Big bales too big problem?

[JohnnyP]

We inherited an arrangement whereby a local crofter cut two of our fields (out of total of five) for silage, which he produces in big round bales. There had been no animals on the place for years, and no money exchanged hands (although he always helped us out, if needed). Now we have 4 Dexters, which we hope to grow to around a dozen. Last year, we discussed what would be mutually acceptable and we decided that the silage maker would take all the big bales and deliver me small square bales of hay in return, which he did. This was on the basis that 4 Dexters wouldn't be able to finish a big bale of silage before it started to go off. Just leaving some big round bales would have been no problem if we had the animals to eat it. I was wondering what other members would do in my situation, and whether you agree that big bales wouldn't be suitable? I could buy silage making equipment for small round bales, but it seems a bit uneconomical. We can't really make hay reliably because of the weather. Any thoughts appreciated.

John

[Louisa Gidney]

I had one field with a bull and two heifers who coped with a big bale without the silage going off. Similarly earlier in the winter the senior and junior bull managed big bales between them. So, I can't see a problem with 4 Dexters keeping on top of big bales of silage.

[JohnnyP]

That's interesting! How long did a big bale last your bull plus two heifers? Thanks.

[Rob R]

If you make it a little on the drier side of silage it should be fine. You can always open just one side of the bale to keep half fresh and/or bale three foot bales instead of four.

[SteveM]

We prefer hay but sometimes have mini hesston style silage or haylage depending on weather at baling.

Year before last we nad a few bales that we considered too mouldy to feed which we dumped on the muck hill. Guess what the cows ate first when we turned them out at spring.

A 10 acre field we now rent for grazing had been cut for haylage by a neigbour with stables for a few years, There was the remains of an unwrapped broken bale that was two years old which again was eaten within a couple of days of our cows being put on the field.

When we have had round bales we have been unwinding them so except for the ends you are exposing new material each day so may kee fresh longer.

[Broomcroft]

1 big bale should last 4 adult Dexters around a week if they've nothing else to eat. Not ideal, but I wouldn't have thought that was a problem. As Rob says, try and make it a bit on the dry side, but not too dry otherwise mould can be a real problem. Hay if you can do a swap with someone would make life easier in terms of mould and handling unless you have machinery.

[JohnnyP]

Thanks everyone, that's really helpful. I shall retain some big bales and buy in a little hay for good measure. We've had a good spell of weather up here for several weeks, so on the drier side should be possible.

Spraying bracken today - making the most of the last chance to use Asulox. Sweated several pints into my chemical suit, lovely.