They are ideal for storage because they are easy to stack and are also suitable for transport. The simple addition of a hay feeder can reduce this to only 5% being wasted. They found hay baled at the highest moisture levels, and the largest size got the hottest and resulted in the most loss of nutrient value, including dry matter and crude protein. The 36-inch-long bale of hay is bound by two strings and weighs about 45 pounds, while the 48-inch-long bale is bound by three strings and weighs about 60 pounds. horseracingsense.com. Most horse owners use square bales because they are uniform, take less storage space, and are easy to stack and handle. Assuming you also have a dry and accessible area to fit a round bale into, here are some considerations when receiving a delivery: Round hay bales typically have a plastic mesh netting wrapped around them 2-4 times. The cost per pound of nutrient can be determined with the following equations: a) 2,000 pounds multiplied by percent nutrient on an as-fed basis equals pounds of nutrient per ton, b) Cost per ton of hay divided by pounds of nutrient per ton equals cost per pound of nutrient. How Much Does a Bale of Hay Weigh: Square and Round - Horse Racing Sense In addition, when purchasing hay, be sure you are buying it by the pound. If youre using hay as mulch in your garden, a standard square bale covers around 80 sq. They are often preferred when the bale is going to be shipped long distances, since their density lowers shipping costs and makes it easier to build a secure load. Although heavier than two string bales, they can be handled by one or two people without special equipment. You can choose the shape and size of the bale as you see fit, based on the needs and storage space available to you. Tension, grass density, and alfalfa or clover in the mix significantly affect total weight. Now that we know exact what were buying, lets find out how much hay costs. In addition, the cut of the hay bale will make a significant impact on how heavy it is. Bale weight also affects how long it takes to feed and how frequently hay is put out. The importance of pricing hay by the ton is illustrated in the table. Remember that short-distance transport involves special wagons or trailers. Hay is dried and mowed grass, legumes, and other herbaceous plants you can use to feed grazing animals, like: These animals are ruminants, and their digestive system is excellent at processing plant materials. The ability to be handled by forklifts and front end loaders is another key feature. Home --- Raising Animals --- How Much Does a Bale of Hay Weigh [Round vs Square Bales], 10 DIY Goat Shelter Plans + Tips for Building the Best Goat Shelter. Round hay bales are usually quite large and weigh from 600 to 1,600 lbs (272 kg to 544 kg). I love practicing dressage, jumping, reining, trail riding, and cow work with my AQHA gelding, Azteca gelding, and Mini Appy in beautiful Montana, USA. Just how much your horse will need will depend on its weight. Measuring 5ft x 6ft and weighing around 1500 lbs., hay bales of these dimensions ensure that farmers spend less time and money creating the bale. Small square bales are ideal if you just have one or two horses, as they require less storage space and are light enough to be carried by hand. 4x4x8 hay bale weighs around 1800 to 2000 lbs. In addition to size, bale density also has a major impact on bale weight. The bale had 20% moisture content. The more compressed the bale of hay is, the more it will weigh. Hay is simply grass that has been preserved for later consumption. Moisture and heat can also result in moldy hay. Theres no getting around itportioning out the flakes of hay that come off your small square bales is just convenient. Both work, but I tend to prefer the first method. Add that up over an entire winter and thats a lot of savings. - 1530317 Hay bale moisture content refers to the percentage of bale weight that is moisture. Although demand remains high, it has dropped in some states due to a decline in livestock farming. Note that the outside roles of hay may be loose and come unraveled when you first unwrap a round bale. Size: 3 ft. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. Large square bales have been around for about 40 years. Check out our article on Horse Hay FAQs for more information about the different types of hay, and which would be best for your horse. This category involves: Alfalfa is the most popular legume and is extremely widespread throughout the US. Usually, bale density is 9-12 pounds per cubic foot. But here are some other things to look for, or to avoid, when purchasing round hay bales. Its important to understand your horses nutritional needs before shopping for hay. Remember to verify your email address. To dry cut forage, haymakers fluff the cut grass; fluffing spins the cut forage and helps it evenly dry before baling. Round Bale Weights If there is any mold or mildew in the hay throw it out and do not feed it to horses as it can make them sick. Hay quality is essential for animal nutrition. A High Density Bale Compression System is used to make hay bales that are much denser than the average bale of hay. If you're wondering how heavy are hay bales, remember that the size of the round bale can significantly impact its weight. each. Because of this efficiency, many farmers have invested in round hay bale equipment. Were synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers used? How Much Does a Bale of Hay Weigh? Now is a good time to evaluate hay reserves and make, This article appeared in the January 2018 issue of. the safest way to feed round bales is to remove the entire netting and dispose of it properly prior to giving it to animals. So, how much does an average square bale of hay weigh? How to Calculate How Much Hay to Feed Your Horse - The Spruce Pets What are the Standard Hay Bale Weights and Dimensions? How Much Does a Cow Cost to Buy for Your Homestead? A three-string bale of hay will weigh around 100-140 pounds and a round bale can weigh anywhere from 600-1,400 pounds. Most small square bales can be handled manually. How much does a large bale of hay weigh? If you only need a small quantity of hay at a time, you can likely just unroll some hay by hand and bring it directly to your animals or hay feeder. When buying hay, you need to put your horses needs first, and your wallet second. How do you do this and reduce waste? To determine nutrient content, sample each load or cutting of hay and send it to a reputable lab for testing. As you many imagine we talk about hay a lot here at Farmbrite. It is important to know the weight of your hay, so that you can determine how much you need and when to buy it. Proportions of bale contained within five 6-inch sections of a large round Coastal bermudagrass bale in Alachua, FL. (#betterlatethannever). How Much Does A Bale Of Hay Weigh? - Folio3 AgTech A second-cutting 44 is usually about 1,800 pounds and packs in nice tight blocks. Estimating hay needs, size, weights and costs We love hearing your insights and spend all day thinking about this stuff. Other factors that can affect a bales weight include the hays moisture content and the bales size. Not only do you have to factor in what variety of hay is best for your horse, but also what storage you have for hay. Most balers have a range of settings that allow the operator to increase or reduce wrap tightness and bale compression. ft if spread at a depth of approximately three inches. Hay is an essential component of a horses diet. The average weight should hover around 110 or 120 lbs. 400 to 600 pounds (181 - 272 kg) 4 by 4 feet (1,2 m x 1,2 m) Loading these bales is quicker with the help of a tractor with a special attachment with spikes. The most common sizes of hay you will find are two-string square bales, three-string square bales, and round bales. Well grown, cut, and preserved hay is a beautiful thing. Most balers allow for customizable settings to meet your preferences, plus some offer ways to compress tighter than standard equipment. Density, as influenced by tightness of wrap or bale compression, can vary considerably depending on operator preference and the equipment being used. Before we get into the details, heres a bit of info on the average weights you can expect from the most common sizes of bales of hay: Hay bales come in all sizes and weights, so you might need to ask yourself some questions when determining how heavy your hay bale will be. Freshly cut forage materials continue to respirate, producing a small amount of heat and can ignite a fire. The three standard sizes of hay bales and their common dimensions are: Small square bales are light and compact enough to be moved by hand. The heaviest bales you can purchase are third-cutting 44 bales. How Much Does a Bale of Hay Weigh? Most modern round balers will make a bale that is between nine and twelve pounds of Dry Matter per cubic foot. Similarly, some horse owners believe that large round hay bales contain diseases such as botulism, because they associate it with a higher moisture content. A 4x4x8 square hay bale weighs between 1,320 and 2,000 lbs. We know that weighing hay bales is a lot of work. Medium: 5 ft x 4.5 ft: 720 to 950 lbs. Any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Calculate Minimum Number of Bales Needed We are all about simple homesteading on a budget. A small round bale can weigh as little as 600 lbs. Credit: Matt Hersom, UF/IFAS A large bale of hay can vary between 400kg - 650kg depending on plant variety and moisture content. He is a retired history teacher, a sportswriter, farmer, woodworker, home builder and is familiar with tilting at windmills in trying to get fruit trees and produce to grow in Wyoming's harsh climate. If you figure 50 lb. If the bale weighs 1,500 pounds, the price is equivalent to $70 per ton. However, it is necessary to use forklifts for loading and storage due to their size. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here in northern Illinois, our cows are fed hay roughly November through April each year. Abbriata; Buhler Versatile; Case IH; Challenger; China; Claas; Fendt; Gehl; Hesston; John Deere; Massey Ferguson; Hay bales can weigh from 40 lbs to 2,000 lbs (18 kg to 907 kg). Moisture content can affect bale weight by as much as 25 percent. Updated: Nov 7, 2022 How much hay do you need to store for the winter? These round hay bales usually weigh the most out of all the round bales. study the effects moisture has on nutrients. weight before drying - weight after drying /weight before drying = moisture content percentage Hay should be fed around 2-4 times a day. However, large round hay bales over 5 feet tall can weigh around 1700 lbs. Overall, square bales are better than round bales for horses. In addition, square bales are less likely to develop mold. What do your hay bales weigh? | Hay and Forage Magazine Bale Of Hay Cost - Updated 2023 - The Pricer For example, a 5' 6' bale would be 5 feet wide and 6 feet in diam-eter and a 4' 5' bale would be 4 feet wide and 5 feet in diameter. Some types of hay are not only more expensive than others, but they may also contain harmful chemicals or additives that could cause harm to your horses health. We always try to have a few spare small square bales on hand in case theres an unforeseen lag period between getting a replacement hay bale. Yes! Charcoal ? I would like to make this salve. Knowing exact bale weights is advantageous when buying or selling hay and also when determining on-farm inventories. With a little creativity and networking, theres a good chance youll find an option that works. Its sweet smell and freshness is unmistakable. Grass hay bales are lighter and leaner than other grasses. That will create additional heat and lead to spontaneous combustion over time. Dial in the intake amount of your animals, Dump hay in a different location every day. A hay field is cut down, dried out, and then baled up. Observe some different bales of hay with them and get a feel for what they look for, the smells they notice, the compositions they prefer. The quality of hay affects the passage rate of the hay and nutrients through the rumen. When a farmer has the option to move 1 round bale with a tractor versus 20 small square bales by hand, which do you think theyll choose? Third-cutting bales can tip or roll a smaller tractor or lift the rear end off the ground if you dont have tractor weights attached. Research has shown as much as 60% of hay can be wasted using this method. Most small square bales can be handled manually. Square hay bales come in two size groups, small and large. First-cut alfalfa is usually lighter than third-cut, and second-cuts fall between those weight ranges. Hay is the largest commodity for feeding livestock, but it can vary in size especially in weight. So, I thought Id give you the answers to some of the questions you might be wondering about: On average, a round bale of hay equals between 15 and 20 square bales. Their handling and transport advantages led to them becoming the most popular bales today. And a standard square three-string hay bale can weigh 100 to 140 pounds or 45 kg to 63 kg. A two-string square bale of hay will generally weigh between 40-75 pounds. A 3x4x8 hay bale weighs between 1,100 and 1,500 lbs when it consists of alfalfa, but lighter grass bales of this size are usually around 900 lbs. That will be your best teacher. Round bales are usually handled with a tractor mounted front loader having a special spike attachment. A standard sized small square bale, or two-string bale, weighs between 50 and 60 lb and measures 14 high x 18 wide x 35 long. Hay that is good quality will have a green color to it with a fresh, sweet smell. (100 lbs - 80 lbs) = 20 lbs Second-cutting with a few more leaves and a few fewer stems can weigh up to 135 pounds, and the heavily leafed third-cutting hay tips the scales around 145 pounds. We earn from qualifying purchases. What type of hay bale is it? They do the calculation base on the dimension and the size. Interestingly, although alfalfa hay is excellent and most popular, timothy hay is still the most expensive. A 50 lb bale of hay will usually measure 35 long, by 14 high, and 18 wide. Size:: 18 x 14 x 36 -- weight: 120 to 180 lbs. Though you need machinery to be able to move round bales, once you place them in a pasture you are set for weeks. You have a hay bale that weighs 100 lb. Avoid bales that feel warm to the touch or are excessively heavy from moisture. For instance, hay bale coming directly from the field is thicker and heavier because it contains more moisture. Those numbers are all in feet. Also, some balers can compress more tightly than can standard equipment; these types of balers are generally used for baling low-density forages like wheat straw. It includes: Timothy grass is best mowed before flowering because it has the most nutrients in that period. A comparable 5x5 bale with equal density would weigh . Most horse owners use square bales for their horses but not all. The size depends on a few factors. Those small square bales were heavy. A tightly compressed hay bale weighs more than a loose one. Large square hay bales and round hay bales require bale handling equipment such as a tractor with a bale lift. The type of hay plants affects the price you will pay for a bale. Straw is generally cheaper than hay, with small bales costing between $4 and $7, and large round bales around $40. To save you some of the frustration and hassle I just mentioned, here is how weve made feeding round hay bales by hand work on our small homestead. Maybe you can get a few bales delivered and see about borrowing equipment from a neighbor to move them as needed. But round bales are also commonly fed in whole form and placed in a field or hay feeder for livestock to consume. That is 1.5% to 3% of its body weight, if it weighs about 1,000 pounds (450 kg). You can unsubscribe anytime. They are also very expensive! To learn about our story, click the image above! How much does a bale of Hay Weigh? | HappyyGarden Click to get the print magazine. However, some plant parts are heavier to digest than others. Long-time horse lover, first-time horse owner. These Hay Bale Weights Surprised Me! - What a 4x5 Bale Really Weighs Alfalfa hay bales are usually at least 20% heavier than their straw and grass counterparts. Keep in mind, hay prices can fluctuate quite considerably depending on a variety of factors. For instance, alfalfa hay is typically much heavier than grass hay. The forages maturity and species can significantly affect the density of hay bales. Privacy Policy. Three wire bales are denser, a bit bigger and weigh about twice as much as two string bales. Round bales are described as bale width by bale diameter, or bale height. The table shows the effect that bale size has on weight by using a 5 5 bale that weighs 1,100 pounds for comparison. Tecovas recently added a bunch of awesome apparel to their markdowns list, like the best-sellingBrushed Cotton-Pearl Snap. During the season, the price you will pay for a bale of hay is much lower than out of mowing season. (7 Factors Affect Horse Longevity), How Much Water Does A Horse Drink? All Baler manufacturers. 720 to 950 pounds (326 - 431 kg) 5 by 4.5 feet (1,5 m x 1,4 m) Small. A trendy two-string rectangular hay bale weighs among forty and 75 pounds; a three-string rectangular bale weighs over 100 pounds, and some as lots as one hundred forty pounds; the average round hay bale weighs about 1,250 pounds, but their weight varies greatly from 563 to 1,584 kilos. A 4 ft wide x 5 ft high round legume hay bale may weigh 1,000 lbs.