The Real Cost of Leaving Round Bales Uncovered

It is one of the most common sights on Alberta farms — rows of round bales sitting in the field or yard, exposed to rain, snow, and sun. While it might seem harmless, the losses from uncovered bale storage add up to far more than most producers realize.

Measured Losses

Research from western Canadian agricultural extension programs consistently shows that uncovered round bales stored on the ground lose 15 to 35 percent of their dry matter over a single storage season. The losses come from three sources: the bottom of the bale absorbs ground moisture and rots, the outer six inches of the bale weather and degrade, and UV radiation breaks down the nutritional quality of the exposed hay.

On a farm putting up 500 round bales valued at $60 each, a 25 percent storage loss represents $7,500 in destroyed feed value — every year.

Quality Degradation

Beyond physical losses, the remaining hay suffers quality decline. Protein content drops, digestibility decreases, and mould levels increase in weathered hay. Livestock fed weathered hay consume more to meet their nutritional needs, increasing feed costs even on hay that appears salvageable. The hidden cost of feeding lower-quality hay often exceeds the visible cost of bales lost to rot.

The Simple Fix

Covered storage eliminates nearly all weather-related hay losses. Bales stored under a fabric building on a gravel pad maintain their quality through the storage season with losses under five percent — a dramatic improvement over uncovered storage.

A fabric building sized for 200 round bales costs less than two years of storage losses from leaving those same bales uncovered. By year three, the building is paying for itself annually in preserved feed value.

Stacking for Maximum Capacity

Round bales stored inside a building can be stacked three to four rounds high depending on peak height, dramatically increasing storage density compared to single-row field storage. Peak heights from 16 to 28 feet accommodate different stacking configurations. Stacking on pallets or rails keeps the bottom tier off the ground, eliminating the ground-contact moisture loss that accounts for the heaviest damage in outdoor storage.

The Bottom Line

Uncovered round bale storage is the most expensive storage method available — it just does not show up as a line item on any invoice. The feed value destroyed by weather exposure each year is real money that goes directly to the bottom line when it is prevented. For any operation putting up more than 100 round bales annually, covered storage is one of the fastest-returning infrastructure investments on the farm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a fabric storage building cost in Canada?

MAX Storage Buildings range from $5,888 for a 20'×40' model to $79,888 for a 70'×200' industrial unit. The total cost of ownership includes the building kit, site preparation, anchoring materials, and optional professional installation. Compared to steel or wood buildings of equivalent size, fabric buildings typically cost 40–60% less.

Can I finance a fabric storage building?

Yes. MAX Storage Buildings partners with First Capital Leasing to offer financing with 95% approval rates and decisions in as little as 4 hours. Financing terms typically range from 12 to 84 months, making it possible to spread the cost of a $10,000–$80,000 building into manageable monthly payments.

Are fabric storage buildings tax-deductible for farms?

In Canada, farm storage buildings generally qualify as a capital expense under Class 6 (frame construction) or Class 8 (other tangible capital property), allowing you to claim Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) on your tax return. Consult your accountant for specifics, as deduction rates and eligibility depend on how the building is used in your operation.