Using Hay Covers May Help to Reduce Storage Problems

For years, farmers have had to deal with a variety of hay storage problems. For proof of the enduring issues, one only has to look towards articles that have appeared in various farming magazines and bulletins. Storage problems often mentioned in such industry publications are spontaneous combustion, mold formation and the loss of nutritional content. The good news is that there are modern day hay storage solutions available. Investing in a series of hay covers or tarps is one of them.

Hay covers and tarps come in different types, shapes and sizes. They include the following:

• Grommets-style hay covers/tarps
• Square bale hay covers/tarps
• Round bale hay covers/tarps
• Hay stack side tarps/curtains

Each one is designed to protect the hay from the very elements that can cause mold, spontaneous combustion and the loss of nutritional value. Examples of such elements include normal precipitation, condensation and intense sunshine.

Some of the hay covers, like the grommets-style ones, are also acid resistant. They are exceptionally nice to have in areas prone to receive acid rain. They could also feasibly be used in conjunction with hay that has been treated with preservatives.

In addition, many of our hay covers are made with thick, heavy-duty polyethylene. The heavy-duty polyethylene is designed to resist punctures and abrasions, which could allow moisture to seep into the hay bales.

Generally speaking, hay cover sizes tend to range from 8 feet x 10 feet to 72 feet x 48 feet. However, they can be customized to suit a farmer’s particular needs. Just keep in mind that farmers wishing to order custom hay covers will need to be confident in their measurements prior to placing their orders.

Want to learn more about these hay covers and other products that would be helpful to farmers? Contact us at Canopies and Tarps. We carry a wide assortment of items including tarp covers, enclosed tents, carports, canopies and portable sheds. We may be reached online or by calling (877) 811-3911.

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Hay Tarps – Take Time to Protect Your Crop From Outdoor Elements.

When you want to give an excellent barrier and exceptional protection from UV for your hay, take time to look at hay tarps. These are heavy duty and waterproof tarps that will not mildew, rot or mold. Your hay will be properly stored all season long when you utilize these excellent tarps. With coverings good for every season, you will not have to have a large barn to store your hay in. You can keep it out in the elements and not worry that it will be ruined. No matter if you need to store your hay a short amount of time or an extended period, your tarp will not fade and will not succumb to acidic elements.

Being made with heavy duty polyethylene you can be confident that even though you are not storing your hay in a building, your hay tarps will be just as good or in many cases, better. This amazing material was created to allow you to have your hay out in the elements for many months and throughout multiple seasons. Since the tarps will not rot, you can be confident that your hard work and your financial future will not be covered in mold and mildew.

When you are ready to cover your hay with the tarps, you will need to follow a few simple guidelines that will ensure that your hay will be kept dry and unable to rot. Once your hay tarp arrives on site, you will need to unfold it and lay it out. You will notice that you can specify the size and they come anywhere from an 8 by 10 foot size to a 40 by 60 foot size. Whatever size you purchase, you will need to find which hay bale configuration works best for you. Many farmers chose to create a triangle formation by using the three two one set up. In this case you will place three bales on the bottom, two in the middle and one on top in a row of five to ten. Then, the tarps will be wrapped over the bales and securely fastened.


Keep in mind that as you are determining where you will want to place you hay bales, you will need to make sure that there is proper drainage. No matter how great your hay tarps is, if you do not keep the moisture out from under your bales, you will still run the risk of losing your crop.

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Hay Tarps Reduce Storage Space

In the farming industry having alternative storage options is greatly beneficial. Barns, sheds and portable structures are normally used to house valuable equipment and supplies. Ideally, these facilities would be ideal for hay bale storage but with limited space, some low cost solutions can reduce the need for additional and high cost building structures. One of the most popular alternatives for effective hay storage is through the use of hay tarps.

Designed for year round weather, hay tarps can be used to safely cover hay bales, keeping this valuable resource dry from moisture and protected from the harsh effects UV. These specialty tarps are manufactured using high-density polyethylene materials and come retrofitted with heavy-duty aluminum grommets every eighteen inches around the perimeter. Each hay tarp includes rope-reinforced edges, which evenly distribute pressure along the grommets and aid in the prevention of tears.

For further protection, hay tarps are manufactured using three layers of laminated, silver reflective poly. The inner ply is comprised of a UV blocking black scrim layer and is responsible for providing an impenetrable membrane for superb protection. The top and bottom layers of the hay tarp are coated with a waterproof silver laminate. This silver consistency reflects and diverts a large percentage of the suns UV rays and will reduce humidity and heat.

Over the years the hay tarp has helped farmers free up important storage space by allowing hay bales to remain outside. Furthermore, the hay tarp has had an economic impact by reducing damage to outdoor hay bales. Polyethylene is a material that is naturally resistant to mold, mildew and rot. These characteristics make the hay tarp a crucial asset in the protection of outdoor hay bales. The wide variety of available sizes makes the hay tarp extremely versatile, as well as beneficial to the farming industry.

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