Using a tarp to keep your round bale dryUpdated 3 hours ago

In the colder months, one of the most common questions we get asked is "what do I do with my round bale when it rains?" So I wanted to put together everything I know. From quick fixes, to the things most people don't think about, so you're ready if the weather turns.

Before I had a shelter, this is exactly what I did, and it still works just as well today!

Wet Hay Is Wasted Hay

Wet or damp hay is one of the most common (and costly) causes of feed wastage. Hay that gets wet doesn't just become unpalatable. In the right conditions it can spoil, ferment, and even become a health risk for your horses. Add cold, damp ground into the mix and the bottom of your bale can be soiled before you know it.

• Wet hay spoils quickly and horses often refuse to eat it, or shouldn't.
• Moisture from below is just as damaging as rain from above.
• Cold, damp conditions accelerate wastage, hay gets trampled into mud faster.
• With hay prices the way they are, every bale counts! Protecting it protects your pocket.

How to Use a Tarp to Keep Your Round Bale Dry

A simple tarp is one of the most versatile and affordable tools you have for wet weather management. The key is knowing which way to use it, and that comes down to how much rain is coming and what your horses are like.

1. Tarp Under the Net: Best for Heavy or Extended Rain Periods

If you're putting out a new round bale and you know significant rain is coming for an extended period, this is a great method to use. Put the tarp over the bale first, then place the net over the tarp.

This protects the top of the bale and stops water penetrating deep into the hay. Your horses can still eat from the bale through the net as normal. If you leave the base of the net exposed around the bottom, they have full access to the lower portion of the bale too.

As the bale is eaten down over time, the tarp lowers with it. You can still manipulate it from underneath, lifting or pulling down the 'skirt' of the tarp as needed. It gets a little more difficult once the netting sits tight against the bale, but it's very much doable.

💡 For Smarty Pants Horses:

This method has another big advantage, if you have a horse that likes to pull a tarp off the top of the bale and net, they simply can't get to it when the net is sitting over the tarp. Your hay stays protected no matter what they try.

2. Tarp Over the Net: For Short Rain Events

If the rain will only be brief and you don't have a horse that pulls tarps off, simply throwing a tarp over the top of the net and securing it with a few straps is a quick, easy solution. Make sure the top of the bale is well covered, on the side of more coverage rather than less.

Once the rain has passed, remove the tarp and your horses have full access to the bale again. Job done!

3. Full Cover & Switch to Smaller Nets

For an extended wet period, you can also completely cover the round bale and feed your horses through smaller hay nets until the weather clears. This won't suit every setup, but if you can manage it, it's the most thorough way to protect a bale during a prolonged run of bad weather.

Don't Forget About the Ground!

This is one of the most common mistakes we see, and it's completely understandable because it's easy to miss. If your round bale is sitting directly on open dirt, grass, or in a paddock, you need something underneath it.

Moisture travels upward from the ground, especially in rain, autumn, winter, and spring. Without a layer of insulation between the bale and the soil, the bottom few inches of hay can become soiled and wet.

Anything that creates a barrier works. Some options include:

✓ Pallet (Recommended)

✓ Rubber Matting

✓ Tarp Underneath

✓ Concrete Pad

Tip: In my experience, a pallet works best. It lifts the bale off the ground, allows airflow underneath, and is easy to source. In the middle of a drought you probably won't need to worry about this, but in wet season, autumn, winter, or spring, it's an important consideration for any bale not under a shelter.

Also worth remembering, if you don't have a shelter, take advantage of natural structures. Positioning your bale on the sheltered side of a tree or tree line during stormy weather can make a real difference.

If you have any ideas, concerns, or questions after reading this, feel free to email us. Wet weather management looks different for every property and every horse, and we're always happy to talk through your specific situation. We love hearing from our customers and we'll do our best to help.