Hay Sweating in Barn (moisture gain)???? Normal?

[Tx Jim]

This same subject is discussed on another site if anyone desires to read the threads. IMHO there's a big difference in discussing & arguing!! Puzzle - Hay gained moisture in Barn? - Alfalfa/Hay - HayTalk - Hay & Forage Community

 

[Ed of all trades]

My rule is that you should be able to hear the hay as it passes up from the feeder tines. If its crunchy, its DRY. Does your mower have condition rolls? If not, now you know why they are an important part of the hay preparation process: cracking the stems to let moisture out.

IMHO if it is crunchy it is to dry and you are loosing nutrients in the field from the sun bleaching them. To much moisture is of course bad but nor enough is also bad and a waste of food value. I don't know what numbers to use, I just know how to twist a handful and know if it is ready or not. Sounds more reliable than the meter. Ed

 

[Clint S]

This same subject is discussed on another site if anyone desires to read the threads. IMHO there's a big difference in discussing & arguing!! Puzzle - Hay gained moisture in Barn? - Alfalfa/Hay - HayTalk - Hay & Forage Community

Same guy, same issue. We don't use a meter, go by the old men feeling it, smelling it and listening to the bailer work. What we have found is that it does seem to gain a bit on certain occasions. We just salt them down, and don't stack any on top for a week or so.

 

[Tx Jim]

Same guy, same issue. We don't use a meter, go by the old men feeling it, smelling it and listening to the bailer work. What we have found is that it does seem to gain a bit on certain occasions. We just salt them down, and don't stack any on top for a week or so.

True it's the same person asking question but different responders(posters) except for maybe me.

 

[cat fever]

Not an expert by no means, but if the inside of the bales are not hot/very warm then it's not an issue right? Of course I feed cows and they like mold. I know it's different with horses.

 

[Tx Jim]

Some forms of mold will cause pregnant cows to abort.

 

[cat fever]

Some forms of mold will cause pregnant cows to abort.

Good to know.
Of course I would prefer not to have any mold. Only had it one time and it was hay I bought.

 

[powerscol]

This same subject is discussed on another site if anyone desires to read the threads. IMHO there's a big difference in discussing & arguing!! Puzzle - Hay gained moisture in Barn? - Alfalfa/Hay - HayTalk - Hay & Forage Community

That was me on the other site too. I have several sites I use depending on the issues and brand of equipment. I gain a lot of information. So far no big heat in the bales and % moisture is dropping - still in the 20% but not as high. Bales are stacked loosely ( can see light between them) in the center foyer with air flowing through. It will be a week tomorrow that they were baled. I plan to use them first.

I may look into one of the Hayguard units that fits my baler, or other - any recommendations for my edification

 

[tcreeley]

In my experience- the hay better feel dry to the touch, the bale needs to be light for the size - almost with a bounce when thrown - otherwise it is going to mold and then it is useless for horse. Mold turns dusty - bad for the lungs.

 

[powerscol]

In my experience- the hay better feel dry to the touch, the bale needs to be light for the size - almost with a bounce when thrown - otherwise it is going to mold and then it is useless for horse. Mold turns dusty - bad for the lungs.

I agree - that is what I was trying for - next time I'll wait a day more.