How much do hay preservatives cost?
You can buy various types of preservatives in multiple unit sizes. One product for example, if you buy a 50 gallon drum (450 pounds) it costs about $650 or $1.44 per pound. If you buy a 200 gallon tote (1,800 pounds) it costs about $2,500 or $1.39 per pound.
What do you spray on hay as it Bales?
Propionic Acid Preservatives The propionic acid inhibits mould growth while the bales “sweat’ and “cure”, drying down to safe moisture levels by dissipation and evaporation. Propionic acid is sprayed onto hay as it enters the baler. Equipment includes a baler-mounted applicator with a pump, nozzles, and tank.
What additives are used in hay?
Four main categories of hay preservatives are available; organic acids and their salts, bacterial inoculants, sulphur-based preservatives (HayGuard) and ammonia-based additives. Some products may also include enzymes, antioxidants and nutrients.
How do you use hay preservatives?
The preservative can be applied through spray nozzles fastened above the pick-up attachment on the baler, which is common for large-round balers, or discharged directly onto the hay within the bale chamber for small or large-square balers.
How do you preserve wet hay?
Use net wrap or plastic twine spaced no more than 4 in. apart on round bales to maintain bale shape and provide a smooth surface that encourages water runoff.” Anderson recommends storing hay on elevated, well-drained spots that will prevent the bales from soaking up moisture from wet soil or standing water.
How do you make high quality hay?
Here are seven steps to help you produce a quality alfalfa yield:
- Choose an appropriate field.
- Plant the right seed variety.
- Scout regularly.
- Cut alfalfa at the best time.
- Set yourself up for drying success.
- Lean on moisture levels.
- Be smart about bale storage.
How do you keep hay dry?
Position rows of bales to promote good drying. Keeping hay dry is a key ingredient to saving your investment! It is recommended to stack round bales end-to-end, keeping 3 or 4 feet between each row (for air circulation, of course). Orient the rows in a north-south direction.
Why do farmers put salt on hay?
Sprinkling salt over bales of hay is a tradition some farmers have used for added assurance that the moisture is drawn out of their hay.
How do you keep hay from getting moldy?
Stack the bottom layer of bales on their sides, with the strings facing sideways instead of up. The uneven surface allows better air circulation and helps prevent mold from growing. Stack the second layer with the strings facing up, all pointing in the same direction.
How do you increase yield of hay?
The most efficient way to fertilize a hay field is to split-apply N based on the expected yield of the next growth. The actual rate should be 50 pounds N per ton of expected hay yield. Research has shown that splitting N applications can increase N use efficiency 25 to 35 percent and yields by 5 to 10 percent.
What is the best seed for hay?
Alfalfa- It is probably the best high quality feed for livestock and as a cash crop but it requires deep, well drained soils and high fertility for high yields. While it can be used for grazing, it is best adapted for hay or silage.
How do you store hay so it doesn’t mold?
Does salting hay work?
In the past, some farmers have applied salt to the surface of hay that was baled wet, but research has shown little benefit from salting. While the theory is good, the amount of salt needed would be very large and expensive, and would likely reduce the palatability of the hay.
Does salting wet hay work?
How long should hay dry before baling?
It basically takes about three days of good weather to cure hay. This can be a challenge in late May or early June. A good strategy is to mow just before or right after a rain, because of the likelihood of good weather for the next few days.
How do you store hay long term?
Keep the Hay Bales Off the Ground
- Some people like to use wooden pallets.
- Add plastic covering inside them, and then place the hay on top.
- Not only will you have protection from the pallets, but also the protective plastic covering that you have used to line the bottom of those pallets.