It Pays to Use Preservative as Hay Prices Double

11th March 202613th March 2026 webmaster Harvest Tec

Big bale hay prices have doubled over the past ten months, rising from £73/tonne to £155, following the hot, dry weather seen last summer. Small bale seed and meadow hay have seen similar increases, with some regions recording prices as high as £180/tonne. 

The British Hay & Straw Merchants Association reports that while big bale hay typically trades at £70–£80/tonne, the UK average as of 22 February sat at £155, with notable spikes in the Midlands, South West, North East and Yorkshire.

Baler’s Choice Helps Protect Bale Quality

With demand for quality hay expected to remain high, Harvest Tec is encouraging growers to consider using its Baler’s Choice preservative to protect bale quality and secure higher market value. The preservative ensures bales remain free from dust and mould and reduces the risk of heating during storage.

Applied from as little as £1.43 per 80×90 bale or £0.93 per 27 kg conventional bale, Baler’s Choice enables safe baling at moisture levels above 15% and up to 30%, reducing the likelihood of spoilage or even spontaneous combustion.

UKManufactured Formula Designed for Safe Handling

Made in the UK under licence, Baler’s Choice contains a buffered form of Propionic with a nearneutral pH of 6.0, which is safe to handle and avoids machinery corrosion. Citric acid is included to help retain colour and palatability within the finished bale. 

Applicator Systems to Suit All Baler Types

The preservative is specifically formulated for use with the Harvest Tec range of applicators, including the advanced Automatic 700 Series system. This model monitors baler throughput and realtime moisture content, adjusting application rates automatically to ensure consistent protection across the crop. 

Extended Baling Window and Improved Efficiency

Using Baler’s Choice allows contractors to bale safely in marginal conditions or extend the baling window by up to an hour at each end of the day. This increased flexibility can reduce reliance on additional tedding, simplify harvesting logistics and improve daily output. Consistent crop moisture detection also helps eliminate potential hot spots within bales, protecting quality for buyers. 