Even with hay under cover, it’s easy to overlook how much its nutritional value can degrade over time. Moisture, temperature swings and how the hay is baled and stacked all affect feed quality. Just because a bale looks good on the outside doesn’t mean it’s holding its feed value.
“Storage losses have a big effect on hay quantities and quality, so in the long run, investing additional resources in hay storage could pay big dividends,” says former UW-Extension agriculture agent, Craig Saxe. “To put storage losses in perspective, let’s assume you store your hay outside and have a fairly reasonable storage loss of 10%. That may not sound all that bad, but a 10% storage loss means that for every 10 bales of hay that you harvest, you really only have the equivalent of 9 bales of hay to feed.”
Even in a barn, storage conditions still matter.
“The way you store hay after baling can have a big effect on hay quantity and quality losses, so it’s worth investing additional resources-money, labor and equipment-in hay storage,” says Bill Wilcke, retired Extension engineer at the University of Minnesota. “This preserves the value of the hay and ensures a good return on your initial investment to bale the hay.”
Wilcke stresses that hay should only be stored with a moisture content of 20% or less. Anything higher can lead to:
- Molding and heating
- Dry-matter and nutrient loss
- Discoloration
“Large rectangular bales don’t lose much moisture after baling,” he adds. “This is why it’s important to bale at the proper moisture, instead of baling at higher moisture and counting on some natural drying in storage.”
Tips for Better Hay Storage in the Barn
Even small nutrient losses can make a difference. However, a few simple storage practices can go a long way in preserving hay quality. Wilcke and Saxe recommend the following:
- Prioritize ventilation - Even under a roof, barns can trap heat and moisture. Ensure your barn has adequate ventilation via sidewall openings or ridge vents to help bales “breathe” and reduce internal condensation.
- Let bales cure before stacking tightly - Avoid stacking bales too tightly right after baling. Let them sit loosely for a few days (especially if baled on the upper end of safe moisture levels) to allow any residual heat and moisture to dissipate.
- Stack for airflow - Leave small gaps between stacks or rows to promote air movement. Avoid stacking directly against walls, which can trap moisture and limit drying. Palletize if possible to elevate bales and allow airflow underneath.
- Use a well-drained base - Even indoors, moisture can wick up from the ground. Use crushed gravel, pallets, concrete or plastic sheeting under stacks to prevent ground moisture from reaching the bottom layer of bales.
- Monitor temperature and moisture - Consider using a hay temperature probe or moisture tester, especially if storing large volumes. Spontaneous heating is a real risk if bales are put up too wet.
- Keep bales off barn edges - Rain can blow in or wick through leaky walls. Store bales a few feet away from barn sides and doors to avoid contact with incoming moisture.
- Rotate your inventory - Feed or sell the oldest hay first. Long-term storage, even in a barn, leads to nutrient losses over time.
- Watch for pests - Barn-stored hay is susceptible to rodents, birds and other critters. Keep the barn clean, patch any holes and monitor for nesting or droppings.
- Label hay by cuttings and quality - If you store multiple cuttings, mark stacks clearly. That way, you can feed accordingly, reserving the highest quality hay for animals with greater nutritional needs.
Hay takes time, effort and money to grow and harvest, so it’s worth taking simple, intentional steps to protect it. And as Wilcke and Saxe mention, you don’t need a fancy storage facility, just a few smart practices can make a big difference. In the end, preserving your hay’s quality means protecting your hard-earned investment and making sure every bale delivers the nutrition your animals need.
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