Tama Assist What Happens If You Bale Hay Too Early or Too Late?
Baling hay at the right time isn’t just about getting the job done. Harvesting time affects feed quality and storage options. Bale too early, and excess moisture causes heat and mould issues. Wait too long, and you lose nutrients and bale structure. Here’s what happens when bale timing is off.
Baling hay too early traps moisture because the cut forage hasn’t had enough time to dry. This leaves moisture inside the plant. Once baled, this moisture cannot escape, causing quality and health issues.
1. Fire risk from heat build-up
Moisture plus compression equals heat. If the chopped forage isn’t dry enough before baling, respiration continues, and temperature increases inside the bales. That’s when spontaneous combustion becomes a fire risk.
2. Mould and spoilage
The ideal moisture content of cut forage should be 15-20% before baling. Moisture content over 25% encourages mould growth, which reduces hay’s palatability and may produce toxins.
Curing and raking are important steps to dry cut forage but can lead to leaf loss.
3. Loss of nutrients
When hay heats up due to excess moisture, essential nutrients break down. The result? Lower-quality feed that doesn’t provide the energy and protein livestock need.
4. Heavy, hard-to-handle bales
Wet hay bales are heavier to move and need more ventilation in storage to reduce heat build-up. Spread bales out to cool before stacking, as latent heat in the bales will increase the risk of spoilage.
Here’s a tip: Using Tama netwraps can help maintain the integrity of round bales even in tough conditions with heavy crops.
Delaying baling hay has downsides, which can be frustrating and detrimental to feed quality.
1. Reduced nutritional value
The longer the hay dries in the field, the more nutrients it loses. Protein content decreases and fibre content increases, making it harder for livestock to digest.
2. Weather damage
Leaving hay out too long increases the chance of rain damage. Re-wetting after partial drying leaches out nutrients and promotes mould growth.
3. Leaf loss and dust
The most nutritious part of hay are the leaves, especially in legume hay crops, but if it’s too dry, they crumble and break away.
Soil is also a source of enterobacteria, clostridia and listeria, which can cause health issues. Reduce severe physical treatments such as flail mowing to avoid crop damage.
Quick tip: For those using high-density baling methods, IMPAX Twine offers a strong, thin twine ideal for baling hay in hot, dry conditions.
4. Loose, Hard-to-Manage Bales
Overly dry hay may not compact well and may result in loose bales that don’t stack properly. These poorly shaped bales can break apart more easily during handling.
Baling at the right time determines moisture content and feed quality. Using the right hay baling products can assist in optimum results. Ask Tama for advice on netwrap, twine and film solutions to ensure optimal quality hay bales.