After purchasing a new farm that didn't have a barn, we were in need of an immediate hay storage solution. The first winter we used a single open bay in a three-bay shed located at the far edge of our property. We hung tarps over the entrance to block rain and wind. Still, the hay in front occasionally got wet, and we battled varmints that found the hay to be a great nesting ground. Since we had limited storage in this single bay, we had to purchase hay when we could find it, driving the price up later in the season and the quality of the hay down. That also meant multiple hay hauling and stacking days, which did not fit in with our new "make it simpler" chore-tackling philosophy.
The second winter arrived. We were still recovering from our move and still not in a position to build our new dream barn. Mining all of our friends for ideas and information turned up a great solution for us. A friend suggested using a cargo container for hay storage. This proved to be the perfect solution to our dilemma. However, since purchasing a cargo container is still a significant investment (ours ran $2,000 plus a $200 delivery charge for a 9'6" high and 40-foot-long version that was available in our area), we did our homework on the pros and cons of this idea. Here's what we found.
Pros of Using Cargo Containers
We found many positive aspects associated with storing hay or other perishable items in cargo containers. Some pros pertained to the containers themselves:
• They're nearly airtight and waterproof.
• They're wind resistant.
• They're animal proof.
• Volume storage is possible, depending on the size of container you get.
• They're low maintenance.
• It's easy to load and unload hay as you need it (e.g., no need to walk on pallets).
• They're fun to paint and personalize.
Some of the pros pertained to business/management aspects of owning a farm:
• Storing hay away from the horse barn lowers fire insurance rates.
• Cargo containers are inexpensive compared with some other options.
• Containers are available in most areas.
• They can stand alone or be tied in to existing outbuildings.
• They have multiple other uses on the farm if your needs change.
• They can go with you to your next farm or be sold to a dealer who will pick them up.
Finally, some of the pros pertained to horse health issues:
• Horses can't accidentally get into the hay, so you avoid founder/colic risks.
• Horses are safer away from the possible fire hazard of hay stored in the barn.
• Since using cargo containers eliminates hay dust in the barn or riding areas, this is healthier for both horses and people.
Cons of Using Cargo Containers
The negative aspects we've encountered with our cargo containers generally relate to their size and weight:
• Cargo containers aren't easy to move once they're placed.
• It can be a bit difficult to open the door.
• Our containers were used, so they had commercial graphics with peeling paint.
• Containers may not be permitted in some restricted zoning areas.
• There's usually no built-in lighting.
• They require a level site, so you may need some preparation time.
