A hay bale is also a great place to set up a table for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. If youre using straw bales to decorate your home, you may want to keep them dry to prevent mold and mildew from growing on them. Take the other end and pull it through the loop, then pull tightly, then tie and secure. With the big expense out of the way, its time to go cheap and head to the Dollar Tree for the rest of your decorations. Another great decorative option for hay bales is to stack corn stalks. Plant the mums inside the raised bed, pepper your permanent display with pumpkins, gourds and the usual Halloween fare and feel smug knowing that as your straw bales deteriorate over the season, the soil in your garden is slowly turning into that nutrient-rich mixture that gardeners often refer to as black gold. Add two or three large, hollowed-out pumpkins and drop small pots of mums down inside each one. Alternatively, you can stack two bales on top of each other and add another layer perpendicular to the first layer. You can use a space heater, a heat lamp, or a hair dryer to warm the area. Hay, small bales falling apart discussion in the Tractor Talk forum at Yesterday's Tractors. Video: Building A New Farm Garden Shed (Pt. When you harvest quality hay, its dollar-wise to preserve it so it lasts. This will ensure that the paint stays on the bale and doesnt seep through. 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. Once the hay is clean, it will need to be fed regularly. Not a bad thing for horses especially if theyve been treated like spoiled horses a little dust from mold will about kill a city horse and the owner. However, if net-wrapped bales are not stored under a roof, snow and ice can make removing net wrap difficult. Its also a potential source of fire, putting your barn in jeopardy should it ignite. Hay is a staple in the fall, providing a natural look that can be used for decorating a variety of spaces. You can purchase a lot of glitter in the form of small confetti or even sand. If using bale forks to lift the bale into the feeder, the forks should enter the lower half of the bale at approximately a 20-degree angle, this allows the bale to be lifted above the feeder without slipping off the forks, Amundson explains. More Buying Choices $8.25 (37 new offers) Amazon's Choice FloraCraft Decorative Straw Bale 5 Inch x 6 Inch x 13 Inch Natural 4.2 (1,001) $1156 what type of hay is that ? You can find twine in most home improvement stores and online at places like Amazon. Also, if you need delivery service, the price of a bale may be slightly higher due to labor and mileage costs. After two weeks, the bale should be composted enough to begin planting. When hay bales get wet, they can lead to a variety of problems. If you want to plant a flower, you can tuck a few petunias or other moisture-loving annuals into the side of the bales. She currently attends the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and is majoring in professional journalism and photography. How to Keep Decorative Hay Bales From Falling Apart, How to Sue an Apartment Complex for Emotional Distress. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. horse people are really fussy with hay. Be sure to check with your local statutes before disposing of hay bales.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_14',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_15',156,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-156{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The inner wrap is usually made of a breathable plastic material, such as plastic sheeting or breathable shrink wrap. But for whatever reason, we struggled to nail down the right blend of size, weight and twine tension last summer. For starters, local craft stores sell decorative hay bales that are a quarter of the size for about $5 or so. If storing small square bales, stack the bottom layer on their sides with the strings facing sideways instead of up. are the twines tight? Creating a creepy pathway to your house with a few rows of hay bales is easy and fun. 2), Recipe: Easy Homemade Peppercorn Ranch Dressing, Make A Meadow Anywhere With Tiny + Wild, Favorite Jung & Johnnys Seeds For Your 2023 Garden. Straw bale prices can vary greatly depending on the source, your location, and more. Check tarps on a regular basis to make sure theyre securely tied down. In addition to these insects, other pests such as ants, spiders, mites, ticks, and parasites can also infest hay. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Another way to add dimension and texture to your hay stacks is by adding pieces of branches. Line up several rows for a formal look or arrange them randomly to encourage conversationeither way, incorporating straw bales into your outdoor space will ensure that everyone has a seat when needed. Painting them with a brush is the easiest option, but you can also spray them in a spray paint bottle to achieve a more dramatic look. Silage wax, for example, can help preserve fresh hay for several months, but its important to keep it dry to prevent spoilage. Wrap around body of bale, make loop knot. As a result, wet hay bales must be discarded and replaced with dry, usable hay. One producer offers some advice through his own trial and errors regarding net wrap removal. To preserve its nutritional value, put up no more than youll feed within a year of harvest. Keep Them Dry. 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. When preparing to place the bale in the feeder, tilt the forks to a thirty-degree angle and find the starting point of your net wrap; the part that was previously tucked in the top portion. (13,133) $4.75. Depending on the type of lights you want to use and the effect youre trying to achieve, there are a few different approaches. Register today for SD Winter Forage Meeting, Range Roundup: Precision Agriculture Range Project With Producer Participation, New Forage Association to Host Kick-Off Meeting in January, Summary of Forage Binding Survey and Current Net Wrap Research. Space adjacent rows at least 3 feet apart so water from one row doesnt run off onto another. Its also important to apply the paint in layers. The first step in painting a bale is to dry it thoroughly before applying the paint. Oh how I miss those Pampered Chef parties! 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. Stick fake webs Different types of wraps have different life spans and can affect the longevity of the hay inside. If you want to add a rustic touch to your decorations, one option is to stack hay bales and cover them with a quilt. Its important to monitor hay bales regularly to ensure they remain in good shape and are not being exposed to more water or animals than they can handle. Stack em high as shown in this photo and you can create an epic hay bale maze for hours of fun in the fall. 1. At the same time, hay shortages have become a way of life. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. They can be placed on your front porch or next to your mailbox, or they can line your walkway. King grew up on a beef farm in Big Bend, Wis., where her 4-H experiences included showing both beef and dairy cattle. Some kinds of beetles, such as the powder-post beetle, will eat the wood in hay bales and damaging them.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'remodelormove_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_16',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Other insects, such as mites, can cause problems for livestock if theyre present in hay bales. If you are having a party or event, you could even paint the bales to match your color scheme. . However, dry hay is flammable, so its best to avoid storing it in these areas if you dont have a fireplace or other heating source available. You can then affix the letters to the side of the bale. Hang a welcome sign from the wheel spokes. Here are some Halloween decor tips from Terminix: 1. Once the top one-third is three-fourths of the way removed, take the unraveled one-third and wrap it around the body of the bale. 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. Dry matter loss is less for net wrap when compared with twine and twine generally has a shorter storage period. Yes, you can put lights on hay bales! To make the bales more festive you could also add LED lights and other festive decorations for a pop of season color. Theyre a classic symbol of fall, but they also make great additions to other seasons and occasions. Keep the hay away from trucks, machinery, or any type of heat source and fire accelerants, like gasoline, kerosene, oil and aerosol cans. Keep Them Clean. Youll want to cut or tear away the strings and/or netting so the hay can expand and be able to absorb water. Stack the third layer perpendicular to the second layer and so on to lock the stack in place and make it more stable. To make square bales, hay is lifted into the reel and then packed into a bale chamber alongside the baler. They can also serve as seating for friends and family who visit your home. To keep your hay from getting damp, place it end to end or on a slightly sloping hill. That is the question. Alternate layers so that there is a clear overlap of roughly half a bale all around the stack. 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. Alternatively, you can store the bale indoors. I feed them in the morning. EASILY TRANSPORT HAY BALES AND PALLETS: With this frame attachments design, you can quickly move big round hay bales using hay spears. Decorative hay bales add a touch of rustic charm to your porch and courtyard. To prevent wet hay bales, they must be stored in a dry location that is well-ventilated. Youve now cut a hole in a straw bale. Once the top one third is 3/4th of the way removed, take the unraveled one third and wrap it around the body of the bale. 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. If using bale forks to lift the bale into the feeder, the forks should enter the lower half of the bale at approximately a twenty-degree angle, this allows the bale to be lifted above the feeder without slipping off the forks. They store well when flat ends are butted end-to-end in long rows. https://www.hobbyfarms.com/how-to-store-hay-to-make-it-last-2 Stack the second layer with the strings facing up, perpendicular to the first layer. Orient rows north and south so prevailing winds wont create snow drifts and so both sides of the row receive sunlight for drying. 00 per bale. Choose a building on an elevated, well-drained site. A sloped top, created by pyramiding the final layers, sheds snow and rain better than a flat one. We are here to help you find affordable apartments for all your needs. Straw is a by-product of cereal grain harvesting, such as wheat, barley and oats, and is made up of the stems and stalks after the grain is removed. That way they wont topple if your maze participants get a little too rowdy. 4. Another way to keep your hay bales clean is to water them. 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). Display one bale by itself or stack a few together to create a fall porch or table display. WebThe best way to preserve hay bales for decorations is to cover them with a tarp or other waterproof covering to protect them from excess moisture and sunlight. 4. Web7. South Dakota State University adheres to AA/EEO guidelines in offering educational programs and services. They are also a great way to bring rustic charm to your backyard or front yard. This is especially true if you are storing your hay in a barn or shed where the ground is uneven. Additionally, place a bunch of hay bales together, stack one on top of the other, and create a neatly arranged stack. This will add a natural element to your homes decor, and it can be decorated with leaves, flowers and other elements to match your theme. Additionally, plastic covers can be used to add an extra layer of moisture-repelling protection. Using a tarp also As many of you know, net wrap has its advantages as well as disadvantages, but is largely used as a hay binding material. Protect valuable hay from the elements by storing it under cover in a building that doesnt leak and has good ventilation. Jan 29, 2016. 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. Just be sure to place them a few feet apart and at least 5 feet from the branches to ensure comfortable pathway access. For a more rustic look, you can also hang leaves and twigs from the bales. You can do a few things to make the process much easier. Unwrapping a bale wrapped in net wrap can be time consuming and sometimes frustrating. This allows more space between the layers for air circulation and makes the stacks more stable. Factors such as the quality and maturity can also play a role in determining the cost of a bale of hay. How Much Is Insurance On A 4 Plex Apartment? 3. But I was wondering how other people evaluate this option. They go so well with pumpkins, squash, mums, dried corn stalks, and more, as shown in this photo. Shortly after, a track hoe began loading the pile of hay on the road into a truck. If you have a garden or landscaping area, you can use hay bales to fertilize your soil and provide a natural mulch for your plants. When you get your newly purchased straw bale home, cut the twine and scatter the straw in small piles over the soil surrounding your front or back entrance. 2. The types of insects that live in hay bales can vary depending on the region and the kind of hay bales in question. For more information on accumulation of net wrap in the rumen see the article, Summary of Forage Binding Survey and Current Net Wrap Research. These add a natural touch and are easy to find at your local craft store. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: CNC cut structural steel; the powder-coated heavy-duty frame is welded Insects are extremely common in agricultural products, including hay. Accent your harvest scene with pumpkins, gourds, scarecrows and potted mums. Talk about curb appeal, the hay bale in front of this entryway leads guests into the home in such an inviting way. Next, wet the entire balespending about 30 minutes soaking and turning it every 10 minutes. How to Decorate a Yard With Hay for Fall Season. If youre planning a party or event, you can use LED lighting to create a festive atmosphere. If you decide to stack large bales, arrange them the same way, but only if you have a tractor capable of lifting the bales. On my farm, we bale around 2,000 small square hay bales each summer. If you decide to bale hay in large bales, wrap them with net wrap or plastic twine to reduce bale sag and help maintain bale shape. Once you have thawed the section of pipe, you can turn on the water to it. This method will provide even more stability and will help the stacks stand up to a storm. Hay is highly flammable, so you dont want it overhead if your main barn catches fire. Theyre easy to find at your local farm supply store or flower market, and can add a charming touch to any home. If you want a more personalized touch, you can have a blacksmith create custom lettering for you. We absolutely loved that home we built in Tampa! Also, straw bales are often treated with fire retardant chemicals, but care should be taken when using such treatments, as many are toxic. Attach four pieces of black perforated pipe to each side of the bale, using wire or rope to secure the pipe. 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. i cant see how a small bale of hay can fall apart once baled. Add festive curb appeal to your front yard, assemble cheap sectional seating in your backyard, or even grow a pint-size gardenthe possibilities with hay bales are seemingly endless. 2. This will help them last longer and prevent them from falling apart. They can be stacked high and anchored in place to create a fun maze with lots of room to explore. 4. The outer wrap is usually made of a stronger, weatherproof plastic. For example, stack three square bales together in a row, then two bales, and finally a single bale. Daughter keeps her two horses at my place. This is a budget-friendly (free!) This can be a great way to decorate your front yard for fall. However, hay is also great at retaining heat, so you may need to factor in the advisability of hay bales in hot climates, as the extra heat can make it difficult for some plants to thrive. You can fill garden beds with hay bales, creating a base for raised beds for flowers and veggies. You can also place it over a bed of soil to help retain moisture. Then, twine is wrapped around the bale before its ejected from the baler. It should be noted that straw bale buildings often incorporate fireproofing measures, such as improving the compaction of the straw bales and laying metal screens over them, which can reduce the risk of fire. summer editorial intern. Once the paint has dried, wrap the bale with twine to keep it from getting wet. Electricity is not allowed, but the use of propane-powered motors is. It will act as a backdrop for pumpkins, mums or other decorations that complement the bales color and shape. 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. Hay is grown to provide food for livestock such as horses, cows and pigs -- farmers are not keen on selling it as fall decor. Second, I will continue to utilize these hay bales for decoration through to the end of the year. To truly understand why I love hay bales so much, youll need to take a walk down memory lane with me. This will help prevent the hay from falling apart and making your decor look messy. Weave the strands around your hay bale to outline its shape or swirl them into a pattern for added flair.