If moisture content is not down to the proper level prior to baling, heat damage can occur. (NDSU PHOTO)
Weather conditions across the Dakotas have created challenges for haymaking. Properly curing hay to the correct moisture level for baling is crucial to maintaining forage quality. At baling, the moisture level should be a maximum of 20 percent for small square bales, 18 percent for round bales and 15 percent for large square bales. The larger the forage package, the lower the moisture should be at…