Instructions
Buy hay that is greenish in color. The greener the hay, the better, meaning it still has much of its nutritional value. Make sure the hay is properly dry before buying it. If the hay is not properly dry, then the hay will rot and collect mold when you store it. You can look for farms in your area that have a lot of cows and inquire whether they have any hay for sale or even find listings in the newspaper or online.
Store your hay in a cool, well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in which you store the hay is dry. Storing hay in a loft is best, but if you do not have access to one, storing hay in a garage, shed, or any other structure is fine, as long as it's well ventilated and dry.
Keep the hay off concrete. Concrete can collect moisture causing the hay to rot or mold. If you need to store your hay in an area that has a concrete floor, put wood down first (pallets work well), ensuring the boards are spaced apart like railroad ties. By keeping the hay raised from the concrete, you ensure that it keeps.
Do not wrap the hay in plastic when you store it. Like concrete, plastic collects moisture, causing the hay to rot or mold.
Purchase hale bales if possible. Storing the hay in the form of hay bales helps preserve the hay longer than if you were to break the bale of hay up and then store it. When it comes time to use your hay, you may find that the outside of the stored bale of hay may have discolored, but the inside is fresh, smells sweet and still has its nutritional value.
How to Store Hay
Hay is a necessary items in those parts of the country that do not have the benefit of temperate weather all year round. Hay, when stored properly, can feed your horses and cows nutritious food even in the dead of winter. Storing your hay properly is extremely important, for this is what guarantees your hay stays fresh and free of rot and mold. Read this eHow to learn more.