Understanding Silage Stretch Wrap Film: The Ultimate Guide for ...

Introduction to Silage Stretch Wrap Film

In the world of modern agriculture, silage stretch wrap film plays a pivotal role in ensuring the preservation and quality of silage, a key feedstock for livestock. This article delves deep into the nuances of silage stretch wrap film, shedding light on its significance, types, benefits, and best practices in usage.

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What is Silage Stretch Wrap Film?

Silage stretch wrap film is a specialized plastic film used in the agricultural sector for wrapping bales of silage. This film is designed to create an airtight seal that preserves the nutritional value of the forage by preventing spoilage. Typically made from polyethylene, silage wrap film is both durable and elastic, making it ideal for wrapping various sizes of bales securely.

Types of Silage Stretch Wrap Film

Standard Silage Film

This is the most common type of silage wrap, known for its durability and ability to withstand various weather conditions.

UV-Protected Silage Film

This variant is treated to resist degradation from ultraviolet light, making it suitable for areas with high sun exposure.

Oxygen Barrier Film

Designed to minimize oxygen permeation, this film is ideal for enhancing silage quality, particularly in high-moisture conditions.

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Key Benefits of Using Silage Stretch Wrap Film

1. Preservation of Nutritional Value: The airtight seal maintains the feed’s nutritional quality by preventing the ingress of air and moisture.
2. Protection Against Elements: The film shields the silage from rain, sun, and other environmental factors.
3. Enhanced Fermentation Process: Proper wrapping promotes anaerobic fermentation, which is crucial for silage preservation.
4. Waste Reduction: By preserving silage effectively, the film reduces waste due to spoilage.
5. Ease of Storage and Transport: Wrapped bales are easier to handle, store, and transport.

Choosing the Right Silage Stretch Wrap Film

Thickness and Durability

Selecting the appropriate thickness and durability of the film is critical for effective wrapping. A thicker film may offer better protection but can be more challenging to apply.

UV Resistance

For regions with high sunlight exposure, choosing a UV-resistant film is crucial to prevent degradation.

Oxygen Barrier Properties

Opt for films with superior oxygen barrier properties to enhance the quality of the silage.

Best Practices in Using Silage Stretch Wrap Film

1. Proper Application: Ensure the film is applied tightly and evenly around the bale to create an effective seal.
2. Layering: Applying multiple layers of film can enhance protection and durability.
3. Monitor for Damage: Regularly inspect wrapped bales for any signs of damage or air pockets.
4. Storage Conditions: Store the wrapped bales in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Environmental Considerations and Sustainability

While silage stretch wrap film is essential for modern farming, its environmental impact cannot be ignored. Innovations in biodegradable and recyclable films are emerging as sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, offering a path forward for eco-conscious farming practices.

Silage stretch wrap film is an indispensable tool in modern agriculture, providing farmers with a reliable method to preserve the nutritional value of forage. By understanding the different types of films, their benefits, and best practices in application, farmers can significantly enhance the efficiency of their silage production. As the agricultural sector evolves, the continued innovation in more sustainable and environmentally friendly silage wrap films will play a crucial role in shaping the future of farming.

North Central INConsidering a bale wrapper for this spring. I am really close to Kemco headquarters, but I'm willing to consider others. What brands are you guys using? Likes/dislikes? Why did you buy what you bought?

Also, bale film. How many bales do you get out of a roll? Dealer has Sunfilm 30"x' for $92. Not sure of brand but another dealer has it for $70. I assume 8 wraps, but does the stuff stretch? 4x5 bale would be 63 square feet per bale x 8 wraps = 504 square feet. So would it be around 24 bales per roll??

Thanks for the help!!



Mosinee WiGot a Vermeer works great no problems. 24 bales would be about right . we put a hydrolic tank on it and a slip on pto hydraulic pump so I can run it with our ford

Edited by mosinee dave 2/9/ 18:56



Central KYYour probably pretty close with your calculation on the wrap. Go with the sun film. Silage film is not a place to try and save money in my opinion.

michigan22-24 per roll. Whatever you choose. Buy as much automation as you can afford.

NWPASunfilm for sure. How may bales a yr. I have a Vermeer bale squeezer thing I would go without. We move and stack with it spbwrapper doesn't need moved. One of the end squeezer ones would prob be even better yet. Ours is more of a craddle.

We just have a old simple wrapper I agree automation would be nice

candor nyLook around my wrap for this season is 78 a roll and its sunfilm

SE IowaI have a kemco wrapper I'm satisfied with it few things I would change but I think the new models did improve. I like it that they can wrap larger bales both round and square, and are priced lower then others

SW MOGet and anderson bale wrapper. And get the sunfilm dont skip on plastic.

Southern IndianaI have been wrapping hay for 10 years and here in the armpit of the Ohio Valley it is the only way to make quality !st Cutting. Anderson inline wrapper is the only way to go and sunfilm seems to be the best, most consistent plastic. Above all do not skimp on the plastic. 7 wraps minimum and I don't fuss if we get 8. A friend of mine just bought a Kemco and I think he will be sorry. You get what you pay for. The only issue I have is if I put the bales along the back 40 or somewhere there is very little human activity I have problems with owls, hawks, and other varmints tearing the plastic between the bales. I had 400 bales next to a county road and have never had that first tear.

N E IllinoisI use ultra 5. Haven't priced yet. I use a taarup individual wrapper. Is sun film better?The fellow that wraps our hay uses a Kemco. Other than that I don't know much about them.

UP of Michigan- North coast of USAYour calculations sound about right. I have a Tanco I bought in . Well built machine. Have made a few improvement / repairs over the years. No automation on mine, would be nice to have as long as its dependable. Have used sunfilm a number of times over the years and had a lot more breakage issues while wrapping. It gets old quick getting on and off the tractor to monkey with poor plastic. I would talk with your neighbors and see what they use. I am currently using some made in Hudson Wi. Seems to work pretty good. Cant think of the name right now. Have you thought of an inline? Much faster and less plastic. Again more $ tho. Good luck on your decision. Looked up Kemco bale wrappers, I see they are inline not individual. Sorry about that. Getting dorky I guess. Plastic statement still stands. Perhaps individual wrappers are more finiky on plastic.

Edited by Yooperwing 2/10/ 08:17
FiveRow
Posted 2/10/ 12:53 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: RE: Poll for those that wrap balage

Central ILWe have a Kemco Pro2. Overall, very happy with it. It has many improvements over the first Kemco we had. The guys at the factory are great to work with. We switched to a Kemco wrapper from a Reeves because it would wrap a much wider range of bale sizes.

They recommend using 1.5 mil plastic instead of 1 mil, and I would agree. We ran one pallet worth of 1 mil plastic through it this past year and there was a noticeable difference in how many times we tore plastic as it was going on, as well as how the bales looked as they came out of the wrap this winter. Normally we use Sunfilm Gold Max 1.5mil or AgriSeal 1.5mil. 22-25 bales per roll is a good estimate at 6-8 layers.

wbstofer
Posted 2/10/ 19:14 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: RE: Poll for those that wrap balage