Forage quality and preservation are key factors in any livestock feeding program, and choosing the right baling method can significantly impact nutritional value, storage efficiency, and overall cost. Producers have three primary options:
Each method has its advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on factors like climate, storage capabilities, and feeding strategy. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each approach.
✔ Long Shelf Life – Properly cured hay can last several years with minimal nutrient loss.
✔ No Plastic Waste – Eliminates the need for wrapping and disposal of plastic.
✔ Lower Equipment Costs – No need for wrappers or additional handling equipment.
✔ Easier to Transport & Sell – Dry hay is lighter and widely accepted for sale and shipping.
✔ No Fermentation Risks – No worries about spoilage due to improper fermentation.
✖ Requires Perfect Drying Weather – Drying hay to below 18% moisture can be difficult in short weather windows.
✖ Risk of Leaf Loss – Alfalfa and clover are prone to shattering when over-dried, reducing protein content.
✖ Higher Risk of Spoilage in Poor Conditions – If not fully cured, dry hay can mold or spontaneously combust in storage.
This method involves wrapping hay that retains too much moisture to store safely as dry hay, but not enough to ensile properly. These bales won’t fully ferment but will benefit from protection against rain and spoilage.
✔ Less Drying Time Required – Can be baled with shorter weather windows than dry hay.
✔ Protects Against Rain & Spoilage – Wrapping keeps oxygen out, reducing mold growth.
✔ Better Leaf Retention – Alfalfa and other legumes retain more nutrients since they don’t become overly dry and brittle.
✔ Reduced Spontaneous Combustion Risk – Bales are less likely to heat up in storage than dry hay.
✖ Won’t Ferment Properly – These bales don’t ensile and still face risks of mold growth if oxygen gets in.
✖ Plastic Waste – Requires wrapping, which adds cost and waste disposal issues.
✖ Can Spoil If Not Fed Quickly – Once opened, wrapped bales at this moisture level have a shorter shelf life than dry hay.
When baled at 40-60% moisture and wrapped immediately, bales undergo anaerobic fermentation, preserving nutrients and digestibility while reducing spoilage risk.
✔ Higher Nutritional Value – Fermentation preserves sugars and protein, improving digestibility for livestock.
✔ Faster Harvesting – Hay doesn’t need to dry down completely, reducing weather risk.
✔ Better Leaf Retention – Alfalfa and legumes stay intact, preventing nutrient loss.
✔ Less Field Loss – More hay is harvested with less dry matter loss than dry hay.
✔ Reduced Risk of Spoilage When Stored Properly – Baleage ferments into a stable feed that can last 6-12 months.
✖ Requires Plastic Wrapping – Adds costs and disposal challenges.
✖ Needs Proper Sealing – Poorly wrapped bales can spoil quickly if oxygen gets in.
✖ Limited Storage Time Once Opened – Once a bale is unwrapped, it must be fed within a few days.
✖ Heavier Bales – Can be harder to transport and stack than dry hay.
The best baling method depends on your operation’s needs, weather conditions, and feeding system. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Factor | Dry Hay (12-18%) | Wrapped Hay (20-30%) | Baleage (40-60%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Life | 1+ years | 6-12 months | 6-12 months |
| Weather Risk | High (needs long drying) | Moderate (shorter drying time) | Low (can be baled early) |
| Nutritional Value | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Leaf Retention | Poor (leaf shatter) | Better | Best (high retention) |
| Risk of Spoilage | High if not fully dry | Moderate | Low (if properly wrapped) |
| Plastic Waste | None | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Space | More efficient (stacked bales) | Moderate | More space needed (bulkier bales) |
| Equipment Cost | Lowest | Moderate | Higher (wrapper needed) |
For producers in the Peace Region, where weather can be unpredictable, baleage offers a reliable option for reducing drying risk and maximizing forage quality. However, if long-term storage and lower costs are the priority, dry hay remains the best choice.
The decision between dry hay, wrapped hay, and baleage depends on climate, storage capabilities, and feeding strategy. If you're looking for balers, wrappers, or hay equipment to optimize your forage system, check out our latest selection of hay tools.
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