Preparing Your Barn for Hay Season
Hay season is upon us quickly and once the cutting starts there is no time to fix storage problems on the fly. A little prep work before the first load arrives can be the difference between hay that stays green, dry and nutritious through winter and hay that molds, heats or gets eaten by pests before your animals ever get to it.
To prepare your barn, begin by cleaning thoroughly. Remove old hay, chaff, and debris to prevent moisture and pests. Sweep rafters and beams to eliminate dust, which can pose a fire hazard. Lastly, check for and clear out any old nests from birds or rodents.
Inspect the roof and walls of the barn to ensure hay is well-protected. Check for leaks, missing shingles, and rusted panels on the roof, as even minor issues can damage stored hay. Examine wall siding and doors for gaps that may allow rain in, and ensure gutters and downspouts are clear to direct water away from the foundation and storage area.
Good ventilation is crucial for hay storage. Ensure that vents, eaves, and ridge openings are clear of debris. Avoid stacking hay tightly against walls to prevent moisture accumulation and mold growth. For humid barns, consider installing additional vents or using a fan to facilitate air circulation.
To prevent spoilage of hay due to ground moisture, bales should be elevated off the ground using pallets, hay racks, or a raised floor. Maintaining a few inches of clearance promotes air circulation beneath the bales and reduces moisture absorption.
Think through your layout before the first delivery truck shows up. Stack hay so you can use older bales first. Leave walkways for airflow and to inspect bales throughout the season. Keep newer, possibly higher-moisture hay separate from fully cured hay until you’re confident it’s stable.
Have a hay moisture tester handy and check new loads before stacking deep in the barn. Hay with more than 20% moisture is prone to heating and even spontaneous combustion. Do not stack it tight until you know it is stable. In the first few weeks of storage, check stacks periodically, especially in humid climates.
Hay barns are especially prone to fire, often caused by heat generated by curing hay. Have a fire extinguisher near the door of the barn. Do not install electrical equipment or lighting directly above or in the stack. If you detect a musty or caramel-like odor, hot spots, or visible steam, these are all warning signs that require immediate attention.
Before the season begins, ensure you’re stocked and ready:
Tarps or covers for any overflow that cannot fit under the roof. Pallets or dunnage racks, if you don’t have enough already. A clear plan for how much storage capacity you’ll need from this year’s anticipated yield.
The bottom line is that a well-prepped barn protects the investment you have already made in growing or buying good hay. A few hours of cleaning, inspecting and organizing now saves you from moldy bales, pest damage and safety risks later in the season.
Need help determining how much space/supplies you will need for this year’s hay? Ohana Hay can help you get ready for the upcoming season.
