OK - with dirt you can save the money it would cost for rubber mats, though it's really nice to have rubber mats even on a dirt floor. Is damp an issue down there in the hay area?
I think deaconjim has left for home! (he was posting from work). As for damp. We havent had a problem with damp. We dont store much at the moment and make at least once a week trips to our feed and supply place. We then buy in bulk for all of our animals! I think we keep the place in business : )