Hay bales can heal up to ten hearts for livestock mobs that eat them. By ensuring hay bales are stored in a cool, dry and dark area, these particular insects can be prevented from moving in and taking over. Net wrap accumulation in the rumen can cause plastic disease and affect cattle health and performance. SDSU Extension researchers started a new precision agriculture range project using remote sensing, machine learning, and ground-collected vegetation samples to develop an application to measure forage quality and quantity throughout the state in near real-time. If you have been injured because of a defect in your apartment complex, you may be able to sue your landlord for breach of the warranty of [], by unlimitedapartments on 3 hours ago - 0 Comments, Apartment owners need to be aware of their insurance needs. For your yard, you can create a fun fall display by placing a large hay bale in the front of your home or near the mailbox. For a more rustic look, you can also hang leaves and twigs from the bales. by unlimitedapartments on 1 hour ago - 0 Comments, A landlord is obligated to provide a safe and habitable living space for tenants. WebFall Waste Cleanup and Compost for Pumpkins, Hay, and Cornstalks Clean up your fall waste in an eco-friendly, and simple way. Keep your hay clean by washing it before use and using only hay that is completely free of debris and excess dust. Another option is to simply discard of them. Get []. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Finally, hay bales can provide a perfect place for pests to hide from predators and lay eggs, especially if the hay bale is in a damp or dark area. It is important to be mindful of potential fire hazards when utilizing straw bales, and best practices and precautions should be taken to help ensure fire safety. You can also pick up some spray paint at your local hardware store to keep the hay from getting dirty or stained. All in all, straw bales can be a combustible material and in extreme circumstances, can be highly flammable. Here are some Halloween decor tips from Terminix: 1. Ad vertisement by SweetTreatsFakery. If you decide to stack large bales, arrange them the same way, but only if you have a tractor capable of lifting the bales. A tedder and rake is often the same piece of equipment. Yes, there are insects in hay. You can find these at a garden center and then tie them together with twine or wire mesh to make a cute centerpiece for your home. Storing net wrap bales under a roof allows for snow and ice to stay off of bales, yet, if not stored under a roof, snow and ice become a burden to removing net wrap. Michaela King served as the 2019 Hay & Forage Grower summer editorial intern. Hay bales dotting fields offer a scenic sign of fall. And (bonus!) 1. Depending on the quality of the hay, mold can create mycotoxins that are harmful to horses and livestock and can lead to respiratory, digestive, immunity, performance, weight, and other health issues. Choose a building on an elevated, well-drained site. It is important to inspect hay for signs of insects before purchasing, as infested hay can lead to health problems for livestock and other animals that consume it. Dont stack any higher than 1.5x the width of the base. Accent your harvest scene with pumpkins, gourds, scarecrows and potted mums. This can help prevent the hay from becoming wet and decaying over time, which can be harmful to your pets and plants. Furthermore, does this accumulation of net wrap affect cow longevity and can our management practices make a difference. How net wrap is removed depends largely on how the hay is being fed. The inner wrap is usually made of a breathable plastic material, such as plastic sheeting or breathable shrink wrap. Yes, it is normal for hay to have bugs. Turn the hay one to three times over the next three days. Silage wax, for example, can help preserve fresh hay for several months, but its important to keep it dry to prevent spoilage. Property insurance is one of the most important policies for most apartment owners. How to Introduce Cats in a Small Apartment, How to Move a Swing Set Without Taking It Apart, How Fleas Travel From One Apartment to Another, How to Change the Shower Head in an Apartment, How to Get a Water Softener For an Apartment. 4. Also, straw bales are often treated with fire retardant chemicals, but care should be taken when using such treatments, as many are toxic. Prior to lifting the bale, find the end of the net wrap and securely tuck it under the net wrap at the top of the bale. Stacking hay bales can also be used to create a play house for children. A simple way to make hay stacks more stable is to stagger the rows of bales. Once Thanksgiving has passed, recycle your straw into compost for the garden or bedding for outdoor pets. QUALITY ASSURED: These miniature hay bales decoration are made up of real hay bounded with wire for authentic rustic look to keep the hay in place and prevents Ants, termites, beetles, and cockroaches are all more likely to infest hay bales that have been stored poorly, as it provides them with an ideal environment to thrive. Youve now cut a hole in a straw bale. 9 Easy-to-Make Garden Luminaries 5 Things to Do With Apple Crates How To: Make a Terrarium. You can use a shovel or garden fork to break up the bale further before planting, then adding a layer of compost, and finally, your plants. But they can fall apart if not taken care of properly. If the hay storage area is open on one or more sides, or if its a shed with only a roof, cover the fully-cured hay with a tarp to keep out weather and light. How-ever, covering bales If the bale is being fed in the pasture or off the back of a hydra bed, ensure the bale doesnt come apart when traveling to the field. She is the author of the site, An Unedited Life: The Ultimate Blog for Freelance Writers. To truly understand why I love hay bales so much, youll need to take a walk down memory lane with me. I'm guessing like some of the others that it was just put up when hot and dry. If you keep your bales out of the elements, especially moisture, they can last for years. If youre planning a big event, you can use larger lights, such as floodlights or spotlights, and angle them to light the entire area. Use a can of paint that is labeled for outdoor use to ensure it will withstand rain and sun exposure. Additionally, place a bunch of hay bales together, stack one on top of the other, and create a neatly arranged stack. For starters, local craft stores sell decorative hay bales that are a quarter of the size for about $5 or so. In addition to these insects, other pests such as ants, spiders, mites, ticks, and parasites can also infest hay. Attach four pieces of black perforated pipe to each side of the bale, using wire or rope to secure the pipe. 8102017 These painted hay bale ideas are a fun way to celebrate fall in a creative and unique way. Leftover hay bales can be put to a variety of uses. Common insects found in hay include mites, thrips, beetles, caterpillars, and leafhoppers, as well as various species of worms. If bales must be stored side by side, leave at least 2 feet between bales. WebAdd some extra fall flare to your front porch by attaching wispy branches over entryway. This not only keeps the flakes together but physically blocks moisture from entering the bales. Keep Them Clean. Homeowners Insurance Four-plexes are an increasingly [], by unlimitedapartments on 6 hours ago - 0 Comments, Whether you are getting a new cat or kitten, or just trying to introduce your current kitty to a new one, it is important to take a lot of time and care. Pick up a flake it just falls apart, and end up using a fork t pick it up off the floor. Simple tips can help producers who feed bales in feeders to remove net wrap. You can also place it over a bed of soil to help retain moisture. However, if allowed to absorb moisture and heat, as would happen with a straw bale garden or planter, for example, hay bales will begin to break down and only last for one growing season. Stan, All Rights Reserved. You can do a few things to make the process much easier. Decorative hay bales add a touch of rustic charm to your porch and courtyard. On my farm, we bale around 2,000 small square hay bales each summer. If you cant store hay in a separate building, keep only small amounts in the barn at one time. Ticks and weevils are more likely to infest the hay itself, and can be more of a nuisance. They provide warmth and a soft bed for laying eggs; and because of their sturdy structure, hay bales are great for making temporary walls or small rooms for corralling your feathered friends. Theyre also a fantastic source of natural mulch for your garden. This is a budget-friendly (free!) It protects the building from many different catastrophic events. Luckily, you dont have to take your set apart all the way to move it. Finally, hay bales can be used for insulation, either as a natural form of insulation in places like barns and sheds, or as insulation around pipes in colder climates. Shortly after, a track hoe began loading the pile of hay on the road into a truck. For example, hay such as alfalfa hay or grass hay usually costs more than hay such as straw. The bales are fairly heavy, but the flakes just fall apart. Be sure to use a vacuum cleaner or sweep the area thoroughly before putting them outside for the season. Labor is a valuable resource so producers are always looking for the most effective and efficient way to remove net wrap from bales being fed. (13,133) $4.75. Talk about curb appeal, the hay bale in front of this entryway leads guests into the home in such an inviting way. South Dakota State University adheres to AA/EEO guidelines in offering educational programs and services. WebUse a saw to cut holes in the bales and nestle your potted mums down inside. Keep your hay bales from breaking down by taking the following steps. Crews used machinery to pull apart the load of hay to help stop the fire, which continued to smoke. Sunlight bleaches hay, causing it to lose nutritional value, especially protein and vitamin A. Hay is a generic term for grass or legume plants that have been cut, dried and stored for use as animal feed, particularly for grazing species, such as cattle, equines, llamas, alpacas,goats and sheep. Registration is open for the South Dakota Winter Forage Meeting Feb. 28 in Madison, South Dakota. Yes, you can usually find or order straw bales at The Home Depot and Tractor Supply, though availability and price can vary by store location. Generally, mites, spiders, centipedes and pill bugs parasite on animals like mice, which may reside in the bales, and are beneficial for helping to control other pests. Depending on the type of hay and the way it is harvested and stored, there can be any number of bugs that appear in hay. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Add a coffee table and side tablesperfect for resting a glass of ice tea or lemonadeusing pallets or cinder blocks to complete the harvest scene. Daughter keeps her two horses at my place. Taking these preventative steps can save ranchers and farmers money in the long run by ensuring that the hay bales they are storing and using are dry and safe. Once Thanksgiving has passed, recycle your straw into compost for the garden or bedding for The types of insects that live in hay bales can vary depending on the region and the kind of hay bales in question. There are plenty of ways to spruce up your hay bales, so take your time and be creative! The first step in painting a bale is to dry it thoroughly before applying the paint. You can also layer different textures to add interest and dimension to your design. 1. Whether you want to use them as an accent, or youre looking for ways to keep them in good shape, there are several steps to follow to ensure that your hay bales dont fall apart. Once secured, take remaining net wrap off of bale. After the bale is completely saturated and warm, youll typically need to wait two weeks for it to get composting and become suitable for planting. One ingenious idea is to cut the bale with a hacksaw and then use your hand as a lever to force it apart into individual flakes (sections that make up a bale). Jim. The primary key to keeping wrapped hay from spoiling is storing it in a dry place and away from direct sunlight. Take the other end and pull it through the loop, then pull tightly, then tie and secure. WebHere are three tips for handling and storing wet hay that I picked up from his piece: 1. Several varieties of blossoms will work for this decorative touch, although you may prefer to choose flowers that match your fall decor theme. If you have been injured because of a defect in your apartment complex, you may be able to sue your landlord for breach of the warranty of [], by unlimitedapartments on 3 hours ago - 0 Comments, Apartment owners need to be aware of their insurance needs. If hay bales are wrapped in plastic or a tarp, they can potentially last up to a year, depending on weather conditions and what type of hay is stored. Stan. But, once those straw bales have been used for Halloween and Thanksgiving festivities, they can be repurposed for winter holiday decor, too. The large question being answered is if issues regarding net wrap accumulating in the rumen can be prevented. Compost or donate your autumn decorations A hay bale is a perfect container for growing young plants seedlings. A third method is to wrap the hay in plastic sleeves or net wrap and then secure the ends with wire. In addition to adding a natural element, pinecones can also add a sense of mystery and whimsy. To preserve its nutritional value, put up no more than youll feed within a year of harvest. Yes, hay bales do attract bugs. They come in all shapes and sizes, Wrap Them Up. I will remove all my Halloween decor and replace it with pumpkins, fall flowers, and Thanksgiving-inspired decorations, Easy Dollar Store Easter Basket Ideas for Teens, Amazing Amazon Gifts for Teachers Under $20. The uneven surface allows better air circulation. I feed them in the morning. If you have tips and tricks to removing net wrap efficiently, I would appreciate hearing them. After two weeks, the bale should be composted enough to begin planting. 4. This can be done in a garage or storage shed with an unheated, dry environment. She had some South Dakota State University Extension is proud to announce that the newly formed Northern Plains Forage Association will hold its first formal meeting this month during the Sioux Falls Farm Show. Its a low-cost and flexible method for gardening and can be attempted by gardeners of all levels of experience. Net wrap is also at an advantage for its water-repelling properties which allows better preservation in wet conditions. As long as the hay contains fewer than 10 insects per cubic foot, it is considered safe to use. This may sound complicated but its actually quite easy. A few squirts of paint can be enough to cover the hay, but youll need a couple layers to achieve an even coverage. Additionally, once the hay bale becomes wet and begins to break down, it is no longer suitable for animal feed. By 10:15 a.m., a pile of hay that was pulled onto the highway was still smoldering, along with hay bales still stacked on the truck. Youll want to cut or tear away the strings and/or netting so the hay can expand and be able to absorb water. A straw bale planter like the one shown here will add a touch of nature to any front stoop; and when the seasons over, you can toss the whole works into your compost pile or break down the bale into mulch for winterizing your larger plant beds. If traditional fall decor is more your style, drag a single straw bale onto the porch. They store well when flat ends are butted end-to-end in long rows. Once you have that figured out, use a piece of string to outline the area of the bale you want to cut away. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). South Dakota State University, South Dakota counties, and USDA cooperating. You can then affix the letters to the side of the bale. Once secured, take remaining net wrap off of bale. That is the question. WebA bale typically has two layers of wrapping. Required fields are marked *. I feed them in the morning. Red tulle, a couple of potted evergreens, and maybe even a few mock presents would turn these bales into a rustic and cheery Christmas display. Sue Weaver lives in the Arkansas Ozarks with her husband and a fine array of animal friends including goats, sheep, horses, chickens, a donkey, a llama and a pet razorback hog. This will help them last longer and prevent them from falling apart. i cant see how a small bale of hay can fall apart once baled. All rights reserved. Decorating a bale of hay is a fun way to add a festive touch to the season. B-wrap can reduce spoilage and help maintain quality. Once youve cut the hole, give the edges a light sand to remove any rough straw and to level them out. If the inside of the bale is too warm, remove it and place in a dry, warm location until you can check its temperature again. Prior to living here in Orlando, we lived in a suburb of Tampa. You can also drape a plaid blanket over your hay bales to add more texture and create a cozy fall feel. You can also use a thermometer to test the temperature inside your bales. Wet hay bales are also more prone to combusting if stored in high heat and humidity, which can lead to dangerous fires.