ny_grass
Well-known member
Hi all,
Well the winter is finally really here in upstate NY. What little snow we had all melted with a couple of days of weather in the 40s about 8-10 days ago. Prior to that we'd had mostly reliable moderate cold.
The reason for the weather history is that I think I have a big problem. As I wrote last late October, I got a good deal on large square bales. The hay is of uneven quality; much of it was made 2 summers ago when we had a really wet summer and most of the first cutting didn't get made until mid-August. But some of it is very good and they were eating it pretty well and I was pretty happy. Note the past tense.
As of about a week ago I've noticed them nosing through it, leaving lots. Last night I go out and they've left a bunch from the day and are mooing loudly.
So, I've got mold. I guess. My own fault; I wrapped the bales too tight with a tarp and the up and down weather (not consistent freezing from mid-November to now). When I smell the hay I don't really smell mold. Perhaps, near the bottom near the ground there might be a smell.
Is there anything I can do now? I'm going out to today and take off the tarp. At least this'll arrest any further growth for the moment. I'm sure the bales on the ends will be fine, giving me some time to deal if (fingers crossed) most of the hay is spoiled. I can hardly imagine this possibility; I'm hoping it's just some of the bales; it would be quite a huge financial mistake if most of it is bad.
It's always something .... Any sage advice?
Well the winter is finally really here in upstate NY. What little snow we had all melted with a couple of days of weather in the 40s about 8-10 days ago. Prior to that we'd had mostly reliable moderate cold.
The reason for the weather history is that I think I have a big problem. As I wrote last late October, I got a good deal on large square bales. The hay is of uneven quality; much of it was made 2 summers ago when we had a really wet summer and most of the first cutting didn't get made until mid-August. But some of it is very good and they were eating it pretty well and I was pretty happy. Note the past tense.
As of about a week ago I've noticed them nosing through it, leaving lots. Last night I go out and they've left a bunch from the day and are mooing loudly.
So, I've got mold. I guess. My own fault; I wrapped the bales too tight with a tarp and the up and down weather (not consistent freezing from mid-November to now). When I smell the hay I don't really smell mold. Perhaps, near the bottom near the ground there might be a smell.
Is there anything I can do now? I'm going out to today and take off the tarp. At least this'll arrest any further growth for the moment. I'm sure the bales on the ends will be fine, giving me some time to deal if (fingers crossed) most of the hay is spoiled. I can hardly imagine this possibility; I'm hoping it's just some of the bales; it would be quite a huge financial mistake if most of it is bad.
It's always something .... Any sage advice?