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Learn about the factors to consider when selecting a hay storage system, including the duration of storage, the value of the hay, and the length and seasons of storage. Discover the impact of different storage methods on hay dry matter loss and explore the economics of various alternatives.
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Round Bale Hay Storage Costs Brian J. Holmes Professor and Extension Specialist University of Wisconsin- Madison
What hay storage system should I select? • Answer depends on: • 1. How long will storage be used? • 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, • 15 years, 20 years
What hay storage system should I select? • Answer depends on: • 2. What is hay worth? • If you had hay to sell today, • what could you get for it?
What hay storage system should I select? • Answer depends on: • 2. What is hay worth? • If you had to buy hay today, • what would you give for it?
What hay storage system should I select? • Answer depends on: • 2. What is hay worth? • Grass hay • Alfalfa hay • Buying on quality (cows, horses etc.) • Feeding beef cows • Feeding dairy cows • Type and Size of Package
Average Prices Paid Numerous Midwest Locations (Jan 9, 2004) Bale Type www.uwex.edu/ces/forage/pubs/hay_market_report.htm
What hay storage system should I select? • Answer depends on: • 3. How long will hay be stored each • year and in what seasons? • DM loss depends on moisture, • temperature & time
Round Bale Hay Dry Matter Loss Storage Period Storage Up to Method 9 Months*12-18 Months === Dry Matter Loss (%) === Exposed Ground 5-20 15-50 Elevated 3-15 12-35 Covered Ground 5-10 10-15 Elevated 2- 4 5-10 Under Roof 2 - 5 3-10 Enclosed Barn <2 2– 5 * If used by spring warm up Huhnke
Hay Dry Matter Losses • Source of Loss Additional Cumulative • Loss Loss • (%) (%) • --------------------------------------------------------------- • Respiration/ 2-10* 2-10* • Heating • Direct 1-25* 3-35* • Precipitation • Ground 2-15* 5-50* • Wicking • --------------------------------------------------------------- • Highest values for 12-18 months storage • Huhnke
Dry Matter Loss vs Months of Storage 40 35 30 0.5 % /mo 25 1.0 % /mo 20 1.5 % /mo 2.0 % /mo 15 3.0 % /mo 10 5 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 Rate of DM Loss Moist Climates-Outside (1.0 - 3.0 % / mo) Dry Matter Loss (%) Dry Climates or Inside (0.5-1.5 % / mo) Months of Storage Fahey et al
Factors Affecting Dry Matter Loss Rate Bale: Type Size Density Initial Moisture Forage Species
Factors Affecting Dry Matter Loss Rate Weather: Precipitation Relative Humidity Temperature Sunshine vs Shade
Factors Affecting Dry Matter Loss Rate Protection from Moisture: Roof Plastic Wrap/Sleeves Net Wrap vs Twine Tarp Separation from Soil/Ground
Factors Affecting Dry Matter Loss Rate Separation from Ground: Plastic Wrap Large Crushed Stone Ties/Poles Pallets Tires Other??
Percentage of Bale Volume Affected by Weathering Depth of Weathered Layer (inches) Round Bale Dimensions Diameter (ft) Length (ft) 2 4 6 8 % of Bale Volume Weathered 4 4 16 31 44 56 5 4 13 25 36 46 6 5 11 21 31 40 Collins et al
Value of Hay Dry Matter Lost in Storage Storage Hay Price ($/T of Hay @16% Moisture) Loss 40 60 80 100 120 (%) ===== Value Lost ($/Ton Hay)======= 5 2 3 4 5 6 10 4 6 8 10 12 15 6 9 12 15 18 20 8 12 16 20 24 25 10 15 20 25 30 30 12 18 24 30 36 35 14 21 28 35 42 40 16 24 32 40 48 45 18 27 36 45 54 Huhnke
Precipitation Hay bales should be covered to reduce the nutrients leaching back into the soil. Shade Ground Wicking
Precipitation? Shade Ground Wicking
What hay storage system should I select? • Answer depends on: • 4. What are the economics of alternatives? • (Capital vs Annual Costs)
Round Bale Storage Cost Analysis Results Based on Assumptions that Follow See URL for spreadsheet to do your analysis http:// WWW.UWEX.EDU/CES/CROPS/HARVEST.HTM
Assumptions Used in Analysis Location: Humid Climate Storage Time (months) 6 12 Storage Type Dry Matter Loss (%) Outside on Ground 9.5 13 Outside w Crushed Rock Pad 8 10 Outside - Pad & Pallets 7.5 8.5 Outside - Pad & Tarp 4 5 Outside - Pad, Pallets & Tarp 3 4 Inside Building 2 2
1,200 sq ft 30 x 40 3,600 sq ft 40 x 90
Assumptions Used in Analysis Bale: Length = 5 ft Diameter = 5 ft Weight = 1200 lbs/bale Number = 378 Total Weight = 227 T Building: Length = 90 ft Width = 40 ft Height = 16 ft Cost = $6.00 / sq ft Floor =$0.30 / sq ft Total Cost = $22,680
Assumptions Used in Analysis Macadam Storage Pad Height = 3 Bales (Pyramid) Width = 15 ft Length = 315 ft Unit Cost = $0.40 / sq ft Labor Rate = $10 / hr Tarp Unit Cost = $0.06 / sq ft Pallet unit Cost = $0.26 / sq ft Pallet Tractor Rate = $23 / hr
Conclusions Based on Assumptions • 1. Storage decisions affect costs significantly • Do your own cost analysis • 2. For 6 month storage: • Consider Rock Pad or Pad & Tarp at $40/Ton • to insure against wet year • Use Rock Pad & Tarp at > $50/Ton • Don’t Use Building, Pads w Pallets • or Pads w Pallet & Tarp • 3. For 12 Month Storage: • Use Rock Pad & Tarp • Don’t Use Other Alternatives