Better Bale Storage

Author: 
Silage Advisory Centre

The grass silage making season may be drawing to a close but the hard work required to produce good quality baled silage isn’t over quite yet. How you store and care for your bales is just as important as how you make and wrap them. To remind ourselves of some important do’s and don’ts, we catch up with a silage stretch film expert, bpi.agri - one of the world’s leading manufacturers of silage balewrap and silage sheeting.

“All too often bale storage and care is seen as something of an afterthought,” explains Bob Kingsland, Technical Consultant at bpi.agri. “That’s a mistake. Some of the most important processes involved in producing good quality baled silage, like fermentation, take place during bale storage. To maximise the yields and nutritional value of their silage, whilst minimising losses such as those caused by white mould, farmers need to remember a few important points.

“Sticking to these pointers really can make a big difference” he continues. “When all your bales are wrapped it is essential to store them correctly and not to leave them exposed.  Being aware of the damage that can be caused when transferring bales from machine to storage and also knowing that location is vital, is key to a successful season.  Adhering to the following rules will give farmers and contractors the best chance of achieving quality feed and ensuring their initial hard work is not wasted.”Storing silage

 

Tips for success

bpi.agri’s advice for better bale handling and storage takes the form of a number of easily remembered tips: 

  1. “The air tight seal created around a bale by its bale wrapping film is of paramount importance” explains Bob. “Damage this and you are damaging your chances of success. Having created bales, you need to ensure they’re handled with care to prevent this seal being punctured by protruding objects - whether that’s part of your machinery or something as seemingly innocuous as grass stubble.”
  2. “Following on from the above, when moving bales by trailer make sure you cover any sharp edges with tarpaulin or matting” says Bob. “Any damage that does occur must be repaired immediately using a suitable UV-protected tape.”
  3. “Make sure you use the right tools for the job’’ explains Bob. “For instance, with round bales use a cradle-type bale handler and never use a spike to move bales prior to stacking.”
  4. Bob points out that there’s also a very real need to think about your storage site. “As your storage site will be home to your bales for a good number of months” he says, “it’s worth taking the time and effort to get it right. Be sure that the ground is well drained and level and check that the site and surrounding area is free from sharp objects which may puncture the bale wrapping film.”
  5. Actual location of the site is just as important. “It needs to be away from trees and very exposed areas” explains Bob. “It also needs to be located away from water courses. If in any doubt, your local water authority will be able to give you more specific guidance.”
  6. “Always stack your bales as soon as possible after wrapping and certainly within 24 hours” continues Bob. “Don’t stack them more than three bales high. Bales of low dry matter should be stored in a single layer as, being heavier they can squash bales at the bottom causing them to ‘blow’ their balewrap seal.”
  7. “Remember that all bales, and field-wrapped bales in particular, are prone to bird damage from the moment they are wrapped” says Bob. “To protect them during storage, you should cover them with a close woven polypropylene net. Support this net so that it is not in direct contact with the surface of the bales otherwise birds will simply be able to reach through it. Also be sure to secure the net at ground level.”
  8. “Sometimes it’s not just birds you need to worry about. Vermin can prevent a risk too. If they gnaw through the film, they’ll compromise the bale’s air seal. As such, it can be worth placing weather-protected vermin bait stations around the stack perimeter, remembering to replenish them as necessary. It also makes sense to keep farm and domestic animals such as cats away from the bales as they too can damage the bale wrapping film.”
  9. “Always prevent fertilisers, herbicides, mineral oils and other similar substances from coming into contact with the bales” explains Bob. “These substances can damage or degrade the bale wrapping film.”
  10. “Having taken all the steps above, the final thing you need to do is keep an eye on your bales” concludes Bob. “Don’t just store them and forget them. Instead, check them regularly for any damage and re-seal if necessary.Follow this point along with all the others and you’ll ensure that the effort you invested into creating silage bales doesn’t goes to waste - and more of your silage remains as valuable, nutritious winter fodder.”

 

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