How long does hay stay good for?

Storing Hay

You can store hay indefinitely if the stack is managed correctly; although, in humid climates, using hay within three years of harvest is ideal. Hay growers need to bale it at correct moisture levels because if it's baled too damp the hay will generate heat, which leads to molding.

Is year old hay still good?

Consider these points: If the hay was of good-quality when harvested and stored in a dry place with sufficient airflow, hay is likely suitable for consumption for two to three years. Keep in mind that hay, even premium forage, loses much of its vitamin content in the first few months of storage.

How long does hay keep fresh?

If stored correctly, hay will stay good for about 12 months after harvest before losing any of its fresh taste or smell.

How long can we keep hay?

Hay stored undercover can maintain its quality for more than 12 months, but hay stored outdoors without cover will show significant reductions in quality, dry matter and nutrients over time. Hay can typically be stored outdoors and uncovered for up to three months, with a maximum of six months.

How long does a bag of hay last?

If stored properly in a cool dark place with good ventilation, the Timothy Hay Food may keep for 6 months or longer. 8.

Protect Your Hay Investment: Hay Bale Storage Tips

Does hay lose nutrients over time?

A: Hay begins to lose its nutritional value at the time of cutting and continues to lose nutrients both while drying in the field and while in storage. The nutrients most affected by harvesting and storing are vitamins. Conversely, the protein and mineral content of hay is quite stable.

How do you store hay without a barn?

Without a barn, you can adapt a large storage shed or cargo container. If you have to store hay outdoors, protect stacked hay with secured tarps or a plastic covering. Raise hay off bare ground using wood pallets or tires, or by building a pad of rocks or gravel.

Can old hay make horses sick?

Moldy hay can kill a horse. It's a cause of colic that can be fatal, and some types of mold are toxic to horses. And inhaled mold spores enter horses' respiratory systems when they eat, causing heaves or other chronic respiratory diseases.

How do you store hay long term?

How can you tell how old hay is?

Signs that your horse hay may be bad include a lack of color or dried-out appearance, a moldy smell, excessive dust, visible mold, or excessive heat towards the center of the hay bale. Because hay provides your horse with so many essential nutrients, you must provide your horse with the best quality hay available.

Can cows eat old hay?

Cattle aren't as sensitive to moldy hay, but certain molds can result in mycotic abortions or aspergillosis. 3. Moldy hay also puts ranchers at risk. Mold spores can cause “farmer's lung,” which results in the fungus growing in the lung tissue if it has been inhaled.

How do you keep hay fresh?

Storing your hay in a dry place will help to prevent mold from growing on your small pet food and will keep you from having to replace hay unnecessarily. It is advised to leave hay in a place like a closet or in a plastic bin which will protect it from wetness.

What can you use old hay for?

Spoiled hay has the added benefit of breaking down slowly over the summer and adding organic matter to the soil. It can also be used for winter mulch to cover tender plants and protect them from the effects of cold winds or freezing temperatures.

Does old hay lose sugar?

One concern about storing hay for a long time is its nutritional value. The longer it stays in a barn, the more nutrition it loses. In fact, after just a few months, the losses will start, and within a year it could lose 5% of its value. This includes protein, fiber, vitamins, sugars, and minerals.

Can cattle eat moldy hay?

Risks of Feeding Moldy Hay

Consuming moldy hay can lead to respiratory and digestive problems such as heaves and colic. Cattle and other ruminants aren't as sensitive to moldy hay. However, moldy hay can still cause issues such as aspergillosis and mycotic abortions in cattle.

Can hay bales go bad?

With too much moisture, hay can spoil while baled hay can experience thermal expansion—causing it to combust and creating a severe hazard. Because of this, checking the moisture content of hay with a hay moisture meter before baling begins is an integral part of harvesting.

How do you store hay so it doesn't mold?

Stack the bottom layer of bales on their sides, with the strings facing sideways instead of up. The uneven surface allows better air circulation and helps prevent mold from growing. Stack the second layer with the strings facing up, all pointing in the same direction.

Can I store hay in my garage?

Whole hay bales are easy to stack in the corner of a garage, shed, or coop, but once you open it up a hay bale or straw bale, it will be everywhere unless you have a plan. We fortunately have an attached garage that has worked fabulously as a wood shed, rabbit barn, and hay bale storage area.

How do you know if hay is good for horses?

Good quality hay should be bright green in color with little fading. A bleached, yellow, brown or black color may indicate aged hay, mold or poor storage conditions. Storage condition and age have a significant effect on vitamin content of hays.

How old should hay be for horses?

In perfect conditions — where the hay has been baled at less than 12% moisture and is very dry — it is safe to feed straight away, but this isn't often the case, Tim explains: “The main reason for allowing a period of anywhere between two and eight weeks before feeding freshly made hay is to allow for a process called ...

How can I tell if hay is moldy?

Look for Mold

Cut open a bale of hay and separate the flakes. Look for the presence of mold in any of the flakes. Moldy hay generally presents as darker areas which are grey or black. If you find mold, refuse the bale – mold indicates that the hay was baled when it was too wet.

Can hay be left 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.

Should I tarp my hay?

Because of the risk of wet hay spontaneously combusting, however, many farmers choose not to risk storing hay in their barns. Tarps are the second-best solution, and there are several ways to make the hay more secure under tarps. Expect losses up 10 ten percent when hay is stored under tarps.

Should you cover hay bales?

It is not recommended that you stack your hay bales unless you cover them or store them inside. covered. When you do, make sure that there are at least 2 feet from the top of the structure and the surface of the hay. Knowing how to store your bales outside will help keep from errors being made.