hayloft

A hayloft is the upper storage area of a barn or shed used mainly to hold hay and sometimes straw or other forage. It is typically located above the animals' living spaces or the ground-floor workspace and is accessed from the main floor by a ladder, stairs, or a pulley and hoist system.

Construction varies by region and era; traditional haylofts are framed with timber floors or planked floors supported by joists. Some barns have a removable or hinged floor boards to allow hay to be hoisted directly from ground level via a pulley. The loft is often partially enclosed with walls to protect stored hay from wind and rain, while openings allow airflow to help dry hay.

Function and usage: The primary function is storage of hay for winter feeding; straw may be stored there for bedding. Proper ventilation reduces moisture and mold; overheating hay can pose spontaneous combustion risk; keep humidity moderate; avoid contact with livestock to prevent trampling.

History and terminology: In English-speaking regions, the term haymow or mow refers to the hay storage area; hayloft is common in American usage, while haymow is more common in rural English usage. Many traditional barns with a mow have a ramp or grain chute to move hay between storeys.

Modern use and safety: Modern barns may use metal or concrete lofts; some haylofts are repurposed for equipment storage or living space; safety features include firebreaks, electrical wiring safety, and controlled ventilation.