By Jenny Mills · rural nurse & homesteader · health, safety, law and the paperwork of going bush

“After losing three bales to rot in the dam, I learned that hay must hit 15% moisture before baling, or the heat will ignite your shed.”

Off-grid? You need hay. But if you're wasting 30%+ of it, you're just throwing money away. Here's how to do it properly.

1. Cutting: Don't Be a Dummy

Wait until the grass is dry. No rain in the forecast? Cut it. If it's wet, you'll get mould and lose half your crop. Morning dew? Wait until 10am. Get it right or it's garbage.

2. Baling: Moisture is King

Target 15-20% moisture. If it's wetter, it rots. Drier? It blows away. Use a moisture meter ($80-$150 from Agri-Science). Don't guess.

• Don't bale when it's damp (rain risk = guaranteed loss)
• Use square bales for small-scale storage (easier to stack)
• Keep bales tight – loose ones rot faster

3. Storage: Stop Wasting It

Hay on the ground? It's dead. Here's the fix:

• Use pallets or gravel (no dirt contact)
• Stack bales with space between them (airflow = no mould)
• Always cover with a tarp (not plastic – that traps moisture)
• Store under a roof if possible (barn, shed, even a big tarp over a lean-to)

4. Loss Reduction: Stop the Bleeding

Most people lose hay to:

• Mould (wet hay, poor storage) – fix with dry storage + moisture meter
• Pests (rats, mice) – store off ground, seal gaps
• Weather (rain on uncovered stacks) – cover it. Always.

Summary: Do This, Not That

• DO: Cut dry, bale at 15-20% moisture, store off ground, cover with tarp
• DO NOT: Bales on dirt, no cover, baling in the rain, guessing moisture

Simple. Cheap. Effective. If you skip these steps, you're just paying for hay that's already gone. Get it right the first time.

When to Call a Professional

While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:

• Electrical work beyond basic 12V DC additions — requires a licensed electrician
• Structural modifications to buildings or load-bearing elements
• Gas line installation or modification
• Solar array installations above safe voltage thresholds
• Any work that affects the structural integrity of your property

Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.