Bale Storage
EFFICIENT BALE STORAGE
With rising feed costs, efficiency is critical to keeping a competitive cost of gain. At Hoop Beef System®, we’ve seen firsthand the value of protecting cornstalk bales under roof for both feeding and bedding.
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Cornstalk bales stored outside can lose up to 30% to 60% of their value due to rain and spoilage.
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Spoiled bales reduce feed consumption when used as roughage.
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Dry bedding lasts longer in pens, requires less volume, and increases manure value per ton.
At Grand Meadow Feeders in northwest Iowa, a 6-foot cornstalk bale averages around $35 each in fall/winter. For a 320-head Hoop Beef System® building, the annual usage is:
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Feed usage: 328 bales (~205 tons) → Potential savings of $5,166.
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Bedding usage: 320 bales (~200 tons) → Potential savings of $2,520.
By storing cornstalks dry, you protect roughage quality, maintain ration balance, and keep costs in check. Ground cornstalks can also be stored under roof in a commodity shed with other feed ingredients, ensuring consistent dry matter in rations and steady cattle consumption.
BUILDING SIZES & EASY CONSTRUCTION
Our bale storage buildings are available in multiple sizes to fit your operation:
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36×60 – 140 bales – $11,155
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36×120 – 280 bales – $20,485
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36×200 – 466 bales – $33,445
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36×250 – 584 bales – $40,810
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36×300 – 700 bales – $48,970
(Includes building package, lumber, construction manual, and blueprint. Shipping not included — call for details.)
Simple Construction:
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6×6 posts every 5 feet with two rows of 2×6 boards.
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Hoop structure can be set with common equipment like a tractor with loader or skid loader.
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Detailed construction manual included, plus phone support if needed.
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Our own 36×250 shed was completed in just 2 days with 3 people.
Once built, we recommend a gravel base and light landscaping to manage runoff.
