Horse Hay and Feed Storage: How Long is Too Long?

Each feed or grain bag should include a coded date. Once deciphered, it can tell you the content's packaging date. | Photo: Clair Thunes, PhD

A: Spoilage is more of a concern with in commercial feed than with stored hay.

Storing Hay

You can store hay indefinitely if the stack is managed correctly; although, in humid climates, using hay within three years of harvest is ideal. Hay growers need to bale it at correct moisture levels because if it’s baled too damp the hay will generate heat, which leads to molding. Barn storage, especially long term, is best as it will prevent damage from weather. Rodents and other animals should be kept out and hay should be stored off the floor. Bales places directly on concrete could sweat and, if placed on the ground, might wick up moisture, which could result is losing up to 50% of your bottom bales. Placing hay on pallets or a thick layer of old hay or straw is recommended.

Long-term hay storage will result in some nutritional losses. Most will occur in the first couple of months with overall dry matter losses up to about 5% in the first year. After the first couple of months losses in protein and energy are minimal such that the energy and protein profile of hay that is a year or two old will be fairly similar to when it was about six months old