Maximizing Equine Nutrition: Your Guide to Standlee Grab & Go^® and Compressed Bales

May 2, 2024

We receive many inquiries about our popular Grab & Go® and Compressed Bales. As a result, we decided to feature these products by answering some frequently asked questions.

1.) What are Grab & Go and Compressed Bales?

Standlee’s Grab & Go and Compressed Bales are innovative solutions designed to meet the nutritional needs of your horses. These bales are created by slicing a 4’x’4’x8’ large bale into 36 smaller bales and then compressed and banded, delivering approximately 50 lbs. of premium western forage per each bale.

2.) Why do livestock owners use Grab & Go and Compressed Bales?

The convenience, cleanliness, and space-saving features of Grab & Go and Compressed Bales make them a top choice among livestock owners. Whether at home or on the road, these bales offer easy handling and transport, reducing storage hassles.

3.) What sets Standlee Grab & Go and Compressed Bales apart

Standlee carefully manages our farms, production facility and distribution centers to deliver the most consistent, high-quality forages to your beloved animals from coast to coast, 365 days a year. Since 1981, Standlee’s main focus is to consistently deliver the best forages in the United States, bar none!

4.) What varieties of forages are available in Grab & Go and Compressed Bales?

Standlee Grab & Go and Compressed Bales are available in the following forage varieties: Alfalfa, Timothy Grass, Orchard Grass, and an Alfalfa and Orchard Mix. Additionally, we provide options such as Straw Bales for bedding and outdoor purposes. Lastly, Standlee also offers Organic and Certified Noxious Weed Free alternatives for many of these baled forage varieties.

5.) How do you feed Grab & Go and Compressed Bales?

It's essential to allow the bales to expand for at least 12 hours before feeding, ensuring optimal digestion. We strongly recommend feeding by weight rather than volume, with an average 1,000 lb. horse requiring 15 to 25 lbs. of forage per day. If you have questions, contact the nutritionists at Standlee or consult your veterinarian.

6.) Can I leave the wrap on the Grab & Go Compressed Bale? Can I feed the bale out of the wrap material? Can the wrap be left on the bales?

While the wrap can be left on during storage, it's advisable to remove it, especially in hot and humid climates, to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth. Feeding the bales while wrapped is not recommended, due to potential digestive risks for your horse.

7.) Why are some Grab & Go or Compressed Bales ‘dusty?’

Grab & Go and Compressed Bales are made by cutting larger 4’ x 4’ x 8’ compressed bales from our fields into their final size. The cutting process can shatter leaves and stems creating forage fines. Some consumers refer to these forage fines as the ‘candy’ for their animals. So, don’t throw out these tasty morsels as your animals will thank you!

8.) How long can I store Grab & Go and Compressed Bales?

If stored properly, Grab & Go and Compressed Bales can last a year, or longer, without any significant nutrient degradation. We recommend storing our products off the ground (on a pallet) in a covered, well-ventilated and pest-free environment, protected from the effects of weather and moisture.

9.) What are the brown blades of grass in Timothy Grass Grab & Go or Compressed Bales?

Timothy Grass is a difficult forage variety to coordinate harvesting and baling. Standlee always attempts to grow, cut, sun-cure and bale at the most ideal time. However, Idaho summer thunderstorms can throw-off harvest timing which can result in brownish-colored grass called ‘brown blade.’ Brown blade is a shorter, off-colored grass which gets less sunlight than the taller blades. Brown blade is not a weed, nor unhealthy, for animals. However, some animals find brown blade less palatable than their green-bladed cousins.

10.) Can I feed this product to my small animals?

While Grab & Go and Compressed Bales are suitable specifically for horses, Standlee also offers Hand-Selected Forage products specifically designed for small companion animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and more. These products provide softer textures and cleaner storage options for your furry friends.

If you have questions, contact the nutritionists at Standlee or consult your veterinarian.

Learn more about our hand-selected forage products & treats for small animals.