Put Up Hay The Easy Way

By Lisa Kiley | https://www.cashmans.com/

While the first cutting of hay is already in the books, there is still plenty of time this season for a couple more cuttings and the hope that the weather will cooperate for good quality and yield. While it can become increasingly difficult to find small square bales, those who produce their hay for their own horses and/or to sell for horses are an important part of the equine industry. Making hay and putting it up is an extremely rewarding feeling, but it is also a lot of hard work. It makes sense to evaluate and make sure that you are utilizing some products that can streamline the process and get you out of the hayfield and back in the saddle. So, whether you are making the hay on your own or buying it and putting it up, here are a few things that can make the process a little bit easier:

Managing Moisture – Monitoring moisture before and during hay production is critical and there is more to it than just watching the weather The moisture level is indicative of how nutritious the hay will be and determine if there will be issues with the baled product such as dust or mold issues. There are a few ways to test moisture including a baler mounted tester or a portable moisture meter The hay should be tested before and after production for the best results. Improper moisture will be detrimental to production and the product which can make the hay unsafe for equine consumption. Additionally, there are products that can help manage moisture during the hay production process. Products like Hay Guard are made of natural ingredients and allow hay to be baled at a higher moisture level while yielding a superior product.

Move with Ease – When moving hay from the field to the barn, having a reliable hay wagon is an important part of the process. While commonly made of wood, overtime these units can wear and rot and need work and eventually replacement. Consider getting a wagon that will stand the test of time like a hot dipped galvanized model with expanded metal flooring. These units can be found in several different sizes for all different operations. Throughout the year these handy units can be used for more than just hay and will last much longer than the wooden ones.

Elevator Evolution – Maybe when you went to put up the first cutting this year, you realized that your hay elevator is just not going to make it through another season. Elevators can make the process of putting up hay so much easier and save a lot of time and money when moving hay and getting it into the barn. Being able to rely on the unit is essential, especially if you are only using it a few times a year So, if it is time for an upgrade, think about getting a model that will last for years to come. Typically, elevators come in 16 ft. base units, which can be a really functional size. From there if you need more length, you can add extensions in 4 ft. and 8 ft. increments. Usually, a ½ horsepower motor is sufficient for the base unit and some extension. You will only need to step up to a ¾ horsepower motor once your elevator has exceeded 24 feet in length.

Add-on Accessories – To make your elevator even more efficient, consider adding a few accessories. A bale chute is an easy attachment that helps to guide the bale onto the track of the hay elevator so there is less time tied up in properly setting the bale on the bottom of the elevator. It is important to note that avoiding overloading the elevator and making sure that the angle up to the loft isn't too steep will streamline the process and be much more efficient. If you are putting up hay in several locations or different barns, adding a transport kit can make moving the elevator from one location to the next a much easier process. The transport kit keeps the unit on wheels and at the appropriate angle to put it right to work.

Stack Correctly – When stacking hay, it is very important to make sure that there is adequate airflow between the bales. Handling hay correctly is critical to keep the hay from spoiling and to resist fire risk. If possible, putting hay in a separate barn from where you keep horses is ideal for barn fire protection. If you are using a loft space above stalls in the barn, stack for optimal air flow and continually monitor stacks to ensure there is no heat buildup that could result in spontaneous combustion of the hay. Keep hot motors or other flammable materials away from haystacks and never allow smoking near your barn. When stacking hay, put hay on pallets, never stack it directly on the ground. Lay the first layer in one direction and the next layer in a different direction, crisscrossing as you go. Even with pallets, the bottom layer may still absorb moisture and become inedible for horses. Monitor each bale as you use it for mold/dust to make sure that you are feeding your horses the best possible hay

Make it Last – Protect your investment of hay whether you are making the hay yourself or buying it, you can make your investment last longer by preventing waste. This can be done several ways, including using feeders rather than feeding on the ground. While all feeders are not created equally, outdoor feeders for horses should be covered to protect the hay, encourage slow feeding and be free of sharp edges or materials that rust or break which can lead to injury Properly utilizing feeders will prevent hay that gets lost and trampled. If you want to take it one step further, making sure that outdoor feeding areas are set on a base that keeps the feeders and the area where horses stand around them out of the mud will also have a significant impact on preventing waste and making your hay last all year long

Whenever you are working with hay and the equipment used to process it, use caution to make sure that you are paying attention to safety guidelines. Read your owner's manual, require that those who will be helping with the process know how to properly use equipment and store equipment safely when the process is over. Hopefully, this hay season will be a good one!