Bale alfalfa at 55-60% moisture. Grasses should be baled at a slightly higher moisture. Bag or wrap bales as soon as possible. No air leaks should be tolerated. Plastic should be inspected frequently. Results are usually best with fall-harvested crops and first cuttings fed by mid-summer. The cost of bagging can be $20/ton. Bales should be smaller since they will be heavier and thus more difficult to transport (1,500 to 2,000 lbs).
The size of the bag should be slightly bigger than the bales. After placing the bale in the bag, the end should be tightly closed and double tied with good quality twine. All holes, regardless of their size, must be patched. Reusing bags increases the risk of spoilage, but reduces storage costs. A good way to inspect bags is to inflate the bags using a fan or the wind in bright light (e.g., a sunny, windy day). Then from inside the bag, look for light shining through small holes.