What is the average weight of a hay bale

Hay bales can weigh between 40 lbs and 2, lbs. They come in two basic shapes, round and square. Round hay bales are usually quite large and weigh from to 1, lbs. Square hay bales come in two size groups, small and large. Most small square bales can be handled manually. Large square hay bales and round hay bales require bale handling equipment such as a tractor with a bale lift.

Later on in this article we will discuss the size and weight details of different types and of hay bales. We will also look at the factors that affect hay bale weight, such as density, moisture content and hay species. Topics covered in this hay bale weight guide:. Round bales started showing up in fields about 40 years ago. Their handling and transport advantages led to them becoming the most popular bales today. Round bales are usually handled with a tractor mounted front loader having a special spike attachment.

Short distance transport is done with special wagons and trailers. Density, as influenced by tightness of wrap or bale compression, can vary considerably depending on operator preference and the equipment being used. Most balers have a range of settings that allow the operator to increase or reduce wrap tightness and bale compression.

Also, some balers can compress more tightly than can standard equipment; these types of balers are generally used for baling low-density forages like wheat straw. Whenever possible, hay should be bought and sold by the ton instead of the bale. The importance of pricing hay by the ton is illustrated in the table. In addition to cost per ton, also calculate the cost per pound of energy for example, total digestible nutrients [TDN] and protein.

To determine nutrient content, sample each load or cutting of hay and send it to a reputable lab for testing. The most appropriate analysis will depend on forage species, intended use, and laboratory experience, so consult with a nutritionist for specific testing recommendations. Inflation levels are now at levels the U. Brazil's Ag Ministry said that two cases of a neurodegenerative disorder in patients in Rio de Janeiro state were not related to beef consumption, tamping down fears of possible "mad cow" disease causing human illness.

View the discussion thread. Latest News Beef Production. Fed Cattle Near Highest Price Since The rally in cash fed cattle prices continued this week with packers searching for inventory and bidding higher money.

Greg Henderson. Angus Association Surpasses 20 Million Total Registrations The American Angus Association concluded its fiscal year which marked the seventh-consecutive year with more than , registrations, and the breed surpassed 20 million registrations overall. Briley Richard. Industry Press Release. Weight matters when you have to load, unload, and store your hay. Dealing with hay bales is a part of horse ownership.

Horses need hay for their diet; it offers fiber and roughage, which helps support digestion and provides nutrients like protein. There is a lot to consider when you are buying hay. One of the most critical parts of the equation may be how big and how much do the bales weigh? Generally, square bales are sold in two and three string sizes. Round bales can come in various diameters depending on what size baler was used to make them.

Standard sizes are 5 feet wide and 6 feet in diameter or 4 feet wide and 5 feet in diameter. Most horse owners use square bales because they are uniform, take less storage space, are easy to stack and handle. The density of a bale is dependent on its tightness and how much compression was used to form it.