Another inexpensive yet effective system is to use an electric fence to limit access to the bale. The size of the stack should provide enough hay for the herd to consume in a single week or less if no feeder or barrier system is used. Even then, feeding losses will be high. Because these stacks are usually fed in place, the feeding area often becomes muddy. Selecting a well-drained site for storage and feeding is critical.
Small packages Feeding small hay bales is labor intensive but reduces waste if fed properly.
Small hay bales can be fed intact, in bunks or racks or spread throughout the field. Since you usually have greater control over the amount of hay available to the cattle, these bales often have low trampling and soiling losses. Producers often feed these bales in conjunction with stockpiled tall fescue. Access to the bales must be limited in some way or cattle will quickly destroy and waste much of the hay. This is very important.