Damp Hay

Bobl1958 · Jun 13, 2013

I posted this down below as well, but thought I would try here as well.
Just have a question in anticipation of troubles. I baled some brome yesterday that might be slightly damp. It felt dry but it was so humid yesterday I may have jumped the gun.
My question would be when I check moisture tonight in the bales I did yesterday, what would be acceptable in both big round, and small squares. If the small squares are a little on the damp side, and I don't really believe they will be, if I spread a little salt on each layer should I be alright, if they are less than say 20%? Just trying to get a feel. There is only 51 small squares, but it is such good brome that I hate to loose it. It will be for horses if it turns out OK. Thanks for any help or advice.

rabbit-1 · Jun 13, 2013

If in doubt, sure don't put it in your barn....

4xMF · Jun 13, 2013

17% is considered max for safe conservation. If more damp than that it may get too dusty for the horses.

retired farmer · Jun 13, 2013

If you have a moisture meter and take four readings in the bale that are 20% or less they should be ok.

36 Coupe · Jun 13, 2013

Using salt is a fable.Sell the hay for mulch.It may combust and burn your barn.If the internal temperature gets to 185 the hay is close to burning.I leave heavy bales out side placed on edge.You can cut the strings and feed the hay out or spread it out.That will stop the heating.

showcrop · Jun 13, 2013

This early in the season you must have some bare floor. When I have had bales on the heavy side and there was a little nagging doubt I would put them on edge on the threshing floor for a few days.

Mike (WA) · Jun 13, 2013

With only 51 bales, you should be able to find a place to spread them out to dry, so as not to jeopardize the building.

Ken Macfarlane · Jun 13, 2013

If too wet they will climb in temp. For us on day 2 or so they will hit the peak. If they top out at 100 F I've seen them stay ok. If they get to 105F+ they always seem to be dusty.

Alberta has a good guide http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/faq9923

All you can do it try to arrange them so all sides are exposed to air. If you have a fan on them all the better. Watch the temps and take them out if they get too high.

Salt is an old wives tale, you can't reasonably get enough salt into a bale evenly enough to prevent heating or fire. Same as stacking cut end up or down or sideways etc. What the hay needs is maximum air exposure to remove moisture as fast as possible.

Paul from MI · Jun 13, 2013

Large farmer here lost a big pole barn a week ago. Neighbor put some rounds in it that were baled too wet and caught fire. Can happen with anything.

GordoSD · Jun 13, 2013

20 is max/ Leave them outside for a week. Recheck.

Damp Hay

Bobl1958

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rabbit-1

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4xMF

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retired farmer

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36 Coupe

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showcrop

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Mike (WA)

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Ken Macfarlane

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Paul from MI

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GordoSD

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