Safe Stacking of Round Silage Bales 

Hi Rhun - there is quite a bit of evidence highlighting that in fact we should not stack bales with a DM below 35% due to plastic slippage and associated increase in DM, D and ME losses. Additionally, when we stack bales we get reflection of UV from bales above that causes a thinning of the plastic and localised air entry. Shinners also highlights that bales should always be stored upright due to the higher layer on the end and the reduced adsorption of moisture and associated spoilage in the base.

i think its personal preference and i go for on end as it looks much tidier and they don't become all disfigured

I never thought I would see a HSR advisory on hay bale stacking! 😂 What has the world come to?

I stack on end because when I feed out I find they are easier to unroll as they are still round without flat sides

Another issue is mice. On end stack can leave room for cat to do work

Stacking on flat is better if you cover bales with net to protect against birds. Flat stacking needs level ground.

On end is better cause theres more wrap on the end. Simple as that