Purchasing good forage is only part of maintaining hay quality.
What happens after the container arrives matters too.
Timothy and Alfalfa can travel thousands of kilometers before reaching an importer, distributor, equestrian facility or livestock operation. Once unloaded, appropriate storage helps protect the forage from moisture, weather exposure, contamination and unnecessary deterioration.
Keep Hay Dry
Moisture is one of the most important considerations in hay storage.
Hay should be protected from:
Rain • Ground Moisture • Roof Leaks • Condensation • Other Sources of Water
This is especially important in humid or rainy climates.
Hay that becomes wet during storage can deteriorate and may become unsuitable for its intended use.
Never Store Hay Directly on Wet Ground
Commercial hay should be physically separated from ground moisture.
Depending on the warehouse, pallets or another appropriate raised storage system can help create separation between the forage and floor.
The exact storage configuration should reflect local climate, building conditions, fire requirements and warehouse practices.
Protect Hay From Weather
Export hay should not be left exposed to rain or prolonged adverse weather after unloading.
Where possible, move bales promptly into an appropriate covered storage environment.
Provide Appropriate Ventilation
Warehouse conditions matter.
An enclosed building without appropriate air movement can create undesirable conditions, particularly where humidity or temperature changes contribute to condensation.
Storage facilities should be managed according to local environmental conditions.
Protect Hay From Direct Contamination
Keep forage away from:
- Chemicals
- Fuel
- Fertilizers
- Pesticides
- Strong odors
- Animal waste
- Other contamination sources
Hay intended for animal feeding should be handled as a feed product.
Inspect Hay When It Arrives
Commercial importers should inspect product during or shortly after unloading.
Look at:
Bale Condition • Packaging • Evidence of Moisture Exposure • Unusual Odor • Visible Contamination • Overall Shipment Condition
Documenting the shipment with photographs can also help establish its condition upon arrival.
Use Appropriate Inventory Rotation
Where practical, commercial warehouses should maintain an organized inventory system so older stock can be identified and used appropriately.
Lot identification is particularly useful when multiple containers or crop lots are stored at the same facility.
Compressed Hay After Arrival
Double-compressed hay is prepared to reduce bale volume for international transportation.
After arrival, it still requires appropriate handling and storage.
Buyers should understand the bale format, pallet configuration and handling requirements before the container reaches the warehouse.
[Learn About Double-Compressed Hay →]
Timothy vs. Alfalfa Storage
Both Timothy and Alfalfa require protection from moisture and contamination.
However, their physical characteristics can differ.
Alfalfa, for example, contains substantial leaf material that can be lost through excessive handling, particularly when the forage is dry.
Careful handling can therefore help reduce unnecessary leaf loss.
Storage in Hot & Humid Markets
Importers operating in the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia may face very different environmental conditions from the North American region where the hay was produced.
Warehouse design and management should account for the destination’s temperature, humidity and seasonal weather.
The objective is to maintain a dry, clean and appropriately managed storage environment.
Protect the Product You’ve Purchased
Premium forage represents a substantial commercial investment.
Proper receiving, handling and storage help protect that investment after the shipment arrives.
Western Forage supplies North American Timothy, Alfalfa and other forage products to international commercial buyers.
