Hay Dry-Matter and Safe-Storage Weight
The dry-matter pounds in a bale (weight x (1 - moisture)).
Example
You enter
- Bale weight, as-baled (lb) 1200
- Measured moisture (%) 22
- Target moisture (%) 15
- Safe-storage ceiling (%) 18
You get
- Dry matter 936 lb
- Weight at target moisture 1101 lb
- Over threshold Yes
Checked against published worked examples from: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.
Details, formula, and sources
ScopeThe weight restated at a target moisture for an equal-basis comparison, and a heating/mold risk flag where the measured moisture is above the safe-storage ceiling (default 18%, the large-package ceiling; enter 20% for small squares). The producer and local extension guidance govern.
Formula or tabledry_matter = bale_weight x (1 - moisture/100); weight_at_target = dry_matter / (1 - target_moisture/100); flag set where moisture > safe_threshold (default 18%, the large-package ceiling; enter 20% for small squares).
Source and editionFirst-principles dry-matter mass balance with USDA NRCS / land-grant extension safe-storage guidance (by name); no edition cycle.
Free accessThe mass balance is public; the safe-storage thresholds are editable. The producer and local extension guidance govern.
What governsEstimate. AHJ and licensed professional govern.
API field namesbale_weight_lb, moisture_pct, target_moisture_pct, safe_threshold_pct, dry_matter_lb, weight_at_target_lb, over_threshold
- Dry-matter balance dry matter = weight x (1 - moisture); restating at a target moisture compares loads on an equal basisfirst principles
- Safe ceiling default 18%, the large-package ceiling; enter 20% for small squares; wetter hay heats and moldsUSDA NRCS / extension
- Combustion risk very wet, tightly stacked hay can heat enough to spontaneously combust; monitor and do not store tight above the ceilingextension guidance