Square Bale Storage

[GAFarmer2]

Are there any concerns about chemicals leaching from the pallets into the hay? I can fit 400 bales in my barn but am trying to figure out how to store another 600 outside. I was thinking pallets and tarps.

Not a hay expert by any means. Did want to chime in on the tarp deal. I have done it before here, and it did not turn out well. We have big temperature fluctuations here in the winter (we went from 35 last Thursday night to 81 Friday), and the condensation killed us. If you are going to use tarps, be prepared to pull em back a good bit and let things "air out". Just my .02!

 

[pmsmechanic]

Are there any concerns about chemicals leaching from the pallets into the hay? I can fit 400 bales in my barn but am trying to figure out how to store another 600 outside. I was thinking pallets and tarps.

Just wondering if a person was to buy/build a small trailer with wooden 2x6-8 deck whether that wouldn't be enough. You wouldn't have trouble with moisture wicking up and there would be good air circulation. I would not tarp the side though. I would only tarp the top to prevent condensation under the tarp.

 

[Soundguy]

You might try a second layer of pallets on top of the one that's already there.

agreed, and a vapor barrir like visquine under the palates.

 

[Draagyn]

Are there any concerns about chemicals leaching from the pallets into the hay? I can fit 400 bales in my barn but am trying to figure out how to store another 600 outside. I was thinking pallets and tarps.

I would not worry about anything leaching from pallets.

And I would not tarp 600 square bales outside. There is always too much waste.

 

[mss3020]

havent had very good luck tarping.. except one year i had to stack couple hundred outside.. found the highest place where the water would run away from the hay and layed pallets. stacked the hay and at the top made a pyramid covered with large tarp.. Didnt do to bad.. Wind is usually the bad when tarping..