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Description: After forage is mowed (e.g., NAL #4830 to #4839), it is raked (e.g., NAL #4861 to #4868) into windrows sized to fit the pickup of a chopper or baler. Moisture content of 15 to 16% is preferred for hay; less than 10% results in excessive leaf loss during baling, while greater than 25% often results in mold growth in bales. NAL #4870 to #4882 illustrate balers that produce small square bales usually weighing well under 100 pounds. This baler, towed and powered by a tractor, makes much larger square bales bound with twine. The bales are dropped behind the baler, and picked up later to be transported to a central storage area. Similar equipment is illustrated in NAL #4884, #4885 and #4886, while NAL #4887, #4888 and #4889 show balers to produce large round bales. Since large square and large round bales weigh up to 1,000 pounds, they require power equipment to move them. Large bales are often preferred in areas with low precipitation where the bales may be stored out of doors with minimal or no protection. They optimize efficiency of harvesting, and facilitate shipment to distant markets. Alternatively, hay may be baled with 30 to 40% moisture and wrapped in plastic (e.g., NAL #4890) to exclude air so as to produce haylage.

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