8 Supplies for Getting Ready for Hay Baling Season

The smell of fresh-cut grass drying under a warm sun is one of the most rewarding parts of managing a small acreage, but a successful hay season depends entirely on preparation. When the weather window opens, there is no time to waste on broken belts, rotten twine, or moldy bales. Getting the right supplies ready before the tractor hits the field ensures a smooth harvest and high-quality forage for winter.

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Essential Steps for Pre-Season Hay Planning

Successful haymaking on a small scale is a race against the weather forecast. Planning starts weeks before the first cutting by securing storage space, checking weather patterns, and lining up extra help for stacking day. A sudden rainstorm can ruin an entire crop if the workflow is not mapped out in advance.

Take inventory of consumable supplies early to avoid last-minute trips to the farm supply store when everyone else is in a rush. Check the status of spare parts, lubricants, and protective gear. Having a dedicated corner in the workshop stocked with essentials prevents costly downtime during the critical drying window.

How to Assess Your Fields Before First Cut

Before driving heavy machinery into the field, walk the ground to identify hidden hazards that winter may have left behind. Fallen branches, loose stones, and discarded trash can easily destroy expensive mower blades or clog a baler pickup. Mark any washouts or soft spots that could bog down a compact tractor.

Evaluate the stand composition and maturity to time the cut for optimal nutritional value. Cutting too early reduces yield, while cutting too late results in coarse, fibrous hay that livestock will reject. Look for the boot stage in grasses—just as the seed heads begin to emerge—to capture the best balance of protein and energy.

Moisture Tester – Delmhorst FX-2000 Digital

Baling hay at the wrong moisture level is a recipe for moldy feed or, worse, a devastating barn fire caused by spontaneous combustion. A reliable moisture tester takes the guesswork out of the curing process by providing instant, accurate readings directly from the windrow or the bale. It is the single most important tool for protecting both livestock health and farm infrastructure.

The Delmhorst FX-2000 Digital stands out because of its rugged build and highly accurate resistance technology. This unit features a clear digital display and can be mounted directly in the tractor cab for continuous monitoring during baling, or used as a portable hand-held unit. It provides a wide testing range that is critical for small-scale operators who need precise data across varying field conditions.

• Moisture range: 8% to 40% on hay
• Adjustable alarm warns when pre-set moisture levels are exceeded
• Compatible with 12-inch and 18-inch probes for deep bale testing
• Tip: Always take multiple readings throughout the bale to account for uneven drying in the windrow.

This tester is ideal for detail-oriented hobby farmers who want peace of mind before stacking hay in closed barns. It is not necessary for those who only produce silage or high-moisture wrapped baleage, where different fermentation rules apply.

Baler Twine – Bridon Cordage Maximize Twine

Baler twine is the only thing keeping your hard work from exploding back into loose grass during transport and stacking. Cheap, inconsistent twine can slip in the knotter, leading to broken bales that require tedious manual re-baling. High-quality twine must withstand extreme tension and resist degradation from sunlight and moisture over months of storage.

Bridon Cordage Maximize Twine is engineered for superior knot strength and smooth running through vintage or modern small square balers. Its consistent thickness prevents tension spikes that cause knotter misfires, which are common with budget-brand twines. The heavy-duty UV stabilization ensures that the twine will not rot or snap when bales are handled repeatedly.

• Knot strength: 130 lbs to 170 lbs options
• Length: 9,000 feet per carton (two active spools)
• High-visibility colors for easy inspection in the field
• Tip: Keep the twine box on the baler clean and free of chaff to prevent feeding issues.

This twine is a must-have for small-scale square baler operators who cannot afford the time lost to frequent knotter adjustments or broken bales. It is not suitable for round balers designed exclusively for net wrap or heavy-duty wire-tie machines.

Replacement Rake Teeth – Tarter Wheel Tooth

A hay rake cannot do its job if it is missing teeth or running with bent, fatigued metal. Missing rake teeth leave valuable forage behind in the field, while weak teeth fail to lift the hay cleanly, leading to poor windrow formation and uneven drying. Keeping a stock of replacement teeth on hand ensures the rake maintains a clean sweep without scraping dirt into the crop.

The Tarter Wheel Tooth is constructed from high-tensile spring steel, offering the perfect balance of flexibility and rigidity. These teeth are designed to withstand contact with uneven ground without snapping or permanently bending out of shape. Their precise manufacturing ensures they bolt directly onto standard wheel rakes without requiring custom modifications or heating.

• Material: Heavy-duty spring steel
• Coil design: Optimized for maximum shock absorption
• Standard fit for most common wheel rake brands
• Tip: Replace worn teeth in groups to maintain consistent ground pressure across the entire rake wheel.

These replacement teeth are perfect for operators running wheel rakes over bumpy, stony, or uneven pasture ground. They are not compatible with parallel-bar side-delivery rakes or rotary rakes, which require entirely different tooth configurations.

Hay Hook – Weaver Leather Steel Hay Hook

Manually moving hundreds of square bales from the wagon to the loft is exhausting work that takes a heavy toll on hands, wrists, and backs. A hay hook acts as an extension of the arm, allowing for a secure grip on the bale without digging fingers into tight twine. It improves leverage, making it much easier to swing and stack bales efficiently.

The Weaver Leather Steel Hay Hook features a rugged, cold-rolled steel shaft paired with a comfortable, varnished hardwood handle. The hook tip is ground to a precise angle that penetrates tight bales easily and releases cleanly without catching on the twine. The handle shape is designed to minimize hand fatigue and blisters during long afternoons in the hot sun.

• Constructed from durable cold-rolled steel
• Ergonomic hardwood handle for a secure grip
• Length: 11 inches for optimal leverage
• Tip: Keep the tip slightly sharp with a hand file to ensure easy penetration into dense bales.

This tool is indispensable for the hobby farmer or helper tasked with stacking small square bales in tight lofts or trailers. It is not designed for handling loose hay, silage bags, or large round bales.

Hay Tarp – Heavy Duty Tarps Premium Silver

Not every small farm has enough indoor barn space to store an entire season’s harvest. Storing hay outdoors without adequate protection leads to massive spoilage from rain penetration and sun bleaching, ruining the nutritional value of the outer layers. A high-quality hay tarp creates a weather-resistant barrier that preserves feed quality throughout the winter.

The Heavy Duty Tarps Premium Silver is built to withstand harsh outdoor elements with its thick, multi-layered polyethylene construction. The silver outer coating reflects sunlight to prevent heat buildup under the tarp, while the black interior blocks light completely to stop mold growth. Reinforced patch corners and heavy-duty brass grommets ensure the tarp stays anchored even during high-wind storms.

• Thickness: 12 mil heavy-duty polyethylene
• UV-resistant coating on both sides
• Spaced grommets every 18 inches for secure tie-down options
• Tip: Elevate the bottom layer of bales on pallets to prevent ground moisture from wicking up under the tarp.

This tarp is an excellent investment for landowners who must stack hay outdoors or in open-sided sheds. It is not suitable as a loose, unanchored cover, as wind will quickly destroy any tarp that is not properly tensioned.

Grease Gun – Lincoln 1133 Lever Grease Gun

Hay equipment operates in incredibly dusty, hot, and high-stress environments where dry bearings can fail in minutes. Regular lubrication is the cheapest and most effective way to prevent catastrophic mechanical failures mid-harvest. A dependable grease gun allows you to service hard-to-reach grease zerks quickly before heading out to the field.

The Lincoln 1133 Lever Grease Gun is a shop standard for a reason, featuring a heavy-duty cast iron head and a robust lever mechanism that delivers up to 10,000 PSI. This high-pressure capability is crucial for clearing out old, clogged grease and dirt from stubborn bearings. The plunger design ensures reliable priming and smooth delivery with every stroke, preventing air pockets that stall cheaper grease guns.

• Maximum pressure: 10,000 PSI
• Jam-proof toggle mechanism prevents binding
• Accommodates standard 14-ounce grease cartridges
• Tip: Wipe every grease zerk clean with a rag before attaching the coupler to avoid pumping dirt into the bearing.

This manual lever gun is ideal for owner-operators who want a bulletproof, lifetime tool for servicing tractors, balers, and mowers. It is not the best choice for those with severe hand arthritis, who might prefer a battery-powered grease gun for easier operation.

Hay Core Sampler – Star Quality Push Probe

Visual inspection alone cannot tell you the actual protein, energy, or mineral content of your hay crop. A core sampler extracts a representative cross-section from the center of multiple bales, providing an accurate sample for laboratory analysis. Knowing the exact nutritional profile helps you balance winter feed rations correctly and justify premium prices if selling to horse owners.

The Star Quality Push Probe is designed to cut clean, un-fractionated cores from both loose and highly compressed bales. Made from durable stainless steel, the probe features a sharp, serrated cutting tip that slices through tough stems without pushing them aside. The design allows the sample to collect smoothly inside the tube, which can then be easily emptied into a zip-top bag for shipping.

• Material: Surgical-grade stainless steel
• Serrated tip for clean, effortless cutting
• Compatible with hand-push handles or power drills
• Tip: Sample at least 20 different bales from the same lot to get a statistically accurate representation of the field.

This tool is a smart investment for horse breeders, dairy goat keepers, and commercial hay sellers who require precise feed analysis. It is an unnecessary expense for those producing low-grade utility hay or bedding straw where nutritional value is not a priority.

Baler Belt – WCCO Texture Top Baler Belt

For round baler operators, the condition of the baler belts directly dictates the shape, density, and weather-resistance of the finished bale. Worn, slick, or frayed belts slip against the hay, leading to lumpy bales, chamber clogs, and lost leaf material. High-quality replacement belts provide the necessary grip to start the bale core quickly and maintain consistent tension.

The WCCO Texture Top Baler Belt is engineered with a premium rubber compound and a heavy-duty fabric carcass that resists stretching and tearing. The textured surface pattern is designed to grab loose forage gently but firmly, rolling it into tight, uniform packages even in dry or slippery conditions. Its vulcanized manufacturing process ensures excellent edge wear resistance, preventing the fraying that commonly ruins cheaper belts.

• Construction: Multi-ply high-tensile fabric and rubber
• Texture top pattern for superior crop traction
• Compatible with mechanical fasteners or vulcanized splicing
• Tip: Periodically check belt tension and alignment to prevent the edges from rubbing against the baler chamber walls.

This belt is the perfect upgrade for small-acreage farmers running round balers in mixed-grass or legume crops. It is not applicable to square balers, which use plungers and feed forks rather than belts to form bales.

Best Practices for Safe Barn Hay Storage

Storing hay safely requires careful attention to ventilation and moisture management inside the barn. Stack bales with the cut side down on a layer of wooden pallets to prevent them from drawing moisture from the ground or concrete floor. Leave small gaps between the stacks to allow heat and residual moisture to escape, reducing the risk of mold and spontaneous combustion.

Monitor the temperature of newly stacked hay daily for the first six weeks using a compost thermometer or a dedicated probe. Temperatures below 120°F are safe, but any reading that climbs toward 140°F requires close observation. If temperatures exceed 150°F, the stack must be dismantled immediately, as internal combustion can occur rapidly once oxygen is introduced.

Maintaining Your Equipment After the Harvest

Once the last bale is stacked, the temptation is to park the machinery and forget about it until next spring. However, leaving acidic hay chaff and moisture sitting inside the baler and mower will cause rapid rust and corrosion. Spending a few hours cleaning and protecting your equipment now saves days of frustrating repairs when the next hay season arrives.

Blow off all dust, chaff, and debris using compressed air, paying close attention to the knotter assembly, belt pulleys, and gearboxes. Coat exposed metal surfaces, chains, and cutting blades with a rust-preventative spray or light oil. Store all machinery under cover, away from direct sunlight and nesting rodents that can chew through electrical wiring and baler twine.

Preparing for hay baling season with the right tools and a solid plan makes the difference between a stressful harvest and a highly successful one. By investing in high-quality supplies and maintaining your machinery, you protect both your investment and the safety of your farm. With fields assessed and equipment prepped, you can confidently watch the weather forecast and seize the perfect window for a beautiful harvest.