SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/horse-hay-baling-moisture

Horse quality hay should be baled at what moisture level?

10 to 15 percent moisture.

Start playing free

  1. 2 to 5 percent
  2. 10 to 15 percent ✔
  3. 25 to 30 percent

Why: Damp bales grow mold and can heat up. Very dry hay can crumble and lose leaves. Baling in the 10 to 15 percent range keeps hay safe to feed and to store.

Huh, didn't know that: UMN Extension calls moisture at baling the single biggest hay fire risk factor.

The dad joke
Why was the horse proud of his test results? He earned a Hay-plus.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: 10 to 15 percent. Damp bales grow mold and can heat up. Very dry hay can crumble and lose leaves. Baling in the 10 to 15 percent range keeps hay safe to feed and to store.

  1. Selecting and storing horse hay, UMN Extension extension.umn.edu/node/17811
    Horse quality hay should be baled between 10 and 15 percent moisture.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Preventing hay fires, UMN Extension extension.umn.edu/node/17756
    Proper moisture at baling is the single biggest hay fire risk factor.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

HorsesAbout how much forage should a horse eat each day, as a share of its body weight?HorsesWhen switching a horse to a new hay or grain, how much of the old feed should you replace at a time?HorsesWhat is the best way to give a horse extra energy in cold winter weather?

That's stuff everyone should know.