stack.
Wind Protection
Wind can be a real nuisance when you're storing hay outdoors. If possible, choose a location that offers some protection from those gusts. Natural windbreaks, like a line of trees or shrubs, can help reduce wind exposure. If natural barriers are scarce, consider creating artificial windbreaks, such as fences or solid barriers. These will help prevent your cover from becoming a kite and your haystack from taking a tumble.
Stacking Methods
How you stack your hay bales outdoors directly affects how well they'll withstand the elements. Pyramid and inline stacking are the two basic shapes in hay stacks. In contrast, round stacking is often used for large quantities of hay since it maximizes space and creates a very stable structure.
Let's consider the pros and cons:
Pyramid Stacking
Pyramid stacking is a popular method for outdoor storage. Bales are stacked in a pyramid shape, with the bottom layer wider than the top. This design naturally sheds water, preventing it from pooling on the stack. It also creates a stable structure that's less likely to topple over in windy conditions.
Inline Stacking
Inline stacking arranges bales in a straight line. This method can be suitable for smaller hay quantities or limited space. However, proper spacing between bales is vital for adequate air circulation and to prevent moisture buildup. Inline stacks may also need extra support or anchoring to prevent them from toppling in windy conditions.
Tall inline stacks, especially those reaching higher than about 6 feet, usually need extra support on the sides. Lateral supports help prevent stacks from sagging or leaning, which is especially critical outdoors, where they must brave the wind and weather. Stakes and straps, cross-ties between bales, buttress bales at the ends, or even wooden poles can provide effective vertical support. The best method for you will depend on how high your stack is, the size and weight of your bales, and what materials you have on hand.
Round Stacking
Round stacking is similar to a pyramid but in 3 dimensions — based on a cone rather than a triangle. It's suitable for round bales and is a good option for areas with high winds or heavy rainfall, as the conical shape helps shed water and resist wind pressure.
Spacing
Regardless of the stacking method, proper spacing between the bales is always essential to promote air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Aim for a few inches of space between the bales vertically and horizontally.
Covering Techniques
Once the bales are stacked and ready for their outdoor stay, they need an effective cover to shield them from rain, snow, wind, and sunlight. Here are some essential tips for making sure you're providing top-notch coverage:
Start with a clean cover
Before deploying the cover, look it over to make sure it's clean and free of debris or damage. You don't want any holes or tears that could compromise its effectiveness!
Position the cover carefully
Drape the cover over the haystack so it extends fully down the sides to shed water effectively. If you're using a tarp or plastic film, make sure it overlaps the ground by several inches to keep water from flowing underneath the tarp and soaking the hay.
Overlap the edges
Overlap the edges of the cover by at least 12 inches to create a good seal and prevent water from finding its way in. Use weights or clips to hold those overlapping sections in place.
Securing the cover
Now, test whether the cover is secure and won't budge, even in windy conditions. Weights, ropes, straps, or a combination of several can anchor the cover to the ground or the base of the haystack. The cover should be nice and taut so it doesn't flap around in the wind and get damaged.
Position the haystack and the cover so that the prevailing winds flow over the top of the stack rather than against the sides. This positioning helps reduce wind pressure on the stack and keeps your cover from coming loose.
Regularly inspect the cover
Check your hay covers for tears, holes, loose fastenings, or other signs of damage, especially after severe weather events. If you spot problems, repair or replace the cover promptly to avoid hay loss.
Wrapping it Up
Outdoor hay storage is unquestionably a convenient option, and most problems can be avoided by following these basic principles. A suitable storage site, strategic stacking, effective deployment, and regular inspections will keep your hay in top-notch condition.
The next chapter, "Securing Your Hay Covers," will present tips and techniques for anchoring covers to keep them in place and damage-free during challenging weather.
