Covering Hay Bales: Tarps, Net Wrap, or Plastic — Which Is Best?

Introduction

Keeping hay dry is one of the biggest challenges for any farmer storing bales outdoors. Moisture and sun exposure can quickly ruin forage quality and profitability. The good news? With proper covering, you can dramatically reduce spoilage losses — but which method is best?

In this post, we’ll compare tarps, net wrap, and plastic for covering hay bales, highlighting the pros, cons, and when to use each.

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Why Covering Hay Bales Matters

Exposure to rain, snow, and sunlight causes:

• Mold growth and nutrient loss
• Color fading
• Reduced palatability
• Dry matter losses of 10–25%

According to the University of Wisconsin Extension, uncovered hay bales can lose over $30 in feed value per ton annually due to weathering. Covering bales pays for itself quickly in saved feed quality.

👉 External Resource: University of Wisconsin Forage Extension provides in-depth studies on outdoor hay storage protection.

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Option 1: Tarps — Flexible and Affordable

Tarps are one of the most popular and cost-effective methods for covering stacked hay.

✅ Pros:

• Low upfront cost
• Reusable for multiple seasons
• Easy to install and remove
• Works well for large stacked storage areas

⚠️ Cons:

• Must be secured tightly (wind can cause damage)
• Can trap condensation if not ventilated
• Requires occasional repositioning

Best For:
Farmers storing large volumes of hay in a single, centralized stack.

Pro Tip: Use UV-resistant, breathable hay tarps and leave a few inches open at the bottom for air circulation.

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Option 2: Net Wrap — Built-In Bale Protection

Net wrap replaces twine and offers a clean, snug layer of protection directly on the bale.

✅ Pros:

• Reduces handling time (faster baling)
• Minimizes rain penetration and leaf loss
• Easier to handle than loose tarps
• Creates uniform, dense bales for stacking

⚠️ Cons:

• More expensive than twine
• Provides limited long-term weather protection
• Can degrade under prolonged sunlight exposure

Best For:
Short-term outdoor storage (less than 9 months) or bales later covered with tarps or plastic.

👉 External Reference: Iowa State University Extension found that net wrap reduces spoilage losses by up to 32% compared to twine-wrapped bales.

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Option 3: Plastic Wrap — Maximum Weather Protection

Plastic wrapping, also used for haylage bales, provides near-total moisture exclusion.

✅ Pros:

• Airtight seal prevents rain, oxygen, and UV damage
• Ideal for long-term storage
• Prevents mold and heating

⚠️ Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Not reusable
• Environmental disposal considerations
• Punctures can lead to spoilage if not sealed immediately

Best For:
Producers in humid or wet climates or those wrapping haylage and dry hay together.

Tip: Use 6–8 layers of stretch plastic for best results and check regularly for tears.

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Quick Comparison Table

Cover Type	Cost	Weather Protection	Reusability	Ideal Storage Time
Tarp	Low	Moderate–High	2–3 years	6–12 months
Net Wrap	Moderate	Moderate	Single use	3–9 months
Plastic Wrap	High	Excellent	Single use	12–24 months

Which Option Is Best for You?

• Choose tarps if you need affordable, reusable coverage for large stacks.
• Choose net wrap for convenience and short-term protection.
• Choose plastic wrap for the highest quality preservation and long-term storage.

Combining methods — like net wrap plus tarping — can offer the best of both worlds for many hay operations.

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Final Thoughts

Covering hay bales properly saves money, preserves nutrition, and ensures your product meets premium quality standards.
Whether you prefer tarps, net wrap, or plastic, the right covering strategy depends on your budget, climate, and storage duration.

Investing in hay protection is investing in your farm’s profitability and reputation for quality forage.

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Author: Premium Hay Supply Editorial Team
Featured Image Alt Text: stylized vector showing tarped, net-wrapped, and plastic-covered hay bales with farmer comparison.