How did barn lofts help keep stored hay from rotting?

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A large grain elevator and several metal silos stand on a farm surrounded by green fields, with hills and a partly cloudy sky in the background. — Farm building Grain elevator and silos on a small farm.

Barn lofts helped prevent stored hay from rotting by providing an elevated storage space that allowed air to circulate around the material. Proper air circulation is essential for maintaining the quality of hay, as moisture levels must be kept low—ideally at 20 percent or less—to avoid spoilage.12

By keeping the hay in these high, airy lofts, farmers ensured the dried grass remained well-ventilated, which was a practical and convenient method for preserving large amounts of winter feed for livestock.1