This is a beginners guide to knowing the basics of a square bale vs round bale of hay. What is the difference?

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What is hay?

Hay, sometimes referred to as grass hay, is grass that has been cut and is dried. It typically contains various types of grass. Hay contains the leaves, stems, and seeds from whatever is being cut. It is cut when it’s at peak nutrition, dried, and baled. It is usually fed if there is a drought in the summer and during winter when there is no grass for animals to graze.

What equipment is needed to make hay?

To make hay you need a mower, tedder, rake, and baler. If you are just getting started in hay (like we are) there is no need to have new machinery. We have standard equipment that is extremely old. If you have extra time and don’t mind a bit of a slower process older balers and equipment can work just as well as new ones if they are properly maintained.

How is hay made?

Hay is cut using either a sickle bar mower or a rotary disc mower. When the hay is cut it then has to go through a drying process. The cut hay is left to dry for atleast 24 hours, if not more. There are several factors such as humidity, wind, and sun that will determine how much dry time is needed between each process. Dry time will be based on where you live and each of these factors.

After 24 hours the hay will then be tedded. Tedding will spread the hay out so it can dry better. (Not all hay producers ted their hay.) Once the hay has been tedded it is left to dry for 24 hours and then raked. A rake will gather the hay into wind rolls so it can be baled. Once it is raked wait 24 hours before baling to ensure it is dry matter. We live in Kentucky and this is pretty standard for each of our hay seasons. It does take a long time to get dry hay compared to high-moisture hay but it seems to be well worth it for us.

Square Bale Vs Round Bale

Square bale

There are big square bales of hay and small square bales of hay. Even though they are called square bales they’re not actually square. They are actually rectangular bales of hay. They come in a small and large size.

Large square bale

A large square bale sometimes referred to as ton bales are extremely large. Large bales cannot be lifted by hand they need to be lifted using a tractor and a bale lift or hay spear.

Small square bale

A small square bale can be lifted by hand, on average they weigh between 40 and 75 pounds. One of the great things about square bales is they require less space to store. Many smaller farms and homesteads use small square bales. Small bales can be very convenient for smaller farms. A small farm, hobby farm, or homestead often times don’t have as many livestock or the size tractor it requires to use large square balers or large round balers. So usually they opt to use small square bales of hay even though they are extremely labor intensive.

Round bale

When it comes to a square bale vs round bale the biggest difference is simply the shape. Round bales are measured wide x high. The most common large round bales sizes are 4×5 and 5×5 (there are smaller bales). Round bales of hay require much less manpower and much less time. Many large farms and homesteads use round bales. The biggest downfall we’ve found when it comes to round bales is they require much more space for storage since they are round. To move them you have to have the same equipment needed to lift large square bales.

No matter the shape of the bale of hay there are different types of wrap/string that holds the bale together. String bales are an unwrapped bale that is held together by string (twine). Net wrap is most commonly seen on round bales and it is plastic or twine. When dealing with dry hay you don’t use plastic wrap it is used for high-moisture hay.

FAQ; square bale vs round bale

How many small square bales equal a round bale?

Each small square bales with two strings weighs on average between 40 and 75 pounds. A round bale that is 4×5 weighs about 950 pounds. A round bale that is 5×5 weighs about 1,200 pounds. So if you have small square bales that weigh 50 pounds you would need approximately 19 small square bales to equal one 4×5 round bale and 24 to equal one 5×5 round bale. So if you are switching between different shapes of hay always refer back to the weight of hay bales to ensure you are getting the same amount of hay.

How do I know how much hay I need?

You’ll know how much hay you need based on the number of animals you have. If you have a lot of livestock then I recommend researching how much hay is required for the specific animal you have because every animal is different.

How do I store hay?

Hay should be stored in a dry storage area typically a barn. If it is stored outside exposed to weather in no time at all the bottom layer of your hay bale will begin to rot and the outer layer will begin to mold.

Can hay be baled when wet?

No, dry hay (which this blog post is about) cannot be baled when wet. There is a drying process that needs to take place before hay can be baled. If the moisture level is too high when the hay is baled it can result in moldy hay and the bales could possibly catch on fire.

Does hay go bad?

If hay is stored properly it doesn’t necessarily go bad but after being stored for about 12 months it does slowly begin to lose nutritional value. Nutritional value of the hay is so important so always make sure you feed older bales first.

How do I know good hay from bad hay?

When buying hay there are many important factors such as hay bale density, moisture content, color, mold, heat in the center of the bale, consistent bale weight, as well as many other things. When looking to buy hay ask about nutrient content and look for star sellers that are known for quality hay. One of the most important considerations to make when buying hay is moisture content. A quick test you can do to check for moisture in a bale of hay is to take a moisture meter with you and stick it in the middle of a hay bale. If you don’t have a moisture meter with you, you can use your hand or finger. Shove it in the center of the bale as far as you can. If the bale feels wet or hot, do not buy them.

When buying hay know how to identify different hay and each bales contents such as alfalfa, timothy, oat, and orchard grass. To ensure you get tight bales of good quality hay, before buying any hay do research! I cannot stress this enough. Different animals need different types and quality of hay. Most horse owners are very knowledgeable on hay because horses require a higher quality hay. If you have horses make sure you are buying good horse hay and know the nutrients that they require.

Are there different types of hay?

Yes, there are many different types of hay and types of bales. The most common types are alfalfa hay, timothy hay, and grass hay. Grass hay is essentially any farm field that has been turned into a hay lot for cutting. It will have various types of grass in it that grow naturally some may be planted. Timothy and alfalfa are planted. It is so important to know how to identify alfalfa bales and grass bales.

Can I get hay delivered?

Yes you can get hay delivered depending on who you buy your hay through. When getting hay delivered there is typically a haul bill or shipping cost to cover transportation costs of the hay.