Round bales vs Large Square Bales

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glitter6m

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Jul 29, 2009
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Marshall, Indiana
So we have always fed the round bales to our cattle and used the round hay rings. But I have noticed more and more large square bales being transported on the roads here in Indiana. We have a lot of waste from the round bales, between where they sit outside and then moving them to the cattle. Our bales usually weigh between 1300-1700 #'s. This next summer we will have to start buying hay (first time for us) and I was wanting to get input on what y'all think are the pros and cons of the large square bales. Obviously, I will need to buy an attachment for the tractor, but other than that, what do you think? What is the average weight, how many small squares make up a large bale, can you bust a large one and feed it by flake to individual cows instead of buying the small squares, etc. Thanks for any input!
 

ferkj

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We've fed both and the only drawback to lg squares is they must be kept inside.  Even if covered well they still seem to want to draw moisture.  You can cut them open and feed them in flakes just like small squares.  Weight would depend on size.  Some are 3x3 some are4x4. 
 

The Show

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I'm pretty sure that one large square bale is the same as 4 normal square bales but don't quote me on that. I fed alfalfa to one of my calves last year and on big bale lasted her from about Thanksgiving to Houston.
 

SouthWest

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If square bales are left standing, cut twine all but bottom 2 strings and can be fed that way also.  Advantage of square bales it transports.  Hauls easier and depending on type of hay, can haul more wt.  
 

MYT Farms

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Peyton CO
The Show said:
I'm pretty sure that one large square bale is the same as 4 normal square bales but don't quote me on that. I fed alfalfa to one of my calves last year and on big bale lasted her from about Thanksgiving to Houston.

Uh, I don't think so. Lightest squares we've ever fed were 700 pounds. That would be 10 70 pound small bales.
 

GoWyo

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Depends on the bale size.  The 4x4x8 foot bales do not flake off worth a hoot.  They seem to just come apart when you cut the strings.  They can weigh up to 1800 lbs. or more for alfalfa.  The 3x3x8 (sometimes a little shorter) work great.  They weight 750 to 900 lbs or so and flake off like small squares do.  Really like them because they handle easy and a smaller loader can pick them up and stack them, etc.  The 3x4x8 foot bales seem to weigh 1100-1300 lbs. and they work well too.
 

The Show

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Uh, I don't think so. Lightest squares we've ever fed were 700 pounds. That would be 10 70 pound small bales.
4x4....I knew large square bales were 4 something lol I was thinking 4 bales instead of 4x4
 

CMB

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Etna Green, Indiana
Our first cutting was 216 bales on 30 acres. The bales are 3X3X6 and averaged 700#'s. The field is 75% grass, 25% alfalfa. We baled around 3000 bales this year. Weight all depends on what you're bailing, moisture, bale length, roto chopped, etc. We feed daily by flaking off the bale. I only keep 5-6 of my cows here at home. We used to always just feed free choice hay. Then a couple years ago when everything sky rocketed in price I started figuring what we fed daily. To my amazement the cows were averaging 75-80#'s a day, per head. I put that to a stop right away. Now we feed around 40#'s a day per head. That's plenty. The biggest thing for us is storage. You can pack a barn with at least double the amount of hay. JMO BTW. Watch the bale lenght if you're going to use your round bale feeders. 6' bale just fits in most round bale feeders and usually actually measures closer to 7' than 6'. The meter in the tractor say's 6' but usually longer on dry hay.
 

beattieclubcalves

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casey,ia
we do nothing but large square bales they weigh close to 1800# they have 84 to 90 flakes in them than you can break each flake in half to and they hold darn goo we usually if we are feedin the whole bale set it on top of the ring cut the strings and let it fall in and with squares we can get about 2 bales to fit in a ring compared to only fittin one round i loved them
 

glitter6m

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Marshall, Indiana
Thanks everyone for the very helpful information. They are just becoming popular in our area. Anyone know of a good hay supplier that delivers to Indiana? I know some companies deliver throughout the USA. Just not sure where to find these suppliers.
 

xxcc

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Sun River, MT
I don't think she has the same question you do.  :'( I'm only crying because I'm laughing so hard.

Notice the splayed out wheels in the front end.  now that's a serious lawn tractor!<band>
 

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CM Cattle

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Central Kentucky
The Show said:
I'm pretty sure that one large square bale is the same as 4 normal square bales but don't quote me on that. I fed alfalfa to one of my calves last year and on big bale lasted her from about Thanksgiving to Houston.
One of the large bales we buy is egual to about 13 small bales.
 

GoWyo

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xxcc -- that photo with the lawn tractor is a hoot.  (clapping)  I think it has promise with a heavier front axle -- needs a transfer case and 4WD with the fronts chained up too.  Maybe dump a snowmobile engine in it for some more RPMs and torque to get another bale or two on it.
 

Tig

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Jan 27, 2010
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SouthWest said:
If square bales are left standing, cut twine all but bottom 2 strings and can be fed that way also.  Advantage of square bales it transports.  Hauls easier and depending on type of hay, can haul more wt.  
DO THE EONOMICS, WHAT YOU PAY TO PUT UP LARGE SQUARES VERSUS THE BIG ROUND IS NOT A COST SAVINGS. YOU CAN PAY $8.00 TO HAVE IT PUT(600 LB BALES) UP. $10.00 TO PUT A LARGE ROUND  NET WRAPPED BALE( 1600LBS). DEPENDING WHERE YOU'RE FROM, A RATE WE PAID TO MOW, RAKE AND BALE WAS $20.OO THIS WAS WITH VERMEER EQUPMENT. 6' BALES. THIS YEAR THE GUY RATES ARE GOING UP TO $22.50 ABALE. YOU CAN'T OWN AND MAITAIN EQUIPMENT FOR THIS PRICE.
 

xxcc

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Apr 21, 2007
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Sun River, MT
I don't think it's the owning and maintaining that people with machinery focus on, it's moreover the making it last, using the depreciation on taxes and building equity if needed, particularly to leverage yourself when borrowing...to some, it's the difference between doing it for a living, or doing it for a hobby.
 

CMB

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Jul 13, 2009
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Etna Green, Indiana
We charge a $1 a foot for the big squares regardless wether it's dry or wet. The only additional charge is if you want it sprayed with prope. We also mow, rake, and ted for $20-$25 an acre, depending on the field. I'm sure the price varies from state to state. We've got 3 or 4 guys custom bailing, mowing, raking in this general area. Everybodies priced about the same.
 
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