Hay question

[pseag]

If you grow hay do you use round or square bales when it comes time to bale. Is there any benefit of one or the other? I always wondered this when I see both types of bales in a field.

 

[RichZ]

It's a matter of convenience for both baling and feeding. I've made both round and small square bales when I was producing hay. Round bales are easier to produce, because you don't have to hand stack them in the barn. I found round bales are easier to feed large animals, like horses and cows, and small square bales are easier to feed smaller animals like goats and sheep. It's mostly just a matter of preference.

 

[Birdie]

I don't grow hay year round, but whether the hay bale is square or round is simply based on the machinery that was used. I think square bales are easier to stack, but other than that, there's not much difference between the two.

 

[Farmallh]

I agree with both of the previous posters, it's just a matter of preference. I do both, round and square. I think the square bales sell better for me. I'm not sure why the other farmers like the square ones better. They are a lot easier to stack.

 

[baloyi]

I don't grow hay year round, but whether the hay bale is square or round is simply based on the machinery that was used. I think square bales are easier to stack, but other than that, there's not much difference between the two.

I agree that the type of machinery used is what makes the difference, with the nutrient content being the same. I think what caused the shift to large round bales are the labor requirements. It is also less time-consuming to make the round bales.