It is best to store bales in single rows, leaving space between them and between the rows so they do not touch

As time and winter progress, those stored hay bales squat lower and lower. That’s gravity and nature at work, but up to a point, ranchers can preserve hay quality for their livestock through haying method and storage.

Barry Yaremcio, Alberta Agriculture livestock and forage specialist, says indoor storage of bales is the best way to preserve quality but that isn’t practical for many — perhaps most — livestock producers who put up and store feed for winter.

Outdoor storage is the norm and in that case, the best method is to store bales in single rows, leaving space between the bales and between the rows so the bales do not touch.

A pyramid stack is the worst storage method in terms of potential damage, he told those participating in an Alberta Agriculture webinar, because moisture gets between the bales and works its way down. In a year or two, the touch point between bales turns black and the rest deteriorates from there.

A mushroom stack is also problematic. The top bale may have little spoilage but water is channelled to the bottom bale, which also absorbs moisture from the ground.