The Prospect of Bale Wrap in Hay Baling

Having a baler with net wrap allows you to bale more hay at a time. It increases your productivity and minimises the number of bales you have to rotate. The net wrap also increases your baling efficiency by up to 35 percent.

Using bale wrap in hay baling can offer several benefits to farmers and ranchers. These benefits include reducing leaf loss, preventing ground moisture from wicking up the bottom of the bale, and minimising the costs associated with using hay baling twine.

Net wrap vs twine

A net wrap baler also allows you to bale more bales in one hour than you would with a twine baler. It means less fuel consumption and less time spent on the tractor. Using a net wrap baler can also be a great option for small and custom operators.

Another advantage to using a net wrap baler is that it can reduce dry matter loss. It is because the bales are more stable during storage. It also improves water shedding. The net wrap allows for more rainwater to be shed from the bales. It can help prevent nutrient loss and spoilage.

Another advantage of using a net wrap baler is that it reduces labour costs. Because the bales are less likely to break, you will spend less time and money on labour.

You will also save on fuel costs because the net wrap reduces the amount of turning your baler needs. The twine baler requires you to turn it 15 to 30 times before it’s finished. It can add up to a lot of wasted fuel. A net wrap baler can bale up to 32% more bales per hour.

The decision to use net wrap or twine in your baler should be based on the location of your forage storage. It will affect your labour costs, fuel costs, and hay’s nutritional value. Also, choose the baler based on your feeding plans.

During the winter, removing net wrap from the bales can be difficult. It would be best if you always tried to remove it before feeding the animal the hay. It can reduce the risk of spoilage and improve the hay quality. You can also use a hot knife to remove more tangled net wrap.

Net wrap balers are also more aesthetically pleasing to buyers. The bales have a better shape and are more uniform. They are also easier to handle and move.

Reduces leaf loss

Using bale wrap in hay baling improves bale conservation and lowers leaf loss. However, bales must be wrapped properly and stored in the appropriate location. In addition, these practices will reduce the likelihood of botulism poisoning if a bale is fed to livestock.

Whether using a breathable film, a plastic roll, or an in-line wrapper, these techniques will help reduce the amount of leaf loss. They also help to minimise heating and deformation. A breathable film is a good choice because it sheds water effectively and allows water vapour to escape. It would be best if you used the plastic roll applicator according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It would be best if you also clean it periodically.

When baling, make sure that the moisture content is below 35 percent. A moisture content higher than this can cause mildew growth. It can also affect the quality of hay. Heavy rainfall can strip away carbohydrates, B vitamins, and soluble minerals, and high moisture content can also increase the likelihood of mould growth.

For storage, bales should not be exposed to air for more than two days. The daytime temperature should be below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If the daytime temperature exceeds 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the bales should be moved to a cool storage location.

Bales should also be stored where they are protected from moisture, punctures, and birds. If possible, bales should be stored 10 feet from a wildlife shelter. Bales should also be wrapped to minimise the likelihood of oxygen intrusion. If there are holes in the plastic wrap, you may need to repair them with two layers of silage tape.

Wrapping with a net mesh will reduce the amount of leaf loss. This method also minimises the number of revolutions necessary to wrap the bale. The net wrap also maintains the integrity of the plastic.

It is also important to ensure that the plastic roll applicator is clean and adhesive-free. If adhesive accumulates, the bale wrapper may not work as well. Also, be sure that the plastic roll applicator is positioned at least one inch apart.

It prevents ground moisture from wicking up the bottom

Keeping your hay off the ground can help reduce the risk of spoilage. If stored improperly, hay can be damaged by excessive moisture and rodents. But with a little planning, you can keep your hay off the ground and out of the elements.

While plastic may be cheaper, keeping hay off the ground may still be a concern. However, you may be able to lower storage losses by two-thirds if you store the bales in an indoor facility. If you store your hay indoors, patch any large gaps in your walls. Also, keep your floor dry by installing roof gutters.

Another important step is to stack your bales in a pyramid formation. It can help keep moisture off the bottom of your hay bales and may help prevent moisture from coming up into the top layer.

For additional protection, you may consider using straw bales as a base layer. These bales add a layer of protection and allow air circulation under the bottom tier of the stack.

Another way to help prevent ground moisture from entering your hay is to place a tarp between your hay and the ground. It prevents moisture from coming up from the bottom of your hay and helps to dry your bales. However, it is also important to remember that the moisture may wick up into the hay.

If you are going to store your hay off the ground, many low-cost solutions are available. For example, you can purchase wood pallets or railroad ties.

Cost

Several factors affect the cost of bale wrap in hay baling. For example, the type of baler used will influence the binding material. Also, the length of time the bales will be stored will affect the number of layers required.

In addition, researchers studied the forage quality of bales that had been wrapped or unwrapped. The researchers found that bales wrapped in B-Wrap had greater non-structural carbohydrates than twine-tied bales after one year. They found that bales wrapped with B-Wrap had less water penetration than twine-tied bales.

Researchers also found that the bales wrapped at 36% moisture had higher internal temperatures than bales wrapped at 35%. Researchers also found that bales wrapped later had greater mould and lower forage quality than those wrapped simultaneously.

These studies provide information to help farmers decide the best type of bale wrap for their hay baling operation. The decision will depend on the forage type, the location of the forage storage, and the feeding plan.