Round Bale Hay Storage Costs Brian J. Holmes Professor and Extension Specialist University of Wisconsin- Madison

What hay storage system should I select? Answer depends on: 1. How long will storage be used? 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years

What hay storage system should I select? Answer depends on: 2. What is hay worth? If you had hay to sell today, what could you get for it?

What hay storage system should I select? Answer depends on: 2. What is hay worth? If you had to buy hay today, what would you give for it?

What hay storage system should I select? Answer depends on: 2. What is hay worth? Grass hay Alfalfa hay Buying on quality (cows, horses etc.) Feeding beef cows Feeding dairy cows Type and Size of Package

Average Prices Paid Numerous Midwest Locations (Jan 9, 2004) Bale Type

What hay storage system should I select? Answer depends on: 3. How long will hay be stored each year and in what seasons? DM loss depends on moisture, temperature & time

Round Bale Hay Dry Matter Loss Storage Period Storage Up to Method 9 Months*12-18 Months === Dry Matter Loss (%) === Exposed Ground Elevated Covered Ground Elevated Under Roof Enclosed Barn <2 2– 5 * If used by spring warm up Huhnke

Hay Dry Matter Losses Source of LossAdditionalCumulativeLoss(%) Respiration/2-10*2-10* Heating Direct 1-25*3-35* Precipitation Ground2-15*5-50* Wicking Highest values for months storage Huhnke

Months of Storage Dry Matter Loss (%) Fahey et al Dry Matter Loss vs Months of Storage Moist Climates-Outside ( % / mo) Dry Climates or Inside ( % / mo) Rate of DM Loss

Factors Affecting Dry Matter Loss Rate Bale: Type Size Density Initial Moisture Forage Species

Factors Affecting Dry Matter Loss Rate Weather: Precipitation Relative Humidity Temperature Sunshine vs Shade

Factors Affecting Dry Matter Loss Rate Protection from Moisture: Roof Plastic Wrap/Sleeves Net Wrap vs Twine Tarp Separation from Soil/Ground

Factors Affecting Dry Matter Loss Rate Separation from Ground: Plastic Wrap Large Crushed Stone Ties/Poles Pallets Tires Other??

% of Bale Volume Weathered Depth of Weathered Layer (inches) Round Bale Dimensions Diameter (ft) Length (ft) Percentage of Bale Volume Affected by Weathering Collins et al

Value of Hay Dry Matter Lost in Storage StorageHay Price ($/T of Moisture) Loss (%)===== Value Lost ($/Ton Hay)======= Huhnke

Hay bales should be covered to reduce the nutrients leaching back into the soil. Shade Ground Wicking Precipitation

Shade Ground Wicking Precipitation?

What hay storage system should I select? Answer depends on: 4. What are the economics of alternatives? (Capital vs Annual Costs)

Round Bale Storage Cost Analysis Results Based on Assumptions that Follow See URL for spreadsheet to do your analysis

Location: Humid Climate Storage Time (months) 6 12 Storage TypeDry Matter Loss (%) Outside on Ground Outside w Crushed Rock Pad 8 10 Outside - Pad & Pallets Outside - Pad & Tarp 4 5 Outside - Pad, Pallets & Tarp 3 4 Inside Building 2 2 Assumptions Used in Analysis

3,600 sq ft 40 x 90 1,200 sq ft 30 x 40

Assumptions Used in Analysis Bale: Length = 5 ft Diameter = 5 ft Weight = 1200 lbs/bale Number = 378 Total Weight = 227 T Building: Length = 90 ft Width = 40 ft Height = 16 ft Cost = $6.00 / sq ft Floor =$0.30 / sq ft Total Cost = $22,680

Assumptions Used in Analysis Macadam Storage Pad Height = 3 Bales (Pyramid) Width = 15 ft Length = 315 ft Unit Cost = $0.40 / sq ft Labor Rate = $10 / hr Tarp Unit Cost = $0.06 / sq ft Pallet unit Cost = $0.26 / sq ft Pallet Tractor Rate = $23 / hr

Conclusions Based on Assumptions 1. Storage decisions affect costs significantly Do your own cost analysis 2. For 6 month storage: Consider Rock Pad or Pad & Tarp at $40/Ton to insure against wet year Use Rock Pad & Tarp at > $50/Ton Don’t Use Building, Pads w Pallets or Pads w Pallet & Tarp 3. For 12 Month Storage: Use Rock Pad & Tarp Don’t Use Other Alternatives

Questions?