How Much Does A Bale Of Hay Weigh? Let’s Take A Closer Look

I took a trip to my grandma’s and took care of things while she needs rest. I am a gardener, but don’t have much experience with farms. I am used to ratio, weight and cost accuracy in my fort.

As I bought bale from the neighboring area, I asked the farmer, “How much does a bale of hay weigh?” He answered, “Maybe a thousand pounds.” He said it with uncertainty, like the blank expression in his face.

Since then, I can’t get it out of my mind. And hey, if I need to feed the animals, I must know the ideal amount of hay to provide.  I must know the figures behind!

What Is A Bale Of Hay For Anyway?

As I learned, a bale of hay is just collected cut-down grass, legumes, and other kinds of plants from a field that packed in either bundles, squares, or rounds. In my case, I bought it in rounds. I am surprised to know that this gathered hay is more useful than I thought.

The bale of hay I bought serves as pasture for the animals in my grandma’s place. She got plenty of cows, sheep, and some horses that she loves. Besides feeding, others use it as:

  • Decorations: Mostly common for Halloween props, and decorations for fall and winter holidays.
  • Shoreline erosion protection: Placing bales in the shoreline, it will serve as a wind and waves barrier to calm down the waters preventing erosion.
  • Storage: Bale is compact enough to save space in each farmer’s barn. Besides, it’s easy to store.

The Different Mixtures Of Hay

Since bales are a mixture of grass and other kinds of plants, I would like to be specific in the details. Besides, knowing that they have various uses, there must be some kind of buying preference according to its application. Therefore, the hay is dependent on what plantation the field has.

Grass

The usual grass found in a bale of hay are bluegrass, Timothy, orchard grass, and more. Do you know that grass hays have low to medium level of protein but are rich in fiber? They are more nutritious combined with other types of hays.

Legume

An example of legumes are alfalfa, clovers, soybeans, and many more. In comparison to grass hays, certainly, legumes are much higher in protein content. Aside from that, it has Calcium, Vitamin A, and digestible energy. If your livestock is more on the younger ratio, this is perfect feed. Active animals are in need of plenty of nutritional support.

Cereal Grain Crops

 Cereal grain crops like oats and forage are perfect hays while still fresh and green (just when the grain is not yet fully grown.) I’ve noted down that nitrate poisoning is of high risk when hays are harvested mature.

Mixed

Mixing grass and legumes to make hay is encouraged for pasture. This way, you will provide a balanced diet for your cattle. The mixture of fiber, protein and a bit of vitamin makes a good quality of hay.

How Much Does A Bale Of Hay Weigh?

Of course, weight is always dependent on an object’s mass and size. The machine pack bale of hays into a specific shape and measurement. In each pack, you should consider the moisture content. The higher the moisture level, the heavier the bale of hay is.

Therefore, I understand that each bale of hay has a different weight. The only way to find out is by using a weighing scale. Seasoned farmers provide estimates on how much a bale of hay weighs. They do the calculation base on the dimension and the size.

Square Bales Of Hay

Size

Measurement (LxWxH) in feet

Weight

2-Stringed Bale

3’x 1.5’x1.5’

Average of 60 lbs.

3-Stringed Bale

3.5’x 2’x 1.5’

Average of 120 lbs.

Half Ton

6’ x 4’ x 3’

1000 lbs.

1 Ton

8’ x 4’ x 4’

2000 lbs.

Round Bales Of Hay

Size

Measurement
(W x H) in feet

Weight

Small

4’ x 4’

Average of 500 lbs.

Medium

5’ x 4.5’

Average of 800-900 lbs.

Large

5’ x 6’

Average of 1500 lbs.

Did I answer the question right?  Trust me, experienced farmers who gave this computation are trusted and reliable. They have been making and selling bales of hay for generations!

With the help of these figures, you’ll know how much it weighs and how much you need to buy for feed. In fact, you’ll also know how much help you need to get to carry those bales to your storage.

Why Do We Have Different Shapes Of Bales?

I was curious about this the moment I bought the round kind. I discovered that both shapes have the advantages and downsides. It really depends on how you are going to use them. Therefore, here are the details:


Advantages

Disadvantages

Rectangle/Square

  • Very compact, making them easy to store and pile.
  • It saves space in the barn.
  • Easy to carry and transport.
  • Needs a lot of effort during the feeding.
  • Vulnerable to molds and has a high risk of spoilage when not properly stored.

Round

  • Easy to feed to animals.


  • Hard to store
  • Occupies much space
  • Difficult to carry and transport.
  • More vulnerable to spoilage compared to a rectangle.
  • Take note that square bales will last long when you cover it with tarps and are stored in a shack.
  • Remember that you can best protect round bales using net wraps.

Conclusion

Oh, I bought the round ones! I just like the looks of it, you know, from countryside movies and all! I guess the next time around, I’ll pick the square ones.

Well, I have shown you the important factors to consider in determining the weight of bales. How much does a bale of hay weigh? Take note of its size, shape, and the moisture level. Try to give a rough estimate.

Figure it out well because the survival of the livestock depends on it. How much do your cattle need? Good luck!

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