How to Put a Hay Net on a Round Bale

One of the most common questions we receive is how do you put hay net on a round bale. There are a number of ways to do it. The best method really depends on your feeding routine.  The following article lists the most common ways customers are using our hay nets.  These same methods will also work on large square bales. 

Hay Bale Prep

Always remove plastic bale wrap or netting, twine, and strings to prevent animals from ingesting them. If you are concerned about your bale falling apart or blowing away once the wrap or twine is removed, then first cast the hay net over the bale leaving it loosely draped on top of the hay. Lift up one side of the net just enough to expose the wrap or twine, cut it, and then pull it out.

Hay Net Installation

Depending on what size your round bale is, the hay net may or may not be big enough to completely enclose the bale. As long as the net covers the top and sides of the bale, you are in good shape. Overstuffed bales may encounter what we call the donut hole (addressed in the video above). No worries, the net will work just fine if you reposition the bale. 

Installing a Round Bale Hay Net without a Tractor

The easiest way to install your net is by simply throwing your hay net over the bale like a blanket. Check all sides to ensure the net is evenly draped around the bale (the yellow rope should touch the ground all the way around the bale). Once you have the net positioned to your liking, pull the drawstring snug and tie a knot in the cord to keep the net in place. Tuck any excess cord up underneath the net and against the bale. 

If the net is big enough to enclose the bale, place the net over the bale leaving some slack on one side.  Next, roll the bale into the net.  Pull the drawstring snug and tie a knot in the cord to keep the net in place. Tuck any excess cord up underneath the net and against the bale. 

Installing a Net with a Tractor

If you have a tractor, first throw the net over the bale. Then spear the bale and lift it up off the ground. The net is extremely durable and the spear will not hurt it so don't be afraid to go for it. Next with the bale off of the ground, cinch the drawstring until the net is closed, tie some half hitch knots in the rope to keep it secure and then stuff the rope back inside the net. 

Attaching a Hay Net to a Hay Ring

Depending on the construction of your hay ring, you may be able to attach your net to your ring. Because there are many different types of rings on the market, there is no one size fits all method for attachment. You may have to get creative. 

The 2 most common methods are zip ties and ropes. Regardless of which method you choose, we recommend attaching the net the inside of your hay ring.

Zip Tying Your Hay Net

Purchase some wide, heavy duty zip ties from your local hardware store.  We recommend stainless steal zip ties.  Line up the bottom of the hay net with the inside of your ring and zip tie the yellow draw cord directly to the ring about every foot or so.  We do not recommend zip tying to the mesh holes.  The net can be attached anywhere inside the ring that you can find a place to tie it.  

Lashing

Ropes.  Remove the yellow draw cord from the net. Leave the loop at one end intact and untie the knot at the other end.  Line up the bottom of the net with the inside of your ring.  Take the yellow rope and feed it through a mesh hole.  Then wrap the rope around the ring once before feeding it through another mesh hole about every foot or so.  Repeat this process all the way around the ring.  Feed the loose end of the rope through the end with the loop and tie a knot to keep the rope in place.