Mini Hay Bales Catching On Fast

Mini Hay Bales Catching On Fast HAY & FORAGE HARVESTING Bale Handling (5) 7-5-18 You'd probably agree that everything connected with farming and ranching nowadays seems to be getting bigger and bigger. Even hay bales have grown from the traditional 70 lb. rectangular bales to the 1,500 lb. and heavier big round bales. But now ù hold on to your leather gloves ù there are "mini" hay and straw bales small enough to fit into the palm of your hand. Mini bales, measuring a scant 2 by 2 1/2 by 5 in., are made of real hay or straw and have two twine strings just like regular sized rectangular bales. "Many people like the mini bales for their home or office so they can enjoy the pleasant straw or hay aroma," explains Bob Ivins, Akeley, Minn., creator of mini bales. "They can also be used for paper weights, pin cushions, displays with miniature animals and as toys for kids æplaying farm'. They also make good snacks for show animals and for horses on trail rides." Ivins also bales "wee-mini" hay bales that are 1 1/2 by 2 by 3 in., and "itty-bitty" bales that are 1 by 1 1/2 by 2 in. and weigh 1/2 oz. All the hay bales are made of a special blend of alfalfa, timothy and bromegrass, which Ivins says holds the green color for up to two years. He explains that the bales are often decorated with leather conchos or other decorative pieces to match the particular holiday season. Ivins doesn't talk about the balers, explaining that he built them himself and that they're his "trade secret." The "mini" bales cost $3, postpaid, while the "wee-mini" and "itty-bitty" hay bales cost $2.50 each. Leather conchos are 25 cents extra. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Bob Ivins, Ideas For Industry, P.O. Box 335, Akeley, Minn. 56433 (ph 218 652-3638).

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