Because several of hay producers up here produce round bales, I thought it would be interesting to discuss the “right” way to stack round bales. Ultimately, the “right” way will most likely be whatever way you can best stack your bales in your stack yard or hay shed. Nevertheless, you may be able to incorporate some of these tips to improve your storage capacity and quality.

Stack bales under cover if possible.

You can minimize dry matter and nutrient losses by up to 25% by stacking hay in a barn or outside covered by a tarp. Joe Brummer also spoke about a 60 year-old barn-stored bale that had nearly the same nutrient quality today as it did the day it was cut. If tarping, it is recommended to tent the tarp at the top, thus allowing air flow over the top of the stack and reducing condensation on the inside of the tarp.

Stack bales in well-drained areas.

If possible, stack bales on pallets, old tires, a layer of crushed rock or sandy soil, or on a slight hillside. If these options are not possible cut the grass in the stack yard before stacking to minimize moisture retention near the bottom of the bale. If stored outside, stack bales in well-ventilated areas in the sun and away from trees. Though the trees may protect against rain or snow, the shade will inhibit drying.

Orient bales in a north-south direction.

This will maximize sun exposure and facilitate even drying throughout the bale, thereby reducing the nutrient loss differences on the east and west sides of bales.

Stack rows 2-4 feet apart.

By doing so, you will promote better air flow between stacks and quicker drying times.

With regard to the design of the stack, I think the jury is still out as to which way is best. A single row stacked butt-to-butt will shed water well, as long as bales are stacked tightly together. Stacking on side in a pyramid design (3-2-1) may be easier to stab, but you may get moisture retention in crevices between bales. You could instead make a 2-2-1 stack, with the bottom bales being stacked on end followed by middle and top bales being stacked on side (butt-to-butt). With this design, the bottom bales may be more prone to wicking of ground moisture than bales stacked on side. It may more difficult to maneuver bales with this stack (especially the bottom two bales); however, fewer bales touch the ground with this design (as opposed to the pyramid design) so it may pay off.

Check out this video on Analyzing Forage Quality to Meet the Nutritional Needs of the Beef Cow - YouTube.

References for Article

 https://www.asi.k-state.edu/doc/forage/fora34.pdf 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcEkhjZ52kQ

https://www.beefmagazine.com/feed/hay-storage- options-how-do-they-stack-up-