Why does hay need a shelter?
Rain and ground moisture spoil the outer layer of a bale and can reach the middle. Moldy hay is poor feed, and some hay should not be fed at all. Covering hay protects the money you spent on it and the animals that eat it.
Before you build, ask your zoning or building office whether a hay structure needs a permit or must sit a set distance from property lines, buildings or roads. Rules vary by state, county and town.
Keep a good record of where each lot of hay came from, when it was cut and how it stored. If an animal gets sick after eating hay, your veterinarian will want to know. Records also help you decide which suppliers to keep buying from.
Where should I build it?
Pick high, well-drained ground with good airflow, away from standing water and runoff. Keep stored hay away from houses, barns with animals and shops, because hay can heat and burn. Leave room for equipment to reach the shelter without crossing wet ground.
Think about access in all weather. A shelter you cannot reach in mud will tempt you to leave hay outside. Also consider where animals will be fed, since a short haul saves labor every day.
What type of structure works?
Options include a pole barn with open sides, a three-sided shed, a simple roof over pallets or a tarp system over a raised base. Open sides help air move, while a full roof and good overhang keep rain out. Tarps are the cheapest category but wear out and can trap moisture, so they need care.
Whatever you choose, build to withstand your local wind and snow loads. Follow a tested plan from an extension office or a licensed designer for any structure of size, and have the footings and posts set properly.
Think about the roof pitch and the direction of prevailing wind. A shelter that catches wind like a sail needs stronger anchoring, and one that drains toward the hay will soon be wet. Draw a simple sketch of water flow before you set the first post.
- Roof with wide overhang
- Raised, well-drained floor
- Open or vented sides for airflow
- Posts and footings sized for local wind and snow
How do I keep ground moisture out?
Bales that sit directly on soil wick up moisture from below. Use a gravel pad, pallets or poles to lift them, and leave gaps so air passes under and between bales. Slope the pad so water runs away from the stack.
Stack bales on edge or according to local practice, leaving small gaps between rows. Check the bottom layer often for dampness.
What are the fire and heating risks?
Hay that is baled too damp can heat inside and, in rare cases, ignite. Never store hay you suspect is wet in a barn, and check new hay for warmth by feeling the stack and watching for unusual smell, steam or hot spots. If you see signs of heating, call your fire department rather than pulling the stack apart.
Keep fuel, equipment with hot exhaust and electrical gear out of the hay area. Have any electrical work done by a licensed electrician where required, and keep an extinguisher nearby. Smoking and open flames do not belong near hay.
How much hay should I plan to store?
Estimate from the number of animals, their size and the length of the season when pasture is not available. Your extension office or veterinarian can describe typical feeding needs for your species, and your own records after a season will refine the number.
Buy from a source you trust and ask about the cutting date and storage. Inspect bales for mold, dust and weeds, and if hay smells musty, do not feed it. Hay quality can be tested through your extension office or a lab, which helps match feed to your animals.
Round bales and square bales store differently, and your equipment and storage space will decide which makes sense. Ask your extension office how bale type affects spoilage in your climate and what stacking methods reduce losses.
How do I keep it up over time?
Walk through the shelter each season and look for roof leaks, leaning posts and wet spots. Remove old, spoiled hay promptly, since it holds moisture and attracts rodents. Keep weeds and brush trimmed back from the building.
Plan the shelter so it can expand. A few more bays are cheaper to add during the first build than to retrofit.
Key takeaways
- Keep bales off the ground and under a roof with good overhang.
- Site on high, drained ground away from buildings that house animals or people.
- Never store hay that may be wet and watch for signs of heating.
- Build to local wind and snow loads using tested plans.
- Check zoning rules and test hay if you have doubts about its quality.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.