Frequent Questions about "Lil' Bales"
 
Why does my bale of hay lose weight?
When grass becomes hay, dehydration begins. Stored baled hay will continue to dehydrate for up to 12 or more months. Nutrition and bulk remain relatively unchanged. Lil' Bale Farms' hay bales are approximate weights determined when baled.
What is the size of a bale of hay?

Our "Mini-Bales" measure 12" x 9" x 18" inches and weigh approximately
10-20lbs. depending on the material.

Our "Baby-Bales" measure 4" x 5" x 8" inches and weigh approximately
1lb again depending on the material.
How much does a bale weigh?
Alfalfa weights approximately 20 lbs, barley straw 10 lbs, bermuda 15 lbs, prairie hay 15 lbs and wheat straw 10 lbs when baled.
Why is the bale of hay in a box?
Some moisture is required for the baling process of straw or hay. Moisture also allows the plant leaves to remain on the stem and be compressed into the bale. The farmer's skill in judging moisture determines if the bale is too moist, resulting in mold and deterioration, or too dry, resulting in poor nutritional value and a coarsely stemmed hay bale. The box absorbs the moisture away from the hay thereby increasing the quality of the hay and baling process. The boxed hay is portable, prevents waste, decreases fire hazard and rodent infestation is easier controlled. The box shields ultraviolet light, therefore preserving the color and brightness of the hay.
How much crude protein is in the bales of hay?
The percent crude protein is measured in each lot of hay. The results are inside each box of hay. Alfalfa generally has approximately 21% +/- 2% crude protein, whereas, fertilized bermuda and prairie hay have approximately 12%+/-2%.
Is there significant nutrition difference between cut stem hay versus grinding or pellet forage products?
One study from the University of New Mexico suggests that cut stem hay yielded more efficient weight gain than grinding hay fed cattle. This was reported as possibly due to the animals digestion process of a more natural stemmed forage. Further studies are pending.

Water Treatment
Q. How many Lil' Bales of barley straw do I need?
A. 9-90 Lil' Bales per surface acre (3-33 ounces per 10 square feet).
Q. How do I apply the Lil' Bales of barley straw?
A. The Lil' Bales need to float at the surface of the water. The Lil' Bales can be moored so the appropriate water displacement is achieved. Unsecured bales will drift until they beach themselves near the shore. This is satisfactory as long as the shore line does not recede. More than one mooring may be desirable for large surface areas.
Q. When do I apply the Lil' Bales of barley straw?
A. Start floating the Lil' Bales of barley straw while the green algae remains dormant. This normally occurs in mid-winter or following a pesticide kill or when the water reservoir is first built.
Q. What is the required frequency of application?
A. Apply twice yearly at 6 months intervals, according to weather conditions and algae dormancy.
Q. Can I over or under treat my water for green algae?
A. Yes. Under treatment may allow the green algae to continue to grow. The literature cautions over treatment. Potentially, excess peroxide may deplete your water of the oxygen necessary for your fish.
Q. How does the barley straw work to manage green algae growth in water?
A. The barley straw begins to degenerate (rot) about 4-6 weeks after placement into the water. It is thought that peroxide, along with other by products, is released in sufficient amounts to retard the growth of the green algae.