News Machinery News Shrink-wrap Hay To Beat The Weather If the weather prevents hay from completely drying, then harvest it wet (between 25% to 40% moisture) and shrink-wrap bales to preserve the forage. By Dave Mowitz Dave Mowitz In 1982 Dave came to Successful Farming as a senior editor first covering agronomic topics and then machinery. He went on to serve the nation's farmers as executive editor of Successful Farming Magazine and editor of the Ageless Iron Almanac, a bimonthly publication covering the hobby of agricultural collectibles. Dave recently retired from the Successful Farming family but continues to serve the organization as a contributing editor. Successful Farming's Editorial Guidelines Published on May 6, 2016 Close Photo: New Holland If rain often damages your high-quality hay just before it's ready to bale, there's a baling method that may help solve that problem, suggests Bruce Anderson, Extension forage specialist with the University of Nebraska. "Bale the tough hay, then wrap it with stretch wrap plastic to keep water and air out while keeping nutrients in," Anderson recommends. "This can improve your forage quality and reduce weather-related losses." Studies have shown excellent success wrapping bales containing 25% to 40% moisture. After a full year in storage, the hay came out of the wrapping in great shape, with little storage loss, a nice silage-like odor, and well-preserved nutrients, Anderson points out. Wrapping tough hay reduces weather risk because wrapping often occurs a day sooner than normal baling. Both yield and forage quality can be higher because fewer leaves are lost than with dry hay. This method does require a lot of plastic, though, as six or seven layers are needed to maintain feed quality. If you don't use enough plastic or fail to repair any holes, this hay can quickly spoil, Anderson warns. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit