Hay can be stored just about anywhere with a few extra props. No matter where it’s stored, if you’re putting it on the ground, you’re going to get mold all over the bottom bale. I don’t feed those bales to my animals:
“Listeriosis is caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes and is commonly seen in cooler climates. These bacteria can be found in the soil, food sources, and even the feces of healthy animals. Most commonly, this disease of sheep and goats is observed as a result of feeding moldy or spoiled hay or silage.” (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/listeriosis-in-sheep-and-goats)
To prevent moldy bottom bales, you can go to many manufacturing or large item supply stores – think feed store, stove maker, even Walmart sometimes – and get free or very low cost pallets. Lay those down as your base and your hay will be protected from moisture coming UP. We have a big 1940s barn to store our hay in but the floor is all dirt–a preference for sheltering animals–so we lay down pallets before stacking anything on the ground level.
If storing outside, a tarp is all you need to protect your hay from the elements. Any farm supply store will have hay tarps in varying sizes. Use bungies or twine to tie the tarp down to the pallet and you’ve got winter hay storage.
