Hay Tarps

     Hay tarps are an alternative to using a barn. While both barns and hay tarps have advantages in protecting hay from exposure to moisture and damaging due to mold and bacteria, hay tarps are an economical option and, in some cases, even cut out the transportation costs of moving hay to a barn. This aspect in particular is useful for farmers who rotate hay or alfalfa fields with other crops. The hay can be hauled to the field’s edge and covered with a tarp for an entire season. In addition, if the hay is piled outside, covering it with a tarp is a quick option for protecting the hay or alfalfa bales in case of rain.

     The strongest hay bale tarps are designed like typical silver heavy duty tarps and, when used properly, should last for three to five seasons. Hay tarps are used to prevent bales of hay from developing mold and bacteria which lead to spoiling. Hay bale tarps have the same protective qualities of most heavy duty tarps, including UV and abrasion resistance, acid resistance, mildew resistance, tear resistance, and a waterproof surface. In addition, when a hay tarp is wrapped around a triangular formation of hay bales, it should be able to protect the hay through rain, snow, and wind.

     The most susceptible layers of a hay bale to damage are the top two layers. If a hay bale formation isn’t done properly, moisture can penetrate even deeper in the hay stack and damage even more hay. The proper way for stacking hay is in a triangular formation, which such combinations of hay bales being 4-3-2-1, 3-2-1, 2-1, and 2-2-1. The radius of the hay bales varies, as well, with bales being as small as twelve inches to as large as 72 inches. When applying a hay tarp to this formation, an additional four feet should be added to the length for overlap on the edges. The triangular formation of the hay bales also allows for a peaked roof tarp when stretched over. To prevent rainwater from accumulating on the top of the hay stack, the sides of the formation should be angled.

     Keeping hay protected with a tarp doesn’t only involve the formation of the bales and securing the tarp properly. It also includes the location of the hay bales. Having hay bales with a tarp located near the hay fields is one option, but the ground should slope away from the stack to prevent rainwater from accumulating near the bottom. The ground itself should be level and the preferred materials on which stack hay include elevated asphalt, gravel, rock, or any surface with adequate drainage. Another option is putting the stack of hay near two French drains, with a drain on either side of the hay stack.

     When prepared properly, a hay stack with a tarp is an economical option. In addition, in many cases, the cost of annual taxes and insurance to maintain a hay barn is nearly the same amount as a hay tarp to cover the same amount of hay.