How to Build a Hay Rack

If you are involved in livestock agriculture, you know the importance of feeding good, quality hay to your animals. One device that will help you keep your hay fresh for feeding is the hay rack. These racks are useful for both round and square bales of hay, and they help decrease the amount of waste generated from animals pulling hay down as they eat. Here are the steps for making a free feeding hay rack.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 2x4s, 4 feet long
  • One piece of 4x4 plywood, 2 inches thick
  • Drill
  • Bit for drilling pilot holes
  • 16 Screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make your base. Take your piece of plywood, and lay it down. Drill three pilot holes approximately 1 1/2 feet apart on one side.

    • 2

      Take three of your 2x4s, and using your drill, screw them into the pilot holes. The 2x4s will form the ribs of the side you are working on.

    • 3

      Drill three more pilot holes 1 1/2 feet apart on the opposite side of your base.

    • 4

      Screw the next three 2x4s into their respective pilot holes. At this stage, you will have a "backbone," your base and a set of ribs on each side.

    • 5

      Screw a 2x4 into the tops of the three 2x4's on one side. You will be drilling through the flat, wider side of the piece of wood into your ribs.

    • 6

      Screw a 2x4 into the tops of the ribs on the opposite side. Again, you will be drilling through the flat, wider side of the wood. This will complete the sides of your hay rack.

    • 7

      Drill a pilot hole in the center of one of the ends of the piece of plywood, and screw in a 2x4. Do this only on one end of the hay rack, especially if you are using round bales.

    • 8

      Attach a 2x4 topper, screwing it into the two end ribs of your sides and into the 2x4 you just attached to the base. This will also be a piece that is screwed in on the wider edge.

    • 9

      Leave the other end open to make inserting fresh bales of hay easier. Insert a bale of hay.