Hay Shed

SAFE AND DRY HAY BALE STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Hay needs to be kept in a dry, temperate and well-ventilated environment. Traditional tin or iron hay sheds generally tick only one or two of those boxes, leaving your hay at risk of spoilage and even self-combustion due to excessive moisture. 

With super-strong membrane-structure fabric construction that protects the hay from the elements while keeping the area dry, temperate, and well-lit, SmartShelters offer property owners and farmers a better way to store their hay. 

Our hay sheds are built by a team backed by 110 years of experience, right here in New Zealand. With pole, shipping container, and concrete mounting options available, we can design the right hay shed for your needs. 

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WHAT IS A HAY SHED AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

A hay shed is a purpose-built storage structure that protects baled hay from the elements between harvest and feed-out. Unlike traditional tin and iron hay storage buildings, a SmartShelters hay shed maintains the dry, ventilated conditions your hay needs to hold its quality and nutritional value over time. 

The SMARTSHIELD® fabric cover is 100% waterproof and lets in up to 90% of the available natural light, while the steel hoop arch design promotes continuous airflow throughout the interior. That combination keeps moisture levels low and temperatures stable, protecting hay from mould, spoilage, and the risk of spontaneous combustion. 

With a wide selection of optional extras, our permanent and portable hay storage solutions are fully customisable. Speak with our team about finding the right configuration.

BENEFITS OF A SMARTSHELTERS HAY SHED

PROUDLY NEW ZEALAND MADE

Built in Auckland to withstand New Zealand’s extreme weather conditions, our hay sheds deliver trusted performance with local support and a fast turnaround. We’re here for the long term—offering quick repairs, expert service, and quality that can’t be beaten.

100+ YEARS OF EXPERTISE

As New Zealand’s first shelter manufacturer, we bring over a century of experience. Our in-depth industry knowledge ensures you receive personalised support and the perfect hay shed tailored to your needs.

INDUSTRY-LEADING 12-YEAR WARRANTY

Our 12-year warranty is the longest in the market and covers both the cover and frame against manufacturing defects. We use only premium materials to ensure durability and reliability under New Zealand conditions, giving you peace of mind that our structures deliver long-term value.

ENGINEERED TO AS/NZS 1170.2:2021

SmartShelters meet the latest engineering and industry standards, ensuring compliance with building codes and health and safety requirements. Designed for your exact location, whether in the far north or the deep south, we deliver quality shelter that you can depend on.

SMARTSHIELD® – THE WORLD’S BEST STRUCTURAL FABRIC

Exclusively available through SmartShelters, our SMARTSHIELD® structural fabric is the strongest and most robust shelter fabric on the New Zealand market. It’s 100% PVC-free and built for long-term performance. Don’t be misled by thickness alone—this premium-grade ripstop membrane is engineered for real strength, not just weight.

FLEXIBLE SIZES & CUSTOMISATION

SmartShelters offers the widest range of shelters and canopies in New Zealand, with spans from 6m to 45m wide, any length, and multiple height options. As the only NZ manufacturer offering this level of quality and customisation, we make it easy to tailor a hay shed to your exact requirements. Choose from an unmatched range of add-ons and upgrades to create a structure that grows with your needs.

Hay Storage Shed

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should hay be covered?

Yes. Hay left exposed to rain and the elements loses both quantity and quality. Using a hay storage shed can help reduce moisture-related spoilage, mould and spontaneous combustion. It keeps your hay dry and protected, preserving its condition and nutritional value for your herd.

Are hay sheds waterproof?

Yes, the super-strength membrane fabric used in SmartShelters hay sheds is 100% waterproof. Our team can help you nominate the best site on your property for drainage.

We can also add walls to your shelter so that the interior remains as dry as possible. Our shelters offer industry-leading ventilation while letting in up to 90% of available natural light, even when fully enclosed. This helps to keep your hay dry, reducing the likelihood of spontaneous combustion and protecting it against spoilage.

How long does hay last in a barn?

Hay stored correctly in a covered hay shelter can last well beyond a single season. The key factors that affect how long your hay maintains its condition are moisture control, airflow, and protection from rain and wind — all of which a SmartShelters hay bale shed is designed to manage. With the right shed, your bales can remain usable for longer.

How do you stack hay bales in a shed?

Stack your bales to allow for airflow between them. Avoid pushing bales flat against side walls, and leave gaps in larger stacks so air can circulate and moisture can escape. New hay should be stacked behind older bales so you feed the older stock first, reducing waste.

How many bales to a face?

There’s no standard number of hay bales to a shed face. The number of bales to a face, and thus your hay shed design, will be determined by a couple of factors:

  • The size of the bale: A common size for two-string square bales is 350mm x 450mm x 900mm, while round bales tend to hover around the 1200mm x 1800mm mark. However, these sizes can fluctuate dramatically due to variations in baler brand, baler settings, and packing tightness.
  • The desired height: This will be determined by factors like the machinery you’ll use to move the bales and personal preference.
How big should my hay barn be?

The right size for your hay barn depends on how much hay you need to store, the size of your bales, the machinery you'll be using to move them, and the limitations of your site, among other factors.

Speak with our team about designing and constructing a hay storage shelter to suit your exact needs. 

Do you need a permit for a hay shed?

This depends on the size and location of your build, as well as your local council's requirements. The SmartShelters team can help you understand what's involved for your farm hay shed, providing full engineering plans, calculations, and Producer Statements to support your consent application.

How much does it cost to build a hay shed?

The cost depends on size, span, mounting, and any add-ons you choose. Every SmartShelters hay shed is constructed to last, protecting your bales long-term.

Contact us for a site visit, and we'll work with you to provide an accurate quote tailored to your exact storage building needs.

Make the Smart Choice by Choosing SmartShelters

Protect what matters with New Zealand-made shelters built on 100 years of trusted expertise. Contact us today!

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