Planning Your Hay Storage - Helpful Tips!

1. Start with a suitable storage area
Choose a site that is well drained and unlikely to hold water after rain. Consider how you'll get trucks, tractors and loaders in and out, particularly if you'll need regular access to the stack.
A firm, level surface can also help keep the stack stable and make handling easier.

2. Keep the bottom of the stack dry
Moisture from the ground can affect hay from underneath, particularly when bales are stored for an extended period.
Plastic pallets or a ground sheet underneath the stack can help provide additional protection against ground moisture.

3. Think about the shape of your stack
How the hay is stacked can make a difference to how well it sheds water.
If you're covering a large stack, consider how the cover will sit over the shape of the hay and where rainwater will run. Peaking the hay with a single line of bales along the top can help water run off the stack.

4. Allow enough cover drop down the sides of the stack
Allow enough material to drop down the sides of the stack so the cover can be secured effectively.

5. Think about wind exposure
Hay covers can be exposed to significant wind, particularly around large stacks.
Consider the direction of prevailing winds when choosing your storage site and make sure the cover is properly secured. Strong, well-positioned tie-downs can help reduce movement and wear on the cover.

6. Check your tarp before you need it
If you're planning to reuse a hay cover from last season, give it a thorough inspection now.
Check for holes, damaged eyelets, worn ropes, stretched or damaged areas and signs of general fabric deterioration. It's much easier to repair or replace a cover before the hay is ready to go under it.

7. Plan for access throughout the season
Think about how you'll need to access the hay once it's stored.
If bales will be added to or removed from the stack over time, consider how the cover can be removed and recovered efficiently.

Plan the storage before you need the cover.
A little preparation now can help make sure your hay storage is ready when the season arrives.

Get in touch with Ellis & Sons to discuss your hay storage requirements.

See our full range of hay tarps here!