Survey shows change in attitude toward big bale silage (September 2004)
A new survey carried out by Dow has shown an increase in the number of layers of film used to wrap silage bales – and the growing use of coloured (mainly white or green) films.
The survey of more than 200 farmers and contractors, conducted through Farm Contractor magazine, found that over a third of those wrapping bales now use six layers of film on at least some of their silage bales. In total, the percentage of bales wrapped with six or eight layers rose three per cent between the 2002 and 2003 seasons.
Four layers of wrap has been standard in the UK and Ireland for many years but the survey shows a clear trend for using more. It suggests producers are beginning to feel that four layers doesn’t provide an adequate air barrier in some high dry matter silages, and a sharp increase in haylage, which is more prone to spoilage, backs this theory.
Colour choice showed a small but significant shift. There was a 1.5 per cent drop in the amount of black film used, taken up instead by mostly green – and some white – films.
The survey also revealed some interesting perceptions about bale spoilage. Poor quality of film itself was seen as a major cause of spoilage, rather than recognition that using the wrong type of film, overstretching, poor handling, and wrapping in wet weather could all affect performance.
< back
