[Brucklay]

Finally getting our hay cut and bailed into small bales - we have to do an outside stack as we don't have any storage - has anyone done this with relative success and does anyone know what type of tarpaulin I should get and where from - after a google search I'm at a bit of a loss - thank you

[Pony-n-trap]

Will watch this post with interest as I was going to ask the same question!

[old ploughman]

For a variety of reasons which i wont bore you with, I have about 600 small bales of top quality horse hay (£4.50 a bale) in an outdoor stack under sheets. They are stacked on a layer of wooden pallets with the stack topped off with a layer of pallets to laeve an air gap. On top of this I have placed sheets salvaged from a lorry curtainsider trailer - these protect the next layer from splinters. The waterproof layer is a silage sheet (black plastic) and this is held in place with a 'secure cover' and gravel bags - see here - http://www.securecovers.co.uk/secure_covers_for_stacks.phtml . This has worked extremely well.

Another place you could try:

http://www.bigbale.co.uk/html/accessories.html

Still no substitute for a shed!

regards

Oldploughman

[bigchicken]

I used the pallets as described but on top of the upper pallet I use loose hay to protect the tarps which are the ones used on trucks etc, very thick and strong and if looked after will last. I now have in-door storage so do not use this method any more. The wind is you worst enemy so try and find a sheltered place.   

[hexhammeasure]

the key is to leave an air gap... do NOT put plastic tarps directly onto the bales especially new bales as they will sweat and go mouldy

[BAKEWELL11]

I buy builders tarps from building supply places or large hardware shops. go for the ones with holes round the edge and tie rocks or heavy things on, this will stop the wind getting under and taking your tarp accross the field. Also use pallets as decribed earlier. stack bales properly to keep air flow goin and prevent mould or heat buildup.