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Little River, TX | Dave is correct a layer of rocks under the bale is the only way to prevent moisture wicking up into a bottom bale. A wooden floored barn will do just as well, but the cost of this cure is higher than most wish to take on.
Only in the arid west are RB's stacked on end in the elements. Do that where it rains, and the bottom bale will rot to the middle in a short time.
Here in our moderately humid climate, much like around Sacramento, it is best to line the bales end to end in a north & south direction, pointing down hill to the south. Each row should have 3 feet of space between them for air and sunlight to reach both sides of the bales. The expense of rocks can be returned the first year with the hay saved. RBs that are touching on the rounded sides will rot out quicker than if placed seperatly or butted end to end.
If the hay is to be stacked in the open it must be tarped as the rain will run off the upper bales and saturate the lower bales.
RB's stacked in a barn can be stacked on end to save space.
My real cost of storage for round bales stacked in rows on rock is still higher than my real cost of storage for small square bales stacked on rocks in a pole barn. RB's are not cheap to haul any distance because of the wasted space.
Net wrapping or close spaced string will help course hay shed water. | |
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bale storage
