When should I bale?
Baling at the proper moisture content is a key to success in producing baleage. Forage containing less than 40% or much above 65% moisture should not be baled for silage in order to avoid excessive molding or spoilage. Producing bales with too much moisture reduces forage quality, increases the chance of undesirable butyric acid fermentation, and reduces the amount of dry matter stored per storage unit—each of which greatly increases storage costs. Baling with inadequate moisture reduces fermentation and increases mold production, which greatly increase storage losses. Considering all factors, the optimum moisture for baled silage is in the 50-60% range.