What is a Bale Wrapper?

A bale wrap is an agricultural tool used to bundle or wrap bales. This machine has several types, including one that uses sisal twine or plastic stretch film. These wrappers enclose bales in plastic so they can be used as silage.

Net wrap vs twine

There are a few different wrap options when you want to store hay. Two of them are twine and net wrap. The two types differ in many ways. Twine is cheaper to use than a net wrap but also slower. Net wrap is quicker, easier to remove, and more durable.

One of the most significant advantages of net wrap is that it increases the integrity of the bale. It reduces dry matter loss, spoilage, and storage costs. While some of these losses are related to the weather, others are due to microbial activity. As a result, the quality of the hay is affected.

The net wrap also increases the efficiency of the process. Depending on the size of your operation, it can produce up to 30 per cent more bales per hour. In addition, it has better water-shedding abilities, which helps to prevent rain from soaking through the net.

Another benefit of bale wrap is that it reduces the chances of holes in the film. The net wrap can keep the bales in good shape, making them more appealing to buyers. However, it’s essential to know that some producers hesitate to use it for several reasons.

Some bales may freeze hard to the ground when wrapped with net wrap. It could damage your balers and machinery. A solution is to leave the net wrap on and grind the bales with a small screen.

For smaller operations, twine is an excellent choice. But it isn’t the best choice for more extensive functions. Instead, the cortex NETEXX Net Wrap, for example, is a better option for various applications.

As you can see, how to wrap your hay depends on where you’re storing it, the type of forage, and your feeding plans.

Plastic stretch film vs sisal twine

You have several options if you want to wrap your bales in plastic. For example, you can use sisal twine or a plastic stretch film. These bale wraps are designed to help your bales remain fresh and damaged-free.

In addition to keeping your bales airtight, the plastic stretch film protects them from sunlight. The white colour of the film reflects light to keep bugs from tampering with your forage.

Another type of film is blown film, which is a little more expensive but offers excellent tearing resistance. It’s especially effective at holding up on corners.

Many other kinds of bale wrap exist, but choosing the right product is essential to prevent damage and keep your forage fresh. By selecting the right one, you can minimise costs and maintain the quality of your feed. But which is the best? A little research can help you find the right product for you. When choosing a bale wrap, research the features, benefits, and advantages of each.

Limiting the availability of oxygen

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of limiting oxygen availability on the storage and fermentation of baled alfalfa hay. This study assessed the results of a prototype bale wrap with an O2-limiting barrier on preserving baled alfalfa silage against a similar polyethylene film without an O2-limiting hindrance.

In determining the magnitude of the O2 limitation effect, a large-round bale of alfalfa was wrapped in a plastic film within four hours of baling. Samples of the resulting bales were collected at two different times.

The time delay did not affect the final pH of the baled silages. However, it was observed that the internal bale temperature was reduced with a longer wait. It resulted in a lactic acid response to the wrapping delay.

The O2 limitation effect was not apparent with the ADICP or NDICP. It may be because the responses of both compounds were difficult to relate to the impact of the wrapping time delay.

Oxygen exclusion is a critical component in silage preservation. It is essential to maintain the nutrient value of the crop. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to consider the feasibility of an oxygen-limiting barrier.

Several studies have evaluated the effects of O2 on the aging of baled hay. One of these reports found a less acidic pH for barley silage. A second study reported the same result in perennial ryegrass.

Recyclability

There are many ways to dispose of agricultural plastics. The problem is that the amount of plastics farmers must dispose of is enormous. In addition to that, film plastics don’t fit well in trash trucks. They tangle up in the running gear, making it hard for staff to get in and out.

Another way to dispose of agricultural plastics is to burn them. However, burning large amounts of the wrap can harm the environment. It also emits smoke and particulates. So instead, a more environmentally friendly option is to take it to a landfill. This way, the land will not be restricted, and there will be less impact on the local environment.

Another way to get rid of farm plastics is through Cleanfarms. This non-profit organisation recycles farm plastics and runs pilot projects to learn how to collect better, process, and recycle these materials. Their first pilot project launches next week.

Cleanfarms’ goal is to make waste recycling more accessible to farmers. Using this model, farmers can bring their used plastic to the collection sites and recycle it at no charge. By doing so, they reduce their disposal costs and the environmental impacts of their operations.

One major challenge to recycling agricultural plastics is cleaning the film. If the film isn’t clean, it can be challenging to process. Fortunately, Cross Wrap machines are designed to remove debris from the movie and ensure safe, efficient, and automated operations. These machines are widely used in over 60 countries and feature several intelligent operation models to increase productivity and safety.

A new project is underway in Wisconsin to improve the handling of silage wrap. Erica Pansini, an environmental engineer at the University of Guelph, works on a biodegradable plastic-like wrap. She plans to develop a product that works well for livestock and composting.