This spring is shaping up to be a tough season.
With similar conditions to 2007, hay makers are being warned to take heed of moisture levels at baling if cutting drought affected or frosted cereal crops.
The value and quality of this hay is very high so extra care needs to be taken.
“In 2007, there were a lot of hay stack fires due to the higher than normal sugar content found in drought affected crops,” specialist hay producer and inventor of Hay Caps, Phil Snowden said.
“Once baled, these crops are more prone to spontaneous combustion.
“It is paramount to get the hay dried right down before baling, including looking right through the stem on immature crops.
“Then protecting these bales from rain is the next step as moisture into the stack reacts with the high sugar content of the hay leading to the spontaneous combustion.”
Mr Snowden has been covering hay for more than 30 years and looked at the major problems with the systems being used.
He came up with their simple and safe way to cover large bale stacks of hay.
Hay Caps are applied at ground level to the bale and then the covered bale is placed on top as the stack is built.
Folds butt together to create a roof over the hay.
“Hay Caps are proving to be a very affordable option and can be re-used year after year,” Mr Snowden said.
- Contact: 1800 429 227 or visit: www.haycap.com.au.
