Why do farmers leave hay bales in the field?

Asked by: Jessica Gonzalez

If they are scattered around the field the farmer is just waiting for a convenient time to pick them up and move them. If lined up along the edge of the field they are being stored there. Big round bales can handle being left outside, and even if the outside looks weathered the inside will be good for a year or longer.

What is the purpose of haystacks?

The size and shape made it possible for people to pick bales up, stack them on a vehicle for transport to a storage area, then build a haystack by hand. To ease labor and increase safety, loaders and stackers were developed to mechanize the transport of small bales from the field to the haystack or hay barn.

Can you leave hay outside?

If hay is to be stored outside, it is desirable to locate the storage site close to the feeding area because bales become more difficult to handle as they weather. It is easier to move them a greater distance when they are new and tightly wrapped. Well-drained upland storage sites are best.

How many times do you turn hay?

Hay should be cut when dry at the end of a sunny day when sugar levels are at their highest and tedded immediately after cutting. In good weather the grass is tedded twice daily and in very good sunny, breezy weather haymaking should be achieved in 3 to 4 days.

Can a hay bale explode?

STILLWATER — It might sound strange, but with no apparent ignition source, hay bales can burst into flames and cause much damage to storage facilities or spark a raging wildfire. The combination of low wind speeds, high humidity, moist hay and hot temperatures is a recipe for disaster.

How do you store hay in a field?

Keep Hay Protected
This can be done by using appropriate cover and also making sure the hay is sufficiently protected from ground moisture. This can be done by placing the hay on a bed of gravel, using old tyres or using pallets. It is important that a waterproof layer is used when storing outside.

Should hay be stored off the ground?

Condensation from concrete floors can cause spoilage but this may be prevented by spreading a layer of hay over the floor before placing the bales. Storing hay directly on an earth floor results in significant spoilage, with dry matter and nutrient losses.

Can hay catch fire by itself?

Plant reactions and bacterial growth combine to raise temperatures in even the driest hay bales, although most never catch fire on their own. However, when hay is packed tightly, and enough moisture gets in, the conditions may be right for spontaneous hay combustion.

How long does it take for hay to catch fire?

Hay fires usually occur within six weeks of baling. Heating occurs in all hay above 15 percent moisture, and it generally peaks at 125 to 130 F in three to seven days with minimal risk of combustion or forage quality losses.

At what temperature does hay catch fire?

When the internal temperature of hay rises above 130 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees C) it provokes a chemical reaction producing flammable gases that can ignite.

What happens if hay gets wet?

Unfortunately, rain can damage hay in several ways. Rain leaches soluble nutrients and keeps the moisture level high, thus increasing the likelihood of decay and mold. Hay rained on during field drying of course damages legume hay more than grass hay and the drier the hay when rain occurs, the greater the damage.

Is burning hay toxic?

Toxic gas: Toxic gasses such as carbon monoxide can be released by smoldering and burning hay. Chemically treated hay may emit additional toxic gas vapors.