In the modern farming industry, small square bales are considered quaint and old-fashioned. In the past, many large-scale farmers used small balers to create compact, dense bales of grain. These baling machines were small, low-cost, and could be used almost anywhere on a farm.

But today, larger round and rectangular balers are much more popular. And while it’s true that these enormous baling machines make the process of baling grain much more efficient, there are still some benefits of using square balers on your farm – especially if you own a smaller property. Curious? Read on, and learn about the 5 reasons you might want to consider a square baler.



1. Square Bales Can Be Handled By Just One Person

A large round or rectangular bale can often weigh in at hundreds of pounds. They are impractical to move or handle without a large team of farm-hands, or mechanized equipment. This can make it very inconvenient to move larger bales, especially for smaller farmers.

Square bales, in contrast, usually weigh only 45-60lbs, and measure about 40 inches at their widest. This means that they can easily be handled by a single person. If you run a smaller farm, you can move around your square bales without requiring mechanical assistance, making your life much more convenient.

2. Small “Hobby” Farms Are Growing In Popularity

Many smaller farms don’t need the enormous bundles of feed that large-scale, agricultural farms require. And this is a good thing if you are interested in making square bales! According to the U.S. Agricultural Census, there is a rise in the number of smaller-scale, “hobby” farms in the US.  

These smaller farmers usually can’t afford to buy large bales, or would not be able to use all of their feed before it becomes inedible. They also usually lack mechanization, and don’t have much (if any) hired help. This makes the small, convenient square bale a great choice for these farmers. 

3. Most Farmers Aren’t Making Square Bales – It’s A Premium Market! 

Most farmers choose to use large rectangular or round bales for their grain. There simply are not that many people choosing to make and sell small square bales. However, there is still plenty of demand – from hobbyist farmers, horse owners, retail feed suppliers and more.

You can actually charge a small premium on square bales because of this. They are uncommon, so you can often sell your small bales for more than they would be worth if they were larger!

4. Small Square Balers Can Be Bought Used For A Low Price 

If you choose to invest in a small, used square baler, you may be surprised at how affordable they are. Websites like Machinery Pete have a large variety of listings for square balers – and you can pick one up for $1,000-$2,500.

In comparison, most large rectangular balers are going to set you back at least $10,000, and often more than $20,000. If you’re interested in baling your grain and selling it, a small square baler is a great way to get started.

5. Square Bales Are Convenient And Versatile

Square bales are easy to haul by hand, and can be used for a variety of different tasks. Because they are small and easy to move, they make great building materials. 

They are often used for insulation purposes in barns and other structures, and can also be used for straw-bale construction if you’re putting up temporary animal housing or building other utilitarian structure.

Consider A Small Square Baler – Even If You Have A Larger Baler! 

Square balers are great for farmers who don’t have a hay accumulator for sale or much mechanized equipment or , but are interested in an automatic baler. They can also be used on larger farms – by converting some hay and straw into small bales, you can benefit from increased versatility, and higher profits per-bale if you choose to sell.