From silage management to weed control, Aussie farmers do maintain their fair share of daily responsibilities – and there is no shortage of challenges during the hay season either.
Hay season is the time of the year when our farmers cut, dry, and store their grass or other crops to be used as animal feed throughout the winter or dry periods. In temperate climates like in Victoria, hay season typically occurs in late spring and early summer when the grass is at its peak nutritional value growing too mature and coarse for livestock consumption.
This time of year can present specific concerns for farmers, such as unpredictable weather, increased moisture, UV overexposure, and unexpected spoilage. Many of these pain points can be avoided by ensuring hay is properly stored and protected during hay season. One invaluable tool farmers can use to keep their hay safe through this hay season is a hay anchor tarp.
Hay anchor tarps can provide a cost-effective solution for farmers hoping to get the most out of their hay supply, protecting their livestock and investments. And much like our silage tarps and other agricultural tarps, we’ve designed our hay anchor tarps with farmers in mind, aimed at addressing these concerns.
Learn more about what makes our hay anchor tarps so special and why hay anchor tarps are a must-have farming tool this hay season.
The Perils of Improper Hay Storage & Protection
When hay is not stored correctly and properly protected against the elements, a number of issues can arise. If too much moisture is present, then the forage can become oversaturated and mushy and mouldy, thus potentially compromising an entire crop of hay. This spoilage can occur in moments of peak humidity, high winds, and heavy rain.
Similarly, UV exposure can reduce the nutritional value and overall quality of hay, with excess sun exposure resulting in hay becoming brittle. While some livestock may prefer drier hay, high-quality forage is preferred for pregnant and lactating animals like cows and goats. This is why UV resistance is essential when designing hay anchor tarps.
By ensuring hay bales are adequately protected and stored, farmers can yield optimal value from their hay. They will run less risk of potentially throwing out ruined reserves and can rest assured knowing they will have enough feed for their animals whenever access to pasture may be limited throughout the year.
This can be achieved easily and reliably by using an ARK Tarps hay anchor tarp.
Watch the following video to know the innovative way to cover your hay stacks:
What Makes ARK Tarps Hay Anchor Tarps Special?
A hay anchor tarp is an innovative, specialised tool designed to help farmers keep their bales of hay protected and tightly packed together. Many farmers use hay anchors, which are steel spirals screwed into a hay bale to provide a point for attaching straps or ropes. A hay anchor tarp is attached to these anchors, providing secure hold and protection against the elements. We also sell hay anchors with every one of our hay anchor tarps, making setup easy and hassle-free.
Our ARK Tarps hay anchor tarps are special, made from the same materials as our other tarps, tools, and accessories. Our innovative hay anchor bolts keep tarps securely in place, minimising flapping and wind damage. Paired with our UV-resistant XF Film, our hay tarps are built to withstand the elements and provide unmatched longevity. You can read more about our innovative hay tarp solutions here.
Here are some of the key features that set ARK Tarps hay anchor tarps apart from the rest. If your tarps don’t boast the same features, then it is not a high-quality heavy duty tarp suitable for your hay.
| Feature | Description |
| Strong & Reliable | During our manufacturing process, the layers of raw XF-Film material are laminated in opposing directions, creating greater cross-directional strength. Unlike normal poly tarps that are typically woven in a single direction, ARK Hay Tarps offer superior strength and better field performance. |
| UV-Resistant | Our hay anchor tarps are designed for extended outdoor use, they will not peel, crack, or disintegrate under harsh sunlight, making them ideal for Australia’s extreme weather conditions. |
| Welded Eyelets | Our eyelets are ultrasonically welded onto a sleeve of thick plastic, seamlessly integrating them into the tarp material for exceptional strength. The larger eyelets are designed to accommodate our hay anchor bolts. |
| 100 % Waterproof | ARK Hay Tarps are born waterproof. The raw materials used in their production are waterproof, ensuring that each layer of our tarps provides complete waterproof protection. Unlike other tarps, which often have only a thin, water-resistant coating applied after manufacturing, our tarps offer full waterproofing throughout. |
| Anchor Bolts Included | We supply one bolt per eyelet. The bolts are made from tough Polypropylene and will not rust or lose strength against the elements. The bolts are designed to work with our eyelets and can be drilled directly into the hay through the eyelet of the tarp using a 15/16″ or 24mm socket head. |
Key Benefits of Using Hay Anchor Tarps
Our hay anchor tarps have been made with farmers in mind and are designed for versatile, seasonal use. Here are just some of the key benefits available to those who use an ARK Tarps hay anchor tarp next hay season.
Reliable Weather Protection
A reliable hay anchor tarp will keep your hay dry through rain, wind, and heat. Australian seasons can be both unpredictable and extreme, and an Aussie spring and early summer can experience high winds, torrential rain, heavy humidity, and sweltering heat in any order or combination. You’re better safe than sorry; with a hay anchor tarp installed over your hay bales, you’ll be ready for anything Mother Nature may throw your way.
Pro tip: learn how to secure your tarp during heavy winds to support your hay production during spring storm season.
Healthier Hay Lifespan
Keeping your hay bales covered and protected against rain and moisture will help reduce spoilage and nutrient loss. Soggy and mouldy hay can be detrimental to your yield and livestock won’t fare well from eating it. Spoiled hay is not only useless but it can even make your animals sick, so by keeping your hay shielded against water you’re protecting not just your farm residents but your investments overall.
Ease of Use
Hay anchor tarps are also beautifully simple to use and maintain. Our ARK Tarps hay anchor tarps have been designed with ease of use in mind, making them simple to anchor and remove for convenient access. They come in a variety of sizes to suit different hay stacks and we stock sizes that work with both square and round bales, so no hay bale is too big, too wide, too fat, or too small!
Environmentally Friendly
By choosing a durable, reusable tarp, farmers can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste produced each season. This not only lowers their property’s environmental footprint but also helps cut down on replacement costs and disposal fees, providing reliable hay protection while supporting more sustainable, waste-conscious farming operations.
Protect Your Hay This Season with Hay Anchor Tarps
When it comes to protecting your hard-earned harvest, ARK Tarps hay anchor tarps are an investment that pays off season after season. They shield your bales against moisture, harmful UV rays, and spoilage, ensuring your hay retains its quality and nutritional integrity.
With their durable, weather-resistant construction and long-lasting reusability, our tarps offer superior protection while helping you save on replacement and waste costs. Your cows will also thank you for using them, too!
Don’t leave your hay vulnerable to the elements this hay season. Secure it the right way with a hay anchor tarp from ARK Tarps! Shop durable hay anchor tarps today and keep your hay dry, protected, and ready for when you need it most.
Contact us today for expert advice to find the perfect tarp for you and browse our other tarps and tarp accessories online, as well.
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