Tolkkinen: Small square hay bales are a thing of the past, but they’re my happy place Those once ubiquitous square bales have been replaced by “big rounds.” ...

While large round bales are ideal for larger farms, especially since they can feed several cows at once, smaller square bales may still be a better choice for smaller farms with less hay to deal ...

Small square bales of hay are a lot of work, but nearly essential for most livestock operations.

Round balers were not common in his area because most hay was devoted to dairy cows where small square bales facilitated better control for feeding and for storage under cover.

Small square bales should be baled at less than 22 percent moisture, and round bales should be less than 18 percent moisture before baling.

Fremarq Innovations Co-Owner Renea Fredrick said they’ve gathered 14,000 large round bales, 450 large square bales, and 4,000 small bales of hay through donations ...

He estimates about 90% of his hay goes to feed local horses. "This particular area, people want the small, square bales and there aren't very many of us doing that anymore," Kindelsperger said.

How many bales of hay per acre can you yield? Explore this comprehensive guide to maximizing output, including tips on small square bales and round bales.