Germany

Two methods of conserving silage are most commonly used in Germany: clamp silage and bale silage. The crops used for silage are grass and, to some extent, maize although maize is more often clamped than baled. Broad estimates indicate that 20 – 30% of silage is baled in Germany.

Cuts — regional difference

In Germany, the number of cuts depends on the region and climate and varies between three and five. In the North sometimes only two cuts can be taken. Whereas in the South, better weather conditions and longer summers sometimes mean even five cuts can be taken.

In practice, the first cut is often used for clamp silage, and the subsequent cuttings are processed as bale silage.

Number of layers — different opinions

Six layers are generally considered to be the optimal standard and guarantee high quality silage and offer security regarding density and handling. Nevertheless, many practitioners use only four layers mainly for short term cost and waste considerations. There are also departures from this standard in favour of more layers: especially when silage is used for animals sensitive to mould as horses, pregnant animals or sheep up to eight layers are used.

Silage Film — mostly lightly-coloured

White, green and black stretch films can be found in practice. White films are most commonly used whereas black films are used much less frequently. The demand of green films is increasing as it is considered to blend in with the landscape.

According to Agravis-Raiffeisen AG, one of the biggest primary cooperatives in Germany, white film has a market share of 50%, green film of 40% and black film of 10%. Besides aesthetics, consequences for the ensiling process and the price are also critical in the buying decision.

More round bales, but trend towards square bales

Estimates on the proportion of round versus square vary from 60% round – 40% square, to 80% round – 20% square, although with regional differences. In mountainous regions as the Eifel or the Black Forest, almost exclusively round bales are used. However, the trend is towards square bales. They are already successful in regions where there are a lot of contractors because of the high efficiency of the balers and where straw is baled.

< back