Hay Protection

Hay Protection

Polytex has become the leading supplier of Hay Protection Solutions in the Australian market through innovative and practical thinking. We supply farmers with Hay Tarps and Covers to protect hay from the elements to ensure optimum quality is preserved.

Hay tarps are waterproof tarpaulins designed to protect hay bales and hay stacks from weather damage. Without a protecting hay tarp, hay stacks get rain and wind damaged during storage, reducing the quality of your hay. Polytex have a number of hay protection options depending on your setup and needs. A ratch e-tarp is designed to cap off a regular-sized hay stack, or alternatively, we can custom-make a tarp to your exact size and fixing requirements. The team at Polytex have over 50 years of experience and knowledge in the industry so we have seen what works and what doesn’t. Contact us for advice on the best and most economical way to preserve your hay quality during storage. 

Rain, wind, and sunlight exposure can cause your hay to lose quality and nutritional value, resulting in income losses. To protect your hay bales or hay stacks from weather damage during storage you will need some form of cover. One of the most economical methods farmers in Australia use is tarpaulins as they are waterproof and provide good wind protection. Hay tarps are a much more affordable option than hay sheds for storage.  

Hay tarps are commonly made of high-quality materials like polyethylene or polyvinyl canvas (PVC). These materials are well suited for protecting hay from the elements as they are waterproof, UV-resistant, and light and easy to handle. Polytex’s Ratch e-tarp is made from 250gsm Polyethylene fabric, sleeved with webbing and ratchets to allow quick and easy installation. We can also custom-make hay tarps to your specific requirements quickly. 

Yes, hay tarps are designed to be reusable and, if properly cared can last for multiple seasons.

Hay tarps can be attached to hay bales with ratchet straps or ropes. It is critical to ensure that the tarp is tight and secure in order to prevent the tarp from flapping in the wind. 

Make stack sizes of approximately ONE SEMI LOAD – big tarps are too hard to keep on and can blow in the wind causing tarp damage and leakage. 

Strictly ONE BALE WIDE – do not go any wider – it is too hard to keep the tarp down and creates shallow points for water to lie and soak through the tarp. 

Make stacks AS HIGH AS POSSIBLE. 8x4x3 bales should be a minimum of four high and five high if made well. The higher the stacks the less exposure, especially to bottom bales. 

Remember TARPS ARE NOT WATERPROOF, only water resistant; therefore the idea is to shed water quickly. Do not allow dips or hollows in the top where water can lay. 

PROTECT THE TOP – Cap tarp only. When you tarp the sides, it doesn’t allow hay to breathe, so if water does get in, it can’t get out. Leaving the sides open allows moisture to get out. 

PROTECT THE SIDES – Hay stack bales will naturally shed any water that runs down the sides so long as you create hay stacks with straight edges – no bale should be sticking out wider than the bale above as water can run off the tarp, down the sides and then back up through the stack via a ledge created by a bale sticking out (capillary action). 

PROTECT THE BOTTOM – Locate stacks on gentle slopes, irrigation channel banks, and gravelly or sandy ridges where water drains away quickly and does not pond around the stacks. Make sure there is good drainage on both sides. Black plastic as a ground cover can assist in protecting bottom bales from spoilage. 

You can purchase high-quality hay tarps from Polytex, a reputable manufacturer and supplier of hay tarps and agricultural products in Australia.

Yes, it is recommended to cover hay with a tarp during storage or transportation to protect it from weather damage. Covering hay with a tarp keeps it dry and prevents it from losing nutritional value due to sunlight and moisture exposure. 

The lifespan of a hay tarp is determined by several factors, including the material’s quality, frequency of use, and care. High-quality hay tarps made of durable materials such as polyethene, vinyl, or canvas, on the other hand, can last for multiple seasons if properly cared for. To extend the lifespan of hay tarps, inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear and store them properly when not in use. 

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Testimonial – Great product and quick service. POLYTEX is well known as a reputable supplier of quality Australian tarpaulin products.