Work out hay bale count instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Bale count is net hay tonnage divided by bale weight. Field losses from raking, tedding, leaf shatter and pick-up commonly take 8-15% of the standing crop in grass hay and more in legumes, where leaf loss is the dominant problem.
Bale count
Net hay = area x yield x (1 - field loss %); bales = net hay / bale weight
Hay baled above safe moisture can heat and self-ignite. Monitor stack temperature for the first six weeks and separate any heating bales immediately.
Lucerne and clover leaves dry faster than stems and shatter off when handled dry. Baling at slightly higher moisture, or at night when dew softens leaves, cuts the loss.
15-18% for small square bales, below 15% for large squares and round bales. Baling wetter risks heating, mould and in extreme cases spontaneous combustion.