Lost 60 bales to bottom layer mold despite using pallets

[Hemsw0rth_]

Set up pallets in the barn this spring specifically to avoid ground moisture issues. Stacked hay properly with air gaps, barn has good drainage, everything by the book. When I pulled bales from the bottom layer to feed and half of them are ruined with white mold throughout, musty smell, totally unusable. That's 60 bales at current prices that might as well be kindling.
The pallets are sitting on concrete with what I thought was adequate ventilation so its either I'm missing something fundamental about airflow or there's moisture coming from somewhere I can't see. Starting to think I need to invest in asphalt like some have suggested but that's a major expense for something that should've worked

 

[J.peck]

@Hemsw0rth_ was the hay fully cured when you baled it? even with good airflow, if there's any moisture still in the bales when they're stacked, that can create problems especially on bottom layers. The concrete might actually be part of the issue since it can hold cool temps and create condensation, also how long were the bales in storage before you noticed the mold?

 

[0ldfashioned]

hi @Hemsw0rth_ try to use a moisture barrier. place a heavy duty tarp or a vapor barrier on the concrete floor before putting down the pallets. This will create a barrier to stop moisture from rising through the concrete
also, make sure you got a good airflow. maintain at least a 12 inch gap between the hay stack and any walls to allow air to circulate freely
I use a combination of wood and plastic pallets to increase air circulation

 

[Alan]

Did you check the moisture content before you stacked em? @Hemsw0rth_