Small Square Bales
Large Round Bale Baler
Equipment Moving a Large Bale
Large Round Bale
Large Square Bales Haylege Bales
There Are Many Types of Hay Bales
Small Square Bales
Large Round Bale Baler
There are four common types of hay bales used by farmers . Small square bales weigh from 35 to 70 lbs . while larger square and round bales weigh between 800 to 1,600 lbs . Small square bales are easy for people to pick up and move . Large round and square bales need equipment to move them . They work best for feeding a large number of animals .
Equipment Moving a Large Bale
Large Round Bale
Large Square Bales Haylege Bales
A haylege bale is another bale type that requires specialized equipment . Large round bales are compressed and wrapped in a plastic covering . The plastic protects the hay and cuts off oxygen from the air . The hay can have a water content of 10 % to 50 %.
The benefits of haylage bales are :
• Dry hay is not required so a farmer is less dependent on the weather .
• Plants are cut at maximum growth and nutritional level . The leaf structure is not crushed by a hay bind so the nutrition in the plant cells stays intact .
• Wet hay without oxygen encourages the growth of anaerobic bacteria . This bacteria type ferments the hay and increases its acidity which stops fungus and mold growth .
Colorado Ag in the Classroom 6 www . growingyourfuture . com