Hay Storage: Procedure and How to Avoid Fires

Proper storage of hay is very important, because if stored incorrectly, several problems can arise, and one of the main ones is fire. How to store hay correctly?

Hay is an integral part of livestock farming. It provides them with valuable food and a source of energy, but its storage can be difficult. Proper storage of hay is not only a matter of efficient use of space, but also ensuring safety. Improperly stored hay can easily become moldy, rot, and in the worst case, even self-ignite. Fires caused by improper and poor hay storage are quite a common problem in agriculture, not only in Slovakia, but also around the world. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the correct procedure for storing hay and preventing fires. One of the great tools is hay sheds, which are an ideal place for storage. In this blog article, you can read more about the importance of hay storage, the correct storage procedure and what you should not do.

Why is proper hay storage important

There are several reasons why hay must be stored properly in agriculture.

Storage is key to maintaining its quality. Hay that is not stored properly can quickly spoil, lose its nutritional value for livestock. And the consequence of this is the fact that it becomes unsuitable for animal feed. It can also rot or mold if exposed to moisture, which is of course also not ideal.

Hay that is not stored properly can start to heat up, which can lead to its loss. This process leads to financial losses for farmers, but it also causes a shortage of feed for animals. And here it goes in a chain reaction. If animals and livestock do not have enough quality feed, it leads, for example, to a decrease in milk, meat and similar production.

Of course, the most important aspect is also the safety aspect. Hay is a flammable material and its improper storage can lead to a dangerous fire. Fires caused by burning hay cause huge property losses, but also endanger human lives. Proper storage of hay also ensures, among other things, that the risk of fire is minimized.

How to store hay properly

Here are some tips for storing hay properly:

• Moisture– hay should have a maximum moisture content of 15%. Wetter hay is susceptible to mold and rot.
• Ventilation– Hay needs plenty of ventilation to prevent mold and reduce the risk of fire. Store it in a well-ventilated area, such as a hayloft, barn orhay shed. Such a shed will ensure that the hay is protected from direct sunlight from above and also that air circulates between it.
• Temperature– Hay should be stored in a cool, dark environment. Avoid direct sunlight, and you should also measure the temperature of the hay. If its temperature is more than 65 degrees, this indicates danger, a higher temperature of the hay is already critical for the occurrence of a fire.
• Checking – It is important to regularly check the hay for signs of mold, rot or spontaneous combustion (i.e. measure its temperature).
• Avoid contact with the ground – to prevent the hay from getting wet, you should store it in an elevated place off the ground, for example on pallets or gravel.

What you should not do when storing hay

Definitely do not store hay in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can dry out and degrade the hay. And of course, even in direct sunlight, there is a much greater risk of fire.

To also reduce the risk of fire, you should not store hay near flammable materials. It is easily flammable, so you should keep it a safe distance from flammable materials.

You should also not store hay wet. One of the most common mistakes is storing it when it is not dry enough. This also increases the risk of rot and mold, which of course leads to hay deterioration and loss.

Forget about storing hay in a closed space. Proper storage should ensure that the hay is ventilated. Of course, it is advisable to store it under a hay shed or in a barn, but if this is not possible, store it at least covered with a waterproof tarpaulin so that air can flow through.

Do not ignore the temperature of the hay. An important part of proper hay storage is regular monitoring of its temperature. If the temperature is around 50 degrees, everything should be fine. The warning finger is already at 65 degrees, when it is necessary to check at least twice a day. If the hay is already at a higher temperature, for example 70 degrees, measure the temperature every hour. If the temperature is already above 80 degrees, keep an eye on it, as there is a huge risk of fire.

The most important principles for storing hay

Based on the above text, you must already know that proper hay storage is a priority. Based on this, you should pay attention to a few things, such as securing a quality hay shed where the hay will be covered from above. Regular temperature control is a huge necessity and prevention of fire. Air circulation is also extremely important. And you should also be careful that your hay does not get wet from below. This means that you should not store it directly on the ground but avoid contact with the ground using pallets or gravel. Proper storage of hay is key to maintaining its quality. By following these tips, you can minimize losses and ensure that your hay will be a healthy and nutritious food for your animals.