The size of a bale of hay is usually measured by weight. A bale typically weighs 80 lbs. However the actual figure varies by quite a bit. Some assert that a bale weighs 100 lbs. The disparity can be attributed to a number of other factors.
Chief among them is how the material is put together. Hay is used for either feeding or selling. If it’s for the former, the material will be packed as tight as possible. This could push the weight in excess of 100 lbs or even more.
Commercially sold hay weighs significantly less. In some cases it will be half or three quarters of the ones used for feeding. That there is a huge disparity in the size of a bale of hay is unavoidable. After all, the hay producer will try to sell as many bales as possible. For this reason there is no standard bale size.
Hay Types and Quality
Yet another factor that affects the size is the hay variants. Grass is much heavier than others, hence they weigh more. Alfalfa weighs less than grass. So a bale of grass and bale of alfalfa won’t have the same weight or dimensions. This fact affects the other hay types too. Some will weigh more and others less.
Clover hay comes in at 40 lbs in a small bale. However it can reach over 70 lbs too, depending on how it’s packaged. The size of a bale of hay affects the packing of lighter hay too. This includes Timothy hay, which is mainly used for feeding.
The bale is just one factor that influences the weight. As stated, the tightness is the crucial part. Bale can be rounded up or in rectangular / square shape. The degree of dryness affects the weight too. The dryer it is, the more precise the weight and size estimate.
Also keep in mind that cleaning up the hay can reduce the weight. Excessive cleaning can remove as much as 25% of the entire weight. The age of the grass affects the weight too.
Weight and Cost Estimates
In terms of physical weight, a 2 x 3 needs to be between 80 lbs to 140 lbs. The size of a bale of hay is also influenced by the varying shapes. You’ll see that the square one can reach up 100 lbs. There are also square hays that can reach up to 800 lbs or more. The ones labeled largecore weigh in excess of 1,800 lbs.
As varied as the dimensions are the price tags. The usually quoted average is $4 to $10. There’s a large disparity there as it is. But in some cases the disparity is even greater.
In some states they are sold no lower tan $12. In other areas a bale costs 20 cents or less. In a lot of cases it’s all about supply and demand.
The size of a bale of hay may be confusing, but it’s actually to advantage of the buyer. It gives you a lot of options to choose from. When buying hay, keep in mind that it’s still about supply and demand.