The number of hay bales produced per acre varies significantly depending on factors such as hay type, bale size, soil quality, weather, and farming practices.
Average Bale Yields per Acre
- Small square bales (40-60 lbs each):
Typically, one ton of hay yields about 50 small square bales. With an average field yield of 4 tons per acre, you can expect around 200 small square bales per acre
- Large square bales (800-1,200 lbs each):
One ton of hay produces about 2 to 2.5 large square bales. For a 4-ton yield per acre, this translates to roughly 8 to 10 large square bales per acre
- Round bales :
- Small round bales (800-1,000 lbs): About 2 small round bales per ton, so 8 to 10 small round bales per acre at 4 tons yield.
- Large round bales (1,200-1,500 lbs): Approximately 1.5 large round bales per ton, or about 6 large round bales per acre at 4 tons yield
Regional and Condition Variations
- In Kenya, hay farmers can yield between 200 and 300 bales per acre, depending on grass type, soil fertility, and farming methods. Under less ideal conditions, yields may drop to 100-150 bales per acre
- Some farmers report yields of 60 to 120 small square bales per acre depending on variety and soil fertility, with dry land yields around 6 tons per acre
- In general, small square bales per acre range from about 80 to 200 depending on conditions and bale size
Summary
Bale Type| Bale Weight (lbs/kg)| Bales per Ton| Typical Bales per Acre (4 tons
yield)
---|---|---|---
Small square bales| 40-60 lbs (18-27 kg)| ~50| ~200
Large square bales| 800-1,200 lbs (360-540 kg)| 2-2.5| 8-10
Small round bales| 800-1,000 lbs (360-450 kg)| ~2| 8-10
Large round bales| 1,200-1,500 lbs (540-680 kg)| ~1.5| ~6
Thus, on average, you can expect around 200 small square bales or 6 to 10 large round bales per acre under good conditions
. Maximizing yield depends on soil testing, choosing the right hay type, timely harvesting, and good land management practices.
