Somewhat true, but its not necessarily healthy for the cow.
If the bales are still dry and have not begun decaying, they might be ok to feed to beef cattle.
New Holland T2310 (40hp), Kubota L3010 GST, New Holland TC21DA *** Previously - Farmall H, 1941 John Deere B, Shibaura SD1500, John Deere 850, Bobcat 642, New Holland 1925
I'd use them in the washout area as well. They will act as a filter and stop the silt from washing down and it will build up behind the bales and make "new ground".