The color of the hay turns
from dark green to a light
greenish brown as it dries.
An experienced farmer
knows when the hay is
between 10% to 15% water
content and ready to bale.
The baler is a machine
with rotating forks which
pick up the hay from the
ground. The first hay baler
was invented in 1936.
The baler presses the loose hay into a rectangle
where twine is wrapped around it to form the
bale. The bale is then “kicked” into the wagon
by two conveyor belts. Sometimes the hay is
dropped in the field to be picked up.
Do the math: If the bales
weigh 50 pounds each and
the farmer stacks 300 bales
in the barn, how many
pounds of hay is stored in
the barn? If 2,000 pounds
make a ton, how many
tons?
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
The dried hay bales are stacked
and stored properly in the barn. The
hay will maintain its nutritional value
for over 2 years. Livestock can now
be fed in the winter when they
cannot graze in the pasture. It is a
good feeling for farmers when their
barn is full of quality hay.
Colorado Ag in the Classroom
5
www.growingyourfuture.com