Storing hay is important specifically for farmers in and around the Pittsburg, Kansas area. It takes a lot more thought than expected to determine a good place to put it. It will need to be located so that it is easy to access in all sorts of weather conditions, it should have adequate space from other structures and rain water should drain away quickly and easily. Here are some key things to consider when placing a hay barn.
Keep it Dry
It’s important that water from rain or melting snow not collect on the floor of a hay barn. The structure should be placed in an area that allows precipitation to drain fully away from the barn. On the outside, it should be situated on a slope, as the ground should slope away from the bottom of the building at least at a 5% grade.
Easy to Access
Hay storage buildings need to be situated so that they are accessible throughout the year, and specifically in the winter months when cattle will need more hay accessible. Kansas can have a lot of snow at times so think about its location and how it can be accessed during heavy snows. Also remember to think about allowing plenty of room on all sides of the hay barn so any equipment and farm trucks can move easily around it.
Winds in the Plains
The opening of a hay barn should be positioned away from the prevailing winds. In Kansas, barns should face toward the south so the north winds won’t blow through during the winter months. While still allowing access, the storage building should be conveniently close to other structures like free-stall barns or other areas where cattle are handled. Because hay is naturally a fire hazard, storage should be close to a water supply.
