How to Use a Round Hay Baler

Hay doesn't have to come in a square package.

If you have a hay crop, then it is not likely that you and your team can hand-bale all of the hay that you produce. Instead, you should utilize a special type of equipment called a hay baler. This machine compacts chunks of hay into bales that are easy to transport and store. When you choose to use a round baler, your hay will be compacted into rounded rolls of hay rather than square bales.

Instructions

1. Mow long rows of hay to be bundled with the round hay baler. These row are called windrows. Make the windows as large as possible as round hay balers have a high capacity.

2. Wait for the hay to get to a lower moisture level, such as about 18 percent. Moisture levels of about 40 percent should not be baled.

3. Apply a hay conditioner to the windrows to improve the pickup of the round baler.

4. Move the round baler over the windrows at the fastest possible speed. The faster you move the baler, the more hay you'll be able to bundle and there will be less waste.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use the round hay baler on hot, dry days. Wait for a warm or cool day when there's a little moisture in the air.

References

• Government of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development: Getting The Most From Your Round Baler