How to Bundle Hay
There are three basic ways to bundle hay: small square bales, large round bales and large square bales. Hay is bailed after it has been harvested using hay bailing machines. Hay is harvested with a mower and laid in windrows to dry, raked into smaller windrows to aid the drying process and then bailed. Read on to learn how to bundle hay.
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Instructions
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Bundle hay into small bales for easy handling by one person. Small hay balers bundle hay into bales weighing about 40 to 60 pounds. This type of baling is done when the hay reaches 22% water range to reduce leaf shatter, mold, heating and allow for safe storage. Use an automatic bale wagon to reduce the labor of picking the small bales off the ground and carrying them to the elevator for storage.
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Use a large round hay baler when the moisture content of the hay is lower than 16 to 18 percent. Because the large round bales can weigh up to 1000 pounds, they don't allow the hay to perspire as well as the smaller bales and need less moisture when initially bundled. Round hay bales can be stored outside or under cover and are transported for feeding using a bale fork or spear.
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Put hay into large, square bales. This method is very popular among farmers due to ease of handling. One large bale is equal to 20-40 small square bales. Ease of transport makes this type of baling the preferred choice, as the large square bales can be stacked on railroad cars or semi trucks for marketing outside the farm. The moisture content of large, square bales should be around 15% due to their density.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider the large square baling method for increased productivity and ease of handling and storage. Be prepared for some larger start up equipment costs.
