What is a Bale? Definition, Types, and Uses in Agriculture

Bale is a unit of measurement for dry goods, such as hay or straw. It is typically defined as a bundle of goods that weighs 100 pounds (45 kilograms) or 200 pounds (90 kilograms). The term "bale" can also be used more broadly to refer to any large quantity of something that is packaged together, such as a bale of paper or a bale of cotton.

In the context of agriculture, a bale is often used to describe a bundle of hay or straw that has been tied together and dried for use as animal feed or bedding. The size and weight of a bale can vary depending on the type of crop being harvested and the intended use of the bale. For example, a bale of alfalfa hay might weigh 50 pounds (23 kilograms) or more, while a bale of straw might weigh only 20 pounds (9 kilograms).

Overall, the term "bale" is used to describe a large quantity of dry goods that has been packaged together for ease of handling and storage.