Alfalfa

[walter]

My small square bales had 1.5 inches of rain on them while they sat in the field - do you know how likely it is they will spontaneously combust? Moisture tests range from 20-50%. Thanks.

[brian99]

If the hay was properly cured before it was baled, and assuming you let it dry before stacking,it wont burn. The tops of the bales might go brown, or you might get some mold, all depending on the weather, but thats what we live with in this country. We got baled rained on alot more than that and all you can do is wait,they'll dry. One thing that might help is that cows seem to like that brown hay, maybe one of the experts can tell me why.

[chalmers]

Walter, if your bales are over 20% internal moisture it can be risky to stack them. Your options would be to let them dry down in the field, which may result in damage to the hay underneath them or stack them in small stacks away from other flammable objects incase they combust and you need to tear the stack apart. If you do decide to stack then push a metal rod into the center and monitor temp. if it gets hot to the touch you better tear the stack apart to avoid combustion. Stacking is a dangerous proposition and you must be prepared if the stack combusts. Drying in the field is likely less dangerous. For more details contact our forage specialists at hutton@agric.gov.ab.ca I hope the weather is more favorable with you on your second cut!