Silage film is increasingly becoming a viable option for hay baling, and experts are pitching on the reasons why farmers must start using it.
Although there are a few material options for baling hay, silage film by NetWrap remains one of the most practical to use. It is a simple, no-brainer choice. One of the best features of silage film is that it allows you to bale hay and store it for long periods without getting up close and personal with round baling twine. This material works by creating a sealed chamber around your baled hay so that any moisture cannot penetrate it.
Although silage film may seem like a great option to use, there are some things that you will need to consider before deciding on whether or not this is the best material for your operation. Below, we take a look at three reasons why you should and shouldn’t use silage film in your hay baler.
1. CONVENIENCE FOR THE OPERATOR
Although silage film may not cost as much as hay twine, this material still incurs a small price tag for the amount you will use to bale your hay. The truth is that you will be saving money in the long run by not using round baling twine because it is cheap and doesn’t require any additional equipment to hold it together.
One of the biggest concerns that most hay producers have with NetWrap is getting entangled, resulting in frustration on the individual producing hay. By using silage film, you can avoid wrapping yourself up in a tangled mess and still be able to bale a good amount of hay each day.
2. DISPOSING OF THE WASTE MATERIAL
Using silage film to bale your hay does create waste material, which most farmers don’t want to deal with or see in their barns. If you plan to use this type of film, make sure that you place the excess in a designated spot outside your barn. Silage film, like most plastic products, will take much longer than hay twine to break down. As the material breaks down, it will create a sticky residue that attracts flies and other insects.
Another downside associated with using silage film to bale hay is sanitation concerns. When you are using silage film, you will be trapping moisture inside of the bale. Moisture is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mould and mildew to start growing on your hay as well as within the film itself.
3. FOR MINIMAL EFFECTIVE DENSITY BALES
Finally, if you are thinking about using silage film for bales, make sure that you are doing so to create a more effective bale. While this material will provide a barrier against moisture loss, it won’t help your hay maintain its density over time.
As mentioned above, plastic is not ideal when preserving an item for extended periods. Silage film may be a good option for those farmers that want to bale hay and store it for only a few days. However, suppose you are looking to produce hay for winter feeding. In that case, this material should not be used as part of your operation.
The bottom line is there are both pros and cons associated with silage film. Our advice is to conduct your research before deciding whether this is the best material to use for baling hay.
