# Feed Storage and Preservation: Minimizing Nutrient Loss on Your Farm


## Key Takeaways

- Moisture and oxygen are the primary drivers of nutrient loss in stored feed, necessitating strict control to preserve nutritional value. For dry hay, maintaining 15-18% moisture is critical; for grain, moisture should be below 13-14%; silage requires 60-70% moisture for proper anaerobic fermentation.
- Hay spoilage is significantly mitigated by storing it off the ground, covered with light-colored tarps, and ensuring adequate ventilation in indoor storage to prevent mold and spontaneous combustion.
- Grain quality is preserved through clean bins, moisture control below 13-14%, and strategic aeration to maintain temperatures below 50°F, thereby inhibiting insect reproduction and mold growth.
- Silage preservation hinges on achieving rapid anaerobic conditions through tight packing and immediate sealing, with losses minimized by removing at least 4-6 inches daily from the exposed face to prevent aerobic spoilage.
- Feed should be tested for mycotoxins when visible mold is present, animals exhibit unexplained health issues, or feed has a musty odor, as these toxins can cause significant animal health and performance problems.
- Discard feed exhibiting extensive mold (over 10% coverage), off-odors, heating, or contamination by rodents/birds, as the cost of potential animal health issues far outweighs the value of spoiled feed.

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Every farmer knows that feed represents one of the largest operating costs on any livestock operation. Whether you raise beef cattle, dairy cows, sheep, goats, pigs, or poultry, the quality of stored feed directly affects animal performance, herd health, and your bottom line. Poor storage practices can quietly steal 10 to 30 percent of your feed's nutritional value before it ever reaches the feeder. This article explains the causes of nutrient loss in stored feeds, provides step-by-step methods for preserving hay, grain, and silage, and outlines practical monitoring systems to help you protect your investment.

This guide is written for farm owners, herd managers, and farm employees who handle feed storage decisions. If you are new to [livestock farming](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/livestock-farming-an-overview-of-modern-practices-and-challenges) or looking to tighten up your current operation, the practices described here apply to operations of all sizes. You will learn how to assess your current storage setup, implement proven preservation methods, recognize when feed has deteriorated, and decide when to seek professional advice from a veterinarian or extension agent.

## At a Glance

| Feed Type | Main Storage Risks | Key Preservation Practice | Expected Storage Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry hay | Moisture, mold, UV degradation | Store at 15 to 18 percent moisture, off the ground, covered | 1 to 3 years |
| Grain | Insects, moisture, mold | Clean bins, control moisture below 13 to 14 percent, aerate | 6 to 18 months |
| Silage | Oxygen, poor fermentation | Pack tightly, seal immediately, achieve anaerobic conditions | 6 to 24 months |

The most important takeaway from this article is simple: moisture and oxygen are your two biggest enemies. Control those two factors, and you will preserve feed quality. Ignore them, and you will lose nutrients no matter how good your forage or grain was at harvest.

## Understanding Nutrient Loss in Stored Feed

Nutrient loss begins the moment feed is harvested. Plant cells continue to respire after cutting, consuming soluble sugars and generating heat. If you do not manage this process correctly, you lose energy that your animals could have used for growth, milk production, or maintenance.

### The Role of Moisture

Moisture content is the single most important factor in feed storage. When moisture is too high, molds and bacteria multiply rapidly. These microorganisms consume nutrients and produce heat, toxins, and spoilage compounds. When moisture is too low, feed becomes brittle and dusty, leading to leaf loss in hay and reduced palatability.

For dry hay, the target moisture range is 15 to 18 percent. Hay baled above 20 percent moisture is at high risk for mold growth and spontaneous combustion. For grain, the safe moisture ceiling depends on the grain type and storage duration. Corn stored for a year should be at or below 14 percent moisture, while soybeans can be stored safely at 12 percent or less.

Silage is the exception to the rule. Silage requires 60 to 70 percent moisture to achieve proper fermentation. The key difference is that silage is stored in an anaerobic environment where beneficial lactic acid bacteria convert sugars into acids that preserve the forage.

### The Role of Oxygen

Oxygen is essential for the growth of molds, yeasts, and aerobic bacteria. When oxygen is present in stored feed, these organisms consume nutrients and produce carbon dioxide, water, and heat. This process is called aerobic spoilage.

In hay and grain storage, oxygen is always present. Your goal is to minimize the conditions that allow spoilage organisms to thrive, mainly by controlling moisture and temperature. In silage storage, your goal is to exclude oxygen entirely. Once the silage pit or bag is opened, oxygen enters and spoilage begins at the exposed face.

### The Role of Temperature

Temperature affects both the rate of nutrient loss and the types of organisms that grow in stored feed. In general, microbial activity doubles for every 18 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit increase in temperature. This means that feed stored in a hot barn loses nutrients faster than feed stored in a cool, shaded area.

High temperatures also cause chemical reactions that reduce feed quality. The Maillard reaction, for example, occurs when heat reacts with proteins and sugars. This reaction makes protein less digestible and can give feed a brown, caramelized appearance. You should be concerned if hay or grain feels warm to the touch, as this indicates active microbial growth.

### How Much Nutrient Loss Is Normal

Some nutrient loss is unavoidable. Respiration during curing and storage will always consume some soluble carbohydrates. The University of Wisconsin Extension reports that properly stored hay loses about 5 percent of its dry matter over six months of storage. Poorly stored hay can lose 15 to 30 percent or more.

Grain storage losses vary widely depending on conditions. Well-managed grain in clean, dry bins can lose less than 1 percent of its dry matter over a year. Grain stored with excess moisture or insect infestations can lose 5 to 10 percent or more, not counting the feed that becomes unfit for animal consumption.

Silage losses depend heavily on your harvest and packing practices. Well-managed silage loses 8 to 12 percent of its dry matter during fermentation and feedout. Poorly packed or slowly fed silage can lose 20 to 30 percent or more due to secondary fermentation and aerobic spoilage at the exposed face.

## Hay Storage Best Practices

Hay is the backbone of most livestock operations, providing forage during winter months and drought periods. Protecting hay quality starts at harvest and continues through storage and feeding.

### Harvest Timing and Moisture Management

The most critical hay storage decision happens before baling. Hay that is baled too wet will heat, mold, and lose nutrients. Hay that is baled too dry will shatter and lose leaves, which are the most nutritious part of the plant.

For small square bales, target a moisture range of 15 to 18 percent. For large round bales, target 15 to 18 percent as well. Large bales are more prone to spoilage because they have a lower surface area to volume ratio, meaning moisture trapped inside takes longer to escape.

Use a moisture probe to test bales before storing them. Do not rely on feel or appearance alone. A moisture probe costs between $50 and $200 and pays for itself many times over by preventing spoilage losses.

If you must bale hay above 18 percent moisture, consider using a preservative. Propionic acid-based preservatives inhibit mold growth and allow you to bale at moisture levels up to 25 percent. These products cost about $5 to $10 per ton of hay treated. They are most cost-effective when weather conditions force you to bale earlier than ideal.

### Storage Location and Site Preparation

Choose a storage site that is well-drained and elevated. Hay stored on wet ground absorbs moisture from the soil, leading to spoilage on the bottom layer. If you store hay outdoors, create a base of crushed rock, pallets, or old tires to keep bales off the ground.

The ideal storage site has these characteristics:

- South-facing slope for maximum sun exposure
- Good airflow around all sides of the stack
- Protection from prevailing winds
- Distance from trees that might drop leaves or branches
- Access for trucks and loaders during feeding season

For outdoor storage, orient rows north to south to maximize sun exposure on both sides of the stack. Leave at least 3 feet between rows for airflow and equipment access.

### Stacking and Covering Methods

The way you stack hay affects how well it sheds water and how much spoilage you can expect. For large round bales stored outdoors, the best method is to place bales in rows with flat ends touching. This creates a continuous wall that sheds water more effectively than individually spaced bales.

Covering hay is one of the most cost-effective preservation measures you can take. A simple tarp cover can reduce dry matter loss from 15 to 20 percent down to 5 to 8 percent over a six-month storage period. The cost of a tarp is quickly recovered by the value of the hay you save.

When using tarps, follow these guidelines:

- Use light-colored tarps to reflect heat
- Anchor tarps securely with straps or tires
- Overlap tarp sections by at least 12 inches
- Slope the tarp to shed water away from the stack
- Check and repair tarps regularly for tears

For small square bales, storage in a barn or shed is strongly recommended. Small bales have more exposed surface area relative to their volume, making them more vulnerable to moisture. If you must store small bales outdoors, cover them completely and elevate them off the ground.

### Indoor Hay Storage

Indoor hay storage is the gold standard for preserving quality. A hay barn protects against rain, snow, and UV degradation. It also reduces moisture fluctuations that cause condensation and mold.

When building or retrofitting a hay barn, consider these factors:

- Ventilation to allow moisture to escape
- A concrete or gravel floor to prevent wicking
- Clearance for equipment and stacking
- Fire safety features, since hay is highly combustible

A well-ventilated hay barn should have openings at both ends and along the eaves to promote natural airflow. Ridge vents allow warm, moist air to escape at the peak. Without adequate ventilation, moisture can condense on the underside of the roof and drip back onto the hay, causing localized spoilage.

### Measuring and Monitoring Hay Quality

You cannot manage what you do not measure. Keep records of each hay lot, including harvest date, field location, moisture at baling, and any preservatives applied. When you feed hay, note any signs of spoilage such as mold, dust, or off-odors.

Consider having hay tested for nutrient content. A forage analysis costs $20 to $40 per sample and provides information on protein, energy, fiber, and mineral content. This allows you to balance rations accurately and identify hay lots that need supplementation.

Take samples with a hay probe, not by grabbing a handful from the end of a bale. A hay probe collects a core sample from the center of the bale, giving you a representative sample of the entire bale. Sample at least 10 bales per lot and combine the cores for analysis.

### Common Hay Storage Mistakes

Many farmers lose more hay than they realize due to avoidable mistakes. The most common errors include:

Baling hay too wet. This is the single biggest cause of hay spoilage. If hay is baled at 25 percent moisture, it will heat and mold even if stored indoors.

Storing bales directly on the ground. Ground contact wicks moisture into the bale, causing spoilage on the bottom 6 to 12 inches. This spoiled layer is often discarded, representing a direct loss.

Ignoring the bottom layer of outdoor stacks. The bottom bales in an outdoor stack are exposed to moisture from the ground and from water running off upper bales. Rotate these bales to the front of the stack for feeding first.

Using tarps that are too small. A tarp that does not completely cover the stack leaves edges exposed to rain. Water runs down the sides of the bales and soaks into the lower layers.

Storing hay in direct sunlight without cover. UV radiation degrades protein and vitamins in hay. Hay stored outdoors without cover can lose significant nutritional value in as little as three months.

## Grain Storage for Animal Feed

Grain is a concentrated energy source in livestock rations. Whether you grow your own corn, barley, oats, or wheat, or purchase grain from a supplier, proper storage is essential to maintain quality and prevent losses to insects, molds, and rodents.

### Grain Moisture and Temperature Targets

The safe moisture content for stored grain depends on the grain type and how long you plan to store it. Use these general guidelines:

| Grain Type | Moisture for 6 Months Storage | Moisture for 12 Months Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Corn | 15 percent | 14 percent |
| Soybeans | 13 percent | 12 percent |
| Wheat | 13.5 percent | 13 percent |
| Oats | 14 percent | 13 percent |
| Barley | 13.5 percent | 13 percent |

Grain temperature is equally important. Cool grain slows insect reproduction and mold growth. The rule of thumb is to cool grain to 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below by late fall. Each 10 degree reduction in grain temperature extends safe storage life.

### Bin Preparation and Cleaning

A clean bin is the foundation of good grain storage. Before filling bins with new grain, follow these steps:

Remove all old grain and debris from the bin. Old grain can harbor insects and mold spores that will contaminate the new crop.

Sweep walls, floors, and aeration ducts thoroughly. Pay special attention to corners and seams where fines accumulate.

Inspect the bin for leaks and damage. Check the roof, sidewalls, and floor for holes that could let in water or rodents.

Clean and inspect aeration fans and ducts. Ensure that air can move freely through the grain mass.

Treat the bin with an approved insecticide. Products containing diatomaceous earth or pyrethrins are common options. Follow label directions carefully.

Fill the bin using a spreader to distribute fines evenly. Fines are small particles and broken kernels that restrict airflow and promote moisture accumulation. If you do not have a spreader, core the bin after filling by removing grain from the center to pull fines out.

### Aeration Management

Aeration is the process of moving air through stored grain to control temperature and moisture. Proper aeration does more to preserve grain quality than any other management practice.

Run aeration fans when the outside air temperature is 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the grain temperature and the relative humidity is below 75 percent. This cools the grain and removes moisture without adding water back.

Cool grain gradually in steps rather than all at once. Rapid cooling can cause condensation on the surface of the grain, creating localized wet spots. Aim to reduce grain temperature by 10 to 15 degrees per aeration cycle.

In the fall, cool grain to 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit for winter storage. In the spring, warm grain to 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent condensation on the bin walls. Do not warm grain above 60 degrees unless you plan to feed it soon, as warmer temperatures accelerate spoilage.

### Monitoring Grain in Storage

Check stored grain at least every two weeks during the first month after filling, then monthly thereafter. Look for these warning signs:

- Crusted or caked grain on the surface
- Moisture accumulating on bin walls or roof
- Musty or sour odors
- Insects in the grain or on bin surfaces
- Hot spots that show up as temperature differences

Use a grain temperature cable or handheld probe to monitor grain temperature at multiple points in the bin. A thermometer that rises several degrees between checks indicates active spoilage.

If you detect a problem, act quickly. Run aeration fans to cool the affected area. If moisture is high, consider moving the grain to another bin or feeding it soon. Severely spoiled grain may need to be discarded.

### Insect Control in Stored Grain

Insects can destroy stored grain quickly. The most common grain pests include weevils, moths, and beetles. These insects consume grain, contaminate it with their waste, and create heat and moisture that promote mold growth.

Prevention is the best control strategy. Keep bins clean, cool grain promptly, and inspect incoming grain for signs of infestation. If you find insects, options include:

- Fumigation with phosphine gas, which requires certified applicators
- Grain protectants applied at bin filling
- Diatomaceous earth mixed into grain
- Cooling grain below 50 degrees, which slows insect reproduction

If you discover an infestation, isolate the affected bin and do not mix infested grain with clean grain. Feeding insect-damaged grain may be acceptable for some livestock, but consult your veterinarian or nutritionist first.

### Rodent and Bird Control

Rodents and birds consume and contaminate significant amounts of stored grain. A single rat can eat up to 50 pounds of grain per year and contaminate far more with urine and feces.

Control measures include:

- Sealing all openings larger than one-quarter inch
- Keeping vegetation trimmed around bins
- Using bait stations with rodenticides approved for farm use
- Installing bird netting over bin vents and openings
- Removing spilled grain promptly

### Grain Storage Mistakes to Avoid

Farmers lose grain to several common errors:

Storing wet grain without drying. If grain goes into the bin above safe moisture levels, it will heat and spoil within days. Dry grain to safe moisture before binning.

Filling bins too full. Grain needs headspace for air circulation and for aeration to work effectively. Leave at least 2 feet of headspace.

Ignoring fines. Fines accumulate in the center of the bin and restrict airflow. This creates a zone of high moisture and temperature that spoils quickly.

Not running aeration fans after filling. Grain goes into the bin warm from harvest. Without aeration, this warmth drives moisture through the grain mass, causing condensation and spoilage.

Feeding spoiled grain to livestock without testing. Moldy grain can contain mycotoxins that harm animal health. If grain smells musty or shows visible mold, test it before feeding.

## Silage Preservation Methods

Silage is forage that has been preserved through fermentation. The process converts soluble sugars into lactic acid, which lowers the pH and preserves the forage. Silage can be made from corn, grass, alfalfa, small grains, and other forages.

### The [Fermentation Process](/knowledge/molecular-biology/fermentation-process)

Good silage fermentation requires four conditions:

- Adequate sugar content in the forage
- Anaerobic conditions with no oxygen
- Proper moisture content of 60 to 70 percent
- A clean environment free of soil contamination

When these conditions are met, lactic acid bacteria multiply rapidly and produce acids that drop the pH to 4.0 or lower. At this pH, spoilage organisms cannot survive and the silage remains stable as long as oxygen is excluded.

If any of these conditions are missing, fermentation goes wrong. Too little sugar means the pH does not drop enough. Too much oxygen allows yeast and mold to consume sugars and produce heat. Too much moisture causes clostridia bacteria to produce butyric acid, which gives silage a rancid odor and reduces feed intake.

### Harvest Timing and Chop Length

Harvest timing has a major impact on silage quality. For corn silage, the target dry matter is 30 to 38 percent. Corn harvested too wet produces silage with poor fermentation and high nutrient losses. Corn harvested too dry is hard to pack and may not ferment properly.

For grass and legume silage, target dry matter is 30 to 40 percent depending on the storage structure. Wilted silage in bunker silos should be 30 to 35 percent dry matter. Silage for baleage should be 40 to 50 percent dry matter.

Chop length affects packing density and fermentation. A theoretical chop length of one-half to three-quarters inch for corn silage and one-quarter to one-half inch for grass silage works well in most bunker silos. Kernel processing is recommended for corn silage to break the kernels and make the starch more digestible.

### Filling and Packing the Silo

The way you fill and pack a bunker silo or pile determines how well fermentation proceeds. Poor packing leaves air pockets that cause spoilage.

Follow these packing guidelines:

Spread forage in thin layers of 6 to 12 inches. Thicker layers do not pack well and leave air pockets.

Pack continuously with a heavy tractor. The packing tractor should weigh at least 25 percent of the weight of the forage delivered per hour. More weight is better.

Pack for at least 2 to 3 minutes per ton of forage delivered. This ensures adequate density.

Shape the pile to shed water. Slope the top and sides so rain runs off rather than pooling.

Cover the silo immediately after filling is complete. Use plastic sheeting weighted down with tires or gravel bags. Do not wait until the next day to cover.

### Silage Additives and Inoculants

Silage additives can improve fermentation and reduce losses. The most common types include:

Bacterial inoculants. These contain lactic acid bacteria that speed up fermentation and lower pH more quickly. They are most effective on forages with borderline sugar content.

Enzymes. These break down fiber into sugars that bacteria can use for fermentation. They are most useful on mature, high-fiber forages.

Acid additives. These lower the pH directly and inhibit spoilage organisms. They are effective but corrosive and require careful handling.

Nutrient additives. These add protein, minerals, or other nutrients to the silage. They do not improve fermentation but can balance rations.

Inoculants cost $2 to $5 per ton of silage. They are most cost-effective when you are making silage from difficult-to-ferment forages or when weather conditions are challenging.

### Managing the Silage Face

The silage face is the exposed surface where you remove silage for feeding. This is where aerobic spoilage occurs. The exposed face allows oxygen to penetrate the silage, causing yeasts and molds to grow and consume nutrients.

To minimize losses at the silage face:

Remove at least 4 to 6 inches of silage per day during feeding season. Removing less than this allows spoilage to penetrate deeper into the silage.

Keep the face smooth and tight. A rough face has more surface area and allows more oxygen penetration.

Remove silage with a defacer or bucket that cuts cleanly. Do not loosen silage and leave it in a pile at the base of the face.

Discard any visibly spoiled silage. Do not feed moldy or rotten silage to livestock.

Reseal the silo properly after each feeding if you are not using it daily.

### Baleage and Silage Bags

Baleage is hay that has been baled at higher moisture and wrapped in plastic to ferment. It offers flexibility and reduces storage losses compared to dry hay. Baleage should be 40 to 50 percent dry matter and wrapped with at least six layers of plastic.

Silage bags are another storage option. They allow you to store silage without a permanent structure and can be filled and fed out relatively quickly. Bag silage requires careful attention to filling density and hole repair.

Both baleage and silage bags are vulnerable to damage from birds, rodents, and weather. Inspect plastic regularly and repair any holes immediately. A small hole can allow enough oxygen to spoil a significant portion of the feed.

## Decision Thresholds for Feed Storage

Knowing when to act is as important as knowing what to do. Use these thresholds to guide your decisions.

### When to Discard Spoiled Feed

Not all spoiled feed needs to be discarded. Small amounts of surface mold on hay bales can often be trimmed off and the remaining hay fed. However, you should discard feed when:

- Visible mold covers more than 10 percent of the bale or feed mass
- The feed has a musty, sour, or rancid odor
- The feed is hot to the touch
- The feed has been contaminated with rodents, birds, or their droppings
- The feed contains foreign objects or debris

When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Feeding spoiled feed can cause health problems that cost far more than the value of the discarded feed.

### When to Test for Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by molds. They can cause reduced feed intake, poor growth, reproductive problems, and immune suppression in livestock. Common mycotoxins in stored feed include aflatoxin, vomitoxin, zearalenone, and fumonisin.

Test feed for mycotoxins when:

- You see visible mold growth
- Animals show signs of feed refusal or reduced intake
- Animals develop unexplained health problems
- The feed has a musty odor
- You are feeding corn that was stressed by drought or insect damage

Mycotoxin testing costs $50 to $150 per sample depending on the number of toxins tested. This is a small price compared to the potential losses from feeding contaminated feed.

### When to Call a Veterinarian

Call a veterinarian immediately if animals show signs of feed-related illness. These signs include:

- Sudden feed refusal
- Digestive upset such as scours or bloat
- Neurological signs such as tremors or incoordination
- Abortions or reproductive failure
- Sudden death

Feed-related illnesses can progress quickly. Do not wait to see if animals recover on their own.

### When to Call an Extension Agent

Extension agents can help with feed storage planning, forage testing, ration balancing, and troubleshooting storage problems. Call your local extension office when:

- You are planning a new feed storage facility
- You need help interpreting forage or grain test results
- You are considering new feed preservation technologies
- You have persistent storage problems you cannot solve
- You want to compare the economics of different storage systems

Extension agents have access to research-based information and can often visit your farm for a hands-on assessment.

## Monitoring and Recordkeeping Systems

Good recordkeeping helps you track feed quality over time and identify problems before they become costly. A simple system is better than no system. The goal is to capture information consistently and use it to make better decisions.

### What to Record

Keep records for each feed lot or batch that comes into your operation. Record:

- Feed type and variety
- Harvest or purchase date
- Field or source location
- Moisture content at harvest or purchase
- Storage location and method
- Any preservatives or additives applied
- Test results for nutrient content
- Date fed out and observations on animal response

### How to Track Feed Inventory

A feed inventory system helps you know what you have, where it is, and how long it will last. At minimum, track:

- Quantity of each feed type in storage
- Location of each feed lot
- Estimated feeding rate per day or week
- Projected days of feed remaining
- Condition of stored feed as observed during regular checks

You can use a simple spreadsheet, a notebook, or farm management software. The key is to update records regularly and review them when making feeding decisions.

### Regular Inspection Schedule

Set a regular schedule for inspecting stored feed. A good schedule includes:

- Weekly visual checks of all feed storage areas
- Monthly temperature checks of grain bins
- Monthly moisture checks of hay storage
- Quarterly pest inspections of [feed storage facilities](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/feed-storage-facilities-silos-bins-sheds)
- Annual structural inspections of bins, barns, and silos

During inspections, look for signs of moisture, mold, insects, rodents, and structural damage. Fix small problems promptly before they become large ones.

### Using Records to Improve Decisions

Records are only useful if you use them. At the end of each feeding season, review your records and ask:

- Which feed lots had the best quality and animal performance?
- Which storage methods had the lowest losses?
- What problems occurred and what caused them?
- What changes should I make for next season?

This annual review helps you continuously improve your feed storage system and reduce losses over time.

## Common Feed Storage Mistakes

Farmers across all operation sizes make similar mistakes when storing feed. Recognizing these errors in your own operation is the first step to correcting them.

### Storing Different Feed Types Together

Hay, grain, and silage have different storage requirements. Mixing them in the same area can create problems. For example, storing grain next to hay can lead to moisture transfer, and silage stored near grain can attract pests.

Keep separate storage areas for each feed type. If space is limited, at least separate feeds with physical barriers and maintain good housekeeping.

### Ignoring the First In, First Out Principle

Feed should be used in the order it was produced or purchased. Old feed left in storage continues to lose quality while new feed is used first. This creates a situation where the oldest, lowest quality feed is fed last, often after it has spoiled.

Label each feed lot with its date and use older lots first. This simple practice can significantly reduce waste.

### Overlooking Leaks and Structural Damage

A small roof leak can ruin an entire stack of hay. A cracked bin floor can allow moisture to wick into grain. These problems are easy to fix if caught early but costly if ignored.

Walk your storage facilities regularly and fix any damage immediately. The cost of a repair is almost always less than the value of the feed you save.

### Not Investing in Basic Infrastructure

Some farmers try to save money by skipping basic infrastructure such as gravel pads for hay, aeration fans for grain, or covers for silage piles. These investments pay for themselves quickly through reduced losses.

Calculate the value of feed you expect to store over the life of the infrastructure. Compare this to the cost of the improvement. In most cases, the improvement pays for itself in one to three years.

### Feeding Spoiled Feed to Save Money

Feeding spoiled feed is a false economy. Spoiled feed has reduced nutritional value, which means animals need more of it to meet their requirements. It can also cause health problems that lead to veterinary bills and lost production.

If you have spoiled feed, discard it or compost it. The money you save by feeding it will likely be lost many times over in animal health and performance.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long can I store hay before it loses significant nutritional value?

Hay stored properly indoors at 15 to 18 percent moisture can maintain acceptable quality for 2 to 3 years. After that, protein and energy content gradually decline even under good conditions. Hay stored outdoors without cover loses quality much faster, with significant nutrient losses within 6 to 12 months. For best results, feed hay within 12 to 18 months of harvest and rotate older lots first.

### Can I feed moldy hay to my livestock?

Small amounts of surface mold can sometimes be trimmed off and the remaining hay fed to less sensitive animals such as beef cattle. However, hay with visible mold throughout the bale, a musty odor, or signs of heating should not be fed. Some molds produce mycotoxins that can cause serious health problems. If you are unsure about the safety of moldy hay, have it tested or consult your veterinarian.

### What is the best way to store round bales outdoors?

The best outdoor storage method for round bales is to place them in rows with flat ends touching, on a well-drained surface of crushed rock or pallets, with 3 feet between rows for airflow. Cover the bales with a light-colored tarp that is anchored securely and sloped to shed water. This method can reduce dry matter losses from 15 to 20 percent down to 5 to 8 percent over a storage season.

### How often should I run aeration fans on my grain bins?

Run aeration fans whenever the outside air temperature is 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the grain temperature and the relative humidity is below 75 percent. In most regions, this means running fans for several nights in early fall to cool grain after harvest, then again periodically as temperatures drop. Monitor grain temperature and run fans as needed to keep grain cool and dry.

### What moisture content should corn be at for silage?

Corn silage should be harvested at 30 to 38 percent dry matter, which corresponds to 62 to 70 percent moisture. The ideal dry matter depends on your storage structure. Bunker silos work best at 32 to 35 percent dry matter, while upright silos can handle 30 to 32 percent dry matter. Corn harvested too wet produces poor fermentation, and corn harvested too dry does not pack well.

### How can I tell if my silage has spoiled?

Spoiled silage has a distinct appearance and odor. It may be brown or black, have a musty or rotten smell, and feel slimy or hot to the touch. Spoiled silage often has visible mold growth. If you see these signs at the silage face, remove the spoiled material and discard it before feeding. Do not feed spoiled silage to livestock, as it can cause digestive upset and other health problems.

### Do I need to test my feed for mycotoxins?

Testing is recommended when you see visible mold, when feed has a musty odor, or when animals show signs of reduced intake or unexplained health problems. Testing is also wise for corn that was stressed by drought or insect damage, as these conditions increase mycotoxin risk. Routine testing of all feed is not necessary for most operations, but targeted testing when problems are suspected can prevent costly animal health issues.

### What is the most cost-effective improvement I can make to my feed storage system?

For most operations, the most cost-effective improvement is covering hay stored outdoors. A tarp system costs a few hundred dollars and can save several tons of hay per year. For grain operations, installing or repairing aeration systems is typically the best investment. For silage operations, improving packing density and covering the silo promptly are the highest return practices.

## Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with links to related farming guides on feed management, livestock nutrition, and farm infrastructure. Check back regularly for updated content on complementary topics.

## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

* [Animal Welfare Audits: Building a Useful Farm Program](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/animal-welfare-audits-building-a-useful-farm-program)
* [Total Mixed Ration (TMR) for Dairy: Mixing and Feeding Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/total-mixed-ration-dairy-mixing-feeding)
* [Feed Additives for Livestock: Probiotics, Enzymes, and More](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/feed-additives-livestock-probiotics-enzymes)


## References

- [USDA Farm Management](https://www.farmers.gov/)
- [FAO Farm Management](https://www.fao.org/farmer-field-schools/en/)
- [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/)
- [WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health)](https://www.woah.org/en/home/)

> This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.