Agricultural buildings in Georgetown are an excellent place to store tractors, house animals, and much more. However, if you need to store hay and other animal feed, be careful. Improperly stored hay (and similar items) can catch fire, grow mold, and cause dangerous problems. Follow these tips from your friendly pole barn builders in Georgetown to keep your farm safe.

Tip #1 – Know the moisture content of your hay.

Moisture content is essential to monitor, and it can range from 10-20% depending on the type of hay. Aim for a moisture content of 15%, as this will help prevent mold growth.

Tip #2 – Don’t Stack bales directly on the ground.

Use pallets or other materials to keep hay bales off the ground. This prevents moisture from the ground from seeping into the bales and causing mold growth.

Tip #3 – Make Sure Your Agricultural Buildings in Georgetown are Cool and Dry Inside

Extreme heat and humidity are not suitable for storing hay. Keep your agricultural building well-ventilated to prevent heat buildup and maintain proper airflow.

Tip #4 – Leave enough space between hay bales.

Leave at least 18 inches of space between bales to allow air circulation. This prevents heat and moisture buildup, which can lead to spontaneous combustion.

Tip #5 – Use the first-in-first-out method for storing hay.

When stacking hay, make sure to use the oldest bales first. That way, you’re not left with old, dry hay that can catch fire quickly.

Tip #6 – Check for signs of mold regularly.

Even when you follow all the precautions, there’s still a chance for mold to grow. Check your hay regularly for signs of mold and remove any affected bales immediately.

Tip #7 – Consider using hay tarps.

If you have extra space in your agricultural buildings in Georgetown, use hay tarps to cover the bales. This will provide an additional layer of protection against moisture and heat buildup.

Tip #8 – Keep the hay storage area clean.

Remove any debris or spilled feed from the storage area regularly. This will prevent pests and rodents from being attracted to the area, which can cause damage to your hay.

Tip #9 – Monitor the temperature inside your agricultural building.

Make sure to check the temperature within your hay storage area regularly. If it gets too hot, consider adding additional ventilation or removing some bales to prevent heat buildup in your custom pole barns in Georgetown.

Tip #10 – Store hay away from direct sunlight.

Direct sunlight can cause hay to dry out quickly and increase the risk of mold growth. Whenever possible, keep your hay out of direct sunlight.

Tip #11 – Consider the size of your agricultural building.

When planning for hay storage, consider the size and capacity of your agricultural building. Overcrowding can lead to heat buildup and increase fire risk, so make sure you have enough space for proper airflow.

Tip #12 – Invest in a thermometer and humidity monitor.

A thermometer and humidity monitor can help you keep track of the temperature and moisture levels within your agricultural buildings in Georgetown. This will allow you to take necessary precautions before any issues arise.

Tip #13 – Keep a fire extinguisher Inside Your Agricultural Buildings in Georgetown

Accidents can happen, so it’s crucial to have a fire extinguisher easily accessible in case of a fire. Make sure to check it regularly and replace it if needed.

Tip #14 – Train employees on proper hay storage techniques.

If you have employees who store hay for you, ensure they are trained. This will help prevent accidents and ensure that your hay is stored correctly.

MQS Structures – Pole Barn Builders in Georgetown

At MQS Structures, we are post-frame building specialists. If you want to build new post frame buildings in Georgetown, we can work with you to ensure you get exactly the building you want. We can help you design a highly functional and attractive barn or garage, no matter what you need.

Do you need reliable custom post frame builders in Georgetown? Our founder and owner, Caleb Miller, began his building career with his Amish Mennonite family and applies the same work ethic and expert craftsmanship to all the structures we put up.

Call us today at (855) 677-3334, or contact us online to receive a free quote on your next project. We look forward to hearing from you soon! We also offer a free mock-up service on our website to help you visualize your new post frame garage in Georgetown.