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the Hay Fortress. Back in the day the hay bales were much smaller so that we humans could hoist them onto the back of a truck or trailer. I remember one New Years one year in the 70s, we built a hay fort with the smaller bales and grabbed the Mad Dog later that evening to have our own little party. I do seem to remember Uncle Raymond finding out somehow and he came and got us.
Why Size and Weight Matters
So, why does all of this matter? What is the importance of taking into account the variables that affect a hay bale’s size and weight?
The simple answer is economics. Larger hay bales—i.e., those that are larger and weigh more—will cost the farmer less per ton than smaller hay bales. Basically, the more hay bales you order per transaction, the more you can save.
To illustrate, one cow will consume 2% of its body weight, which is the equivalent of 24 pounds of hay daily. After taking into account the hay quality, a farmer is considering purchasing 1 ton of either compact-square bales or large round bales.
A single small-square hay bale weighing 50 pounds can cost the farmer around $6, whereas a 1,500-pound large round bale will go for around $120.
The small-square hay bale will feed 1 cow for 2 days, costing about $3 per day in feed, whereas a 1,500-pound large round bale can feed the cow for 62 days, costing the farmer just $1.94 in feed.
Why Size and Weight Matters
So, why does all of this matter? What is the importance of taking into account the variables that affect a hay bale’s size and weight?
The simple answer is economics. Larger hay bales—i.e., those that are larger and weigh more—will cost the farmer less per ton than smaller hay bales. Basically, the more hay bales you order per transaction, the more you can save.
To illustrate, one cow will consume 2% of its body weight, which is the equivalent of 24 pounds of hay daily. After taking into account the hay quality, a farmer is considering purchasing 1 ton of either compact-square bales or large round bales.
A single small-square hay bale weighing 50 pounds can cost the farmer around $6, whereas a 1,500-pound large round bale will go for around $120.
The small-square hay bale will feed 1 cow for 2 days, costing about $3 per day in feed, whereas a 1,500-pound large round bale can feed the cow for 62 days, costing the farmer just $1.94 in feed.