Originally Posted by
doubledip1
Where in the US do you live? I live in NY, and am totally fine to store plenty of COMPLETELY DRIED hay.
To thoroughly dry hay, you need to let it sit out in a dry field for at least a week after it has been cut. Make sure to flip it over and rake it so it dries underneath also. You can store it after you bale it as long as you let it cure (dry) properly. Hay fires ("spontaneous combustion") start because of green hay. Can you install a ceiling fan in your shed?
If you're using the hay for your goats, second-cut hay is like candy, so be mindful of that.
I can't help you on your composting issues: I never let any hay go to waste, it all goes straight into my horse's belly! :-)