Storing Hesston bales outside

[JohnDeere8530]

I want to store around 50 0.5t bales outside to about February time. Logistically it is best if I put them just off a track onto a field about 3 bales deep and say 3-4 high. This would then create a long & narrow stack.

What is the best way to cover them up? Just plastic on the top (not sides) and chuck a few tyres on so the water cant seep into the top bales ? any other ideas?

 

[Jerry]

Hay caps?

 

[Chae1]

Cover from profitable farming company. Can't remember name but used one for a couple of years and very little waste

 

[gorgous]

Neighbour has fitted sheets which you pull over the top and have long straps you put into bottom bale to keep it on no need to climb ontop. It just covers the top and hangs over the sides a short way. Hes had them years now lasted well, I think were expensive in first instance though. He also puts the bales on pallets to stop the bottoms rotting. Place I used to work just used old silage clamp sheets with tyres worked well were there were no holes in sheet, bottom bales would get water rot damage.

 

[caleb]

Neighbour has fitted sheets which you pull over the top and have long straps you put into bottom bale to keep it on no need to climb ontop. It just covers the top and hangs over the sides a short way. Hes had them years now lasted well, I think were expensive in first instance though. He also puts the bales on pallets to stop the bottoms rotting. Place I used to work just used old silage clamp sheets with tyres worked well were there were no holes in sheet, bottom bales would get water rot damage.

We`ev got a couple of those fitted sheets, you need to make a bit of a pyramid to stop the water pooling, or the rats will have a drink! Not to sure about pallets though, might encourage them.

 

[Cornish bob]

Just put them in a long single line 4_5 high,then have a silage sheet to reach half way down the bottom bale put. A sting over the top and put tyres on each end leave them dangle about 2 per bale .the sheet flaps a bit but rarely moves!

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Best way would be small bales with wind tunnels if you have any .wok far better than sheets

 

[Nearly]

Single line a few bales high with curtainsider sheets on top.
Hay caps are good but need to be planning to use them every year to make it viable.
Probably better to just accept 10%ish losses this year while straw is cheap? (Depending on local rainfall and straw price)

 

[Dry Rot]

A ditto for placing on pallets (ask for the ones they're going to burn) and covering with DPM sheet (black, not blue) from the local builders' merchants. Blue seems to be biodegradable but someone might correct me. Tie down with thin rope to the pallets.