Hay vs. Pellets vs. Grain: Which Feed Is Most Vulnerable in Winter?

Bulk feed is convenient, but it’s also vulnerable. Winter moisture, condensation, and pests can turn a perfectly good load of grain into waste — fast. Here’s how to protect your bulk feed investments. 1. Keep Bin Lids Fully Closed and Latched Even a tiny gap invites: moisture raccoons birds rodents Make sure gaskets and seals are intact. 2. Check for Condensation Inside Bins Temperature swings cause moisture to collect on bin walls and drip into feed. Solutions: insulated bin roofs drying fans managing bin fill level to reduce air pockets 3. Inspect Augers and Delivery Points Worn augers can: spill feed attract pests leave grain exposed to moisture A quick check each month prevents costly loss. 4. Add Gravel or Concrete Under Exterior Bins Standing water or melting snow around bin bases leads to: rust moldy feed rodent burrowing Improving drainage protects both feed and equipment. 5. Use Cameras to Monitor Bin Access Points Place a camera where: the auger meets the barn the bin ladder is located livestock or wildlife approach Cameras can alert you to: raccoons climbing bins feed spills storm damage nighttime trespassing Barn Owl cameras are weather-resistant and ideal for monitoring exterior feed areas. A single camera can save hundreds of dollars in bulk-feed losses each year.

Not all feed types are equally vulnerable. Some spoil quickly, some attract rodents fiercely, and others require special handling during the cold season. Here’s a breakdown of how winter affects common feed types. 1. Hay: Vulnerable to Moisture and Mold Hay suffers most from: roof leaks ground moisture snow blowing into open barns high humidity Once mold starts, it spreads fast — and it’s unsafe for many livestock species. 2. Pelleted and Textured Feed: Vulnerable to Rodents Pellets attract: mice rats raccoons skunks Rodents target sweet feeds most aggressively. 3. Loose Grain: Vulnerable to Both Moisture and Pests Loose grain is the hardest to protect. Risks include: condensation in bins wildlife intrusion spoilage near bin walls clumping 4. Supplements and Mineral: Usually Stable, Until Contaminated Minerals and blocks keep well in cold weather, but: raccoons love sweet mineral horses may break into mineral tubs spilled mineral draws wildlife 5. How to Monitor Different Feed Types Each feed type has different signs of spoilage. Cameras help by capturing: dripping condensation on hay rodents entering pelleted-feed rooms wildlife around grain bins livestock breaking into mineral tubs Barn Owl cameras provide high-quality night footage that makes early detection easy. Know which feed is at risk — and protect it before winter hits hard.

Most farmers worry about rodents when it comes to feed loss — but moisture is just as destructive. A single day of condensation, a wet floor, or high humidity can ruin feed faster than any pest. Here’s how moisture creeps into your barns and what you can do to stop it. How Moisture Sneaks In During Winter Moisture buildup is especially common when: warm livestock air mixes with cold exterior walls feed bags sit directly on concrete roof condensation drips onto stored feed ventilation is reduced to “keep heat in” Cold air cannot hold moisture — so barns trap it. Signs Your Feed Has Been Exposed to Moisture Clumping or hardening in feed bags Moldy odor or darkening color Sticky pellets or grain White or green fuzz inside feed bins Swollen paper feed bags Even mild dampness can start mold growth that’s unsafe for livestock. How to Protect Feed from Moisture Damage 1. Lift Everything Off the Floor Use pallets, metal shelving, or sealed containers. Concrete sweats in winter. 2. Improve Ventilation—Even Just a Little A small vent or cracked window reduces humidity dramatically. 3. Insulate Key Areas Insulating roofs or walls of the feed room prevents condensation drips. 4. Use Dehumidifiers or Natural Desiccants Even small, inexpensive units prevent mold in enclosed feed spaces. Where Cameras Add Value Moisture issues are easier to solve when you know where they start. Nighttime cameras can reveal: roof drip points condensation forming on cold nights leaks during storms areas where airflow becomes stagnant Just a week of Barn Owl camera footage often reveals moisture patterns farmers didn’t know existed. Stop guessing, start monitoring — and save feed in the process.