best way to cover large straw bale

[dorito]

I'm going to have to buy my bedding as 1 large straw bale at a time, it will not be under shelter, so will need to keep it covered with tarp or similar.

I am thinking of a very large tarpaulin held on by some sort of adjustable strap which can get tighter as the bale gets smaller.

Does anyone know for where I can get a big enough cover/strap? Or any other solutions?

Otherwise I may just have to go the shavings route….

Many thanks

 

[MardyMare]

At a previous yard we had to cover our haylage and we put tarp down - put pallet on edge (so tarp tucked under) - wrapped tarp all over and used a rope around the bottom to gather it all in together. Hope that makes sense. Never had a problem with it.

We are going straw route this year so will be doing the same with the straw although perhaps the straw is messier - I dont know - will see what other suggestions are given on here

 

[Toffee44]

Wrap tarp round and put a pallet on top.
Bunge and baler twine round the bale with a fold in the taro.

Or sometimes tarp on top, pallet on top and then a electric fence post in each corner ( I store mine in a field on pallets)
.

Last year the farmer bought some haylage in that came with massive back bin liners they were very handy

 

[Dry Rot]

Whatever you cover the bale with, I suggest to put it on a pallet as almost as much moisture will rise from the ground as comes down from the heavens.

Also, be aware that if you put a covering over the bale, it will inevitably sweat as the moisture will condense on the underside of your sheet.

Don't know about straw but they've done tests on storing net wrapped hay outside in 4x4 bales and the losses from covering with a sheet (and getting condensation) were almost as bad as having no sheet at all! Yes, that surprised me too but apparently the outside of a hay bale acts like a thatched roof and what does not run off evapourates in a dry spell (assuming there IS a dry spell!). Straw might be different.

Anyway, it is food for thought. Also, leave a few inches between bales as where they touch is another place moisture will collect and linger.

 

[Enfys]

Wrap tarp round and put a pallet on top.
Bunge and baler twine round the bale with a fold in the taro.

Or sometimes tarp on top, pallet on top and then a electric fence post in each corner ( I store mine in a field on pallets)
.

Pallet, bale, tarp and bungees for just 1 bale.

40 bales. My barns are full, so this lot had to stay outside, no pallets either. I went to buy a stack tarp (UV resistant, non-mildew, non this, that and the other) almost had a coronary at the price $499! Bought a cheapy $100 one instead which will probably rip itself to shreds. Tying them down is a giant PITA.

 

[Hairy Old Cob]

Round Bales have the Thatch effect but not square bales