hay storage

Question
When storing square bales of hay in the barn I have heard to store bales cut side up I have also heard cut side down and also flat and it don't matter which way. Could you tell me if there is a proper way or not?

Answer
Hi Randy,

Thanks for your question.

I usually store my hay with one of the flat sides down.  It sure makes it easier to stack!  I haven't heard of a way not to store hay.  So long as air can circulate around the bales and that you don't stack so high that it becomes wobbly then I don't think you'll run into too much trouble.

Cheers!

Hey Randy,

Never said I was an expert in stacking hay, my area is the horses eating it, not stacking it!  The above is how I've stacked my hay over the last couple of decades, I've never had a problem.

I don't believe there's been any scientific studies into the various ways there are to stack hay - therefore it's a bit hard to provide facts!