Alfalfa hay is a high-protein legume forage and a valuable feed source for livestock, particularly horses and dairy cattle. A “square bale” is a compressed, rectangular package of dried forage bound with twine or wire. The actual weight of a square bale of alfalfa is not fixed; it varies dramatically based on its size and the physical condition of the hay inside. Understanding the factors that influence the final mass is important when purchasing or feeding hay.
Standard Weight Ranges for Small Square Alfalfa Bales
The most common size is the small, two-string square bale, typically featuring a cross-section of about 14 by 18 inches. When filled with alfalfa, this manually handled bale generally weighs between 50 and 70 pounds. Dense, high-quality alfalfa bales often approach the upper end of this range. Lighter bales, sometimes weighing as little as 40 pounds, usually indicate looser packing density or a less mature, stemmier composition.
Key Variables That Impact Bale Density and Moisture
Two primary characteristics dictate a small square bale’s weight: density and moisture content. The baler machine settings determine the compression, which controls the density of the hay packed into the chamber. A baler set for maximum plunger force produces a much heavier bale than one set lightly, even if the bales are physically the same size.
Moisture content at baling is another significant weight factor, though higher moisture is undesirable. For safe long-term storage and to prevent microbial growth, alfalfa hay should contain 15 to 20 percent moisture. Bales with excessive moisture, such as 25 percent, are heavier due to water weight but risk mold, spoilage, and spontaneous combustion. Forage maturity also influences weight; leafy, less mature alfalfa packs more densely and contains more mass than stemmy hay from a later cutting.
Comparing Small and Large Square Bales
While small square bales are designed for manual handling, large square bales are much larger rectangular packages. These are built for commercial operations and require heavy machinery, such as tractors and forklifts, for movement. These larger bales come in several standard cross-sections, such as 3×3 feet, 3×4 feet, or 4×4 feet, and are usually eight feet long.
The weight difference is substantial; a large square bale of alfalfa typically weighs between 800 and 1,500 pounds. The largest, high-density 4×4 bales can sometimes exceed 1,800 pounds when baled tightly. These massive dimensions allow for efficient storage and transportation but require mechanical assistance for feeding.
Calculating Hay Needs and Value Based on Weight
Knowing the weight of alfalfa bales is directly applicable to managing livestock feed and assessing economic value. Livestock owners use the average bale weight to calculate daily feed rations and project supply needs over a specific period. This weight data translates the volume of hay into a measurable nutritional supply.
From a financial perspective, hay is often sold by the bale, but its true market value is determined by weight, usually calculated on a price-per-ton basis. Buyers should verify the weight of a bale lot, as a loosely packed 50-pound bale costs more per pound than a dense 70-pound bale sold at the same price. Using a scale to spot-check a few bales ensures the price paid reflects the amount of dry matter received. Heavier bales also require appropriate equipment to manage the mass safely for stacking and feeding.