Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 2 · column 2 of 5 · from the scan, no model involved
Harvesting hay by the round bale system reduces labor requirements and weather risks, making it possible for one or two workers to bale, store and feed large quantities. While these advantages may involve a slight compromise in quality, a Virginia Tech Extension specialist reports that storage and feeding losses can be reduced by proper planning and management. “Outside storage is common for large, round bales since they will shed water,” says Easley S. Smith. “But research has shown that loss from this storage method is often one to 11 percent higher than conventional square bales stored inside.” Observations in Virginia have shown the greatest losses in outside storage occur when the hay is in contact with the ground. Rapid deterioration also occurs when large round bales are covered with plastic and not properly vented for air movement between the cover and the hay. The specialist says a 1980 study was conducted by Virginia Tech in an effort to reduce these losses. Large round bales were stacked with four bales on the bottom (two wide and two long) and two on top.
The bottom bales were placed on timbers, poles or pallets to break contact with the ground. Plastic covers, weighted around the edges, were placed over the stacks with the ends of the stacks left open for air movement.
“Early observations of hay stored in this way showed good air movement around the stack, protection of the hay from rain and snow, and no hay-to-ground contact,” Mr. Smith reported. “This storage method offers the potential for reducing storage losses and costs, preserving hay quality and providing more flexibility in the selection of storage sites.”
The Tech agricultural engineer reports that further study is planned to determine the type and amount of cover and weights needed and the best way to store bales off the ground.
Costs involved and storage losses will then be compared to outside storage of single bales and inside storage.
Deterioration of large bales during outside storage is influenced by how well the bale is formed, the moisture content of the hay when baled, type and quality of the hay when stored, selection of the storage site, and weather conditions during the storage period.
Recommendations for minimum storage losses include:
—Baling hay at a low moisture content, between 20-25 percent.
—Round, uniform well-formed bales are important; a uniform windrow and experienced operator are helpful.
—Select a well-drained site for outside storage that is easy to get to during winter weather and the early spring feeding season.
—Place bales end-to-end, vertical to the up-and-down slope of the land with one or two foot spacing between rows of bales.
87.3%