Silage wrap & net wrap are the most commonly used material for forage/crop packaging and preservation.
Silage Wrap
It is also called bale wrap, silage film, or plastic stretch film, which is made from quality LLDPE particles, with UV stabilizers inside to improve outdoor stability.
So far, this type of film has primarily displaced traditional methods of preserving hay, such as using tarps or hay bales without any covering.
Specifications
Typically, silage wrap is thicker and stronger than net wrap, making it more durable.
It naturally comes in rolls that are about 5,000 feet long. Most silage wraps can be used for up to 12 months before being replaced. Bale wrap made by DeereBaleWrap can be stored for 24 months in an outdoor environment.
In terms of width, it is typically 10 inches, 20 inches, and 30 inches (250mm, 500mm, and 750mm).
The length of the roll will vary depending on the manufacturer, mostly with 1500m, and 1800m (5000ft, 5900ft, etc.), which can be customized to any length per the client’s request.
The colors are White, Black, Green, or pink. There are now several different colors available on the market, which can be used to match better the surroundings.
Pros
- The wrap is strong and durable, ideal for wrapping hay or straw.
- It can protect the bales from molding and absorbing shocks during transport, significantly increasing its utility.
- Silage film is available in a wide range of colors, which can help match the surrounding environment or ensure high visibility.
Cons
- Compared to net wrap, silage film can be more expensive.
- It is thicker and heavier, making it more challenging for the balers to handle when wrapping bales.
- Silage wrap can be more difficult to find, as it is typically not as widely available as a net wrap.
Features
Every type of silage wrap will have a few key features in common, setting them apart. These include:
Stability
The material used in silage wrap is designed to be stable, meaning that it will not break down or degrade for a long time. This ensures that the wrap will protect the bales from mold and shock.
UV Resistance
All silage films are processed with a UV stabilizer, which helps prevent the wrap from breaking down or deteriorating quickly when exposed to the sun’s UV rays.
Water Resistance
Silage wraps are also typically coated with a particular material that prevents them from absorbing water, which can cause mold growth if bales are left outside for long periods.
Benefits
There are many benefits to using silage wrap over other wrapping materials when wrapping bales of hay or straw. These benefits include:
Fit Most Harvesters
Silage film wrap is designed to fit most standard-sized harvesters, making it easy to use for both large and small farms alike. It also does not require any special equipment, making it easier to use than other wrap types.
Low Maintenance
Silage film requires very little maintenance compared to net wrap or other square bales wrapping materials. It is quick and straightforward to install and can be left on the square bales for long periods without degradation.
Improved Crop Quality
Silage wrap is designed to keep square bales of hay or straw protected from both moisture and UV damage, which helps to ensure that the bales retain their original color and flavor. This can help to increase the crop’s overall value and quality, even when stored outside for long periods.
Net Wrap
It is also called bale net, or bale net wrap, which is made from quality HDPE particles, with UV stabilizers inside to improve outdoor stability.
Net wrap is a specialized form of plastic sheeting used in agriculture. It is wrapped around a bale of hay or straw to preserve freshness and nutritional value. It is also used to keep wet hay from molding and to absorb shocks that can otherwise cause damage during transport (and therefore reduce waste).
Specifications
Concerning net wrap, the most common width is 1230mm, and 1250mm. 1300mm, 1630mm, 1700mm (48 inch, 51 inch, 64 inch and 67 inch), etc.
The length of the roll will vary depending on the manufacturer, mostly with 2000m, 3000m 3600m, 4000m, and 4500m (5000ft, 7000ft, 8000ft, 9840ft, 11800ft, 13000ft, etc.), which can be customized to any length per the client’s request.
The most common colors are including but are not limited to White, Blue, Green, Orange, American Flag pattern, Red White, and blue, etc.
Sometimes net wrap should not be used on its own to bale wrap of hay. Instead, it should be used with another material, such as twine or bale wrap. This will help keep the round balers in place and prevent slipping or coming undone.
Net wrap is typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a form of very strong and durable plastic. It is usually coated with additives that allow it to resist UV radiation better and prevent it from absorbing water. Tear resistance is also an essential factor, mainly when the net wrap is used for baling hay or straw.
Pros
- Net wrap is easier to find and typically has lower prices than bale wrap.
- It is also lighter and thinner, making it easier to handle when wrapping bales.
- A net wrap can help keep wet hay from molding and absorb shocks during transport.
Cons
- Compared to silage film, the net wrap is typically not as strong or durable.
- It may be more prone to slipping or tearing when used with wet hay or straw.
- Low-quality net wrap may absorb water, leading to mold growth if the bales are exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period.
Feature
As with silage film, all types of net wrap will have a few key features in common, which help set them apart. These include:
High Tensile Strength
Net wrap is designed to be strong and durable, with a high strength that helps to keep bales securely wrapped. However, it is essential to note that not all net wraps are created equal, and some may be more prone to breaking or tearing than others.
High UV Resistance
All net wraps are processed with UV stabilizers, it prevents the wrap from breaking down or deteriorating quickly when exposed to the sun’s UV rays.
Water-resistance
Like silage film, a net wrap is also typically added with a particular material that prevents it from absorbing water, which can cause mold growth if bales are left outside for long periods.
Benefits
The net wrap also has a few benefits that make it a good choice for wrapping bales of hay or straw. These benefits include:
Ease oF Use
Net wrap is very easy to use, as it can be quickly and easily applied by round balers. It is also easy to cut and remove, making it a good choice for farmers who need to access their bales regularly.
Security
The net wrap provides a high level of security for bales, as it is challenging to remove once it has been applied. This can help prevent theft or vandalism and keep animals from getting into the bales.
Affordability
Net wrap is generally cheaper than other bale wrapping materials, making it a cost-effective option for farmers. So, depending on your needs and budget, either silage wrap or net wrap may be a good choice for you. Both can help to effectively protect bales from mold, shock, and other damage over time.
Comparison Between Silage Wrap & Net Wrap
A round bale is a type of hay bale typically cylindrical in shape. Round bales are often wrapped in plastic, which helps preserve the freshness and nutritional value of the hay.
Whereas square bale hay can be stacked, round bales must be laid on their sides, so many farmers prefer the convenience and durability of plastic wrap. Both silage wrap and net wrap are available in round and square bale versions.
There are a few key differences when comparing silage wrap and net wrap. These include:
Durability
Silage wrap is typically more durable (up to 24 months UV stability) than net wrap due to its thicker and more substantial material. In contrast, a net wrap can be prone to tearing or slipping, primarily when used with wet hay or straw.
Color Choices
Silage wrap usually is white, black, or green, although some manufacturers also offer colored options for increased visibility. In contrast, the net wrap can not only be single colors like black/white/green but also two or three color combinations are available on different rolls.
Material
To effectively prevent mold and absorbing shock, silage wrap is typically made from quality LLDPE with UV stabilizers. In contrast, net wrap is usually made from HDPE.
Applications
In general, silage film is most commonly used for baling hay or straw, whereas net wrap is used to secure hay or straw and prevent it from coming into contact with the air.
However, a net wrap can also keep wet hay from molding and absorb shocks during transport.
Future Trends
As the demand for wrapping materials continues to grow, a few future trends will likely emerge in the coming years. These include:
More Sustainable Materials
There is a growing trend towards using more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials for wrapping bales, such as jute or hemp. These materials are more resistant to mold and other damage types than traditional plastic-based wraps.
Increased Automation
We will likely see an increased use of automated wrapping equipment in the future, which can help to speed up the overall wrapping process for farmers. This could automatically attach the net wrap to bales or spray silage wrap with UV protection.
Improved Durability
Wrapping materials are constantly being improved and developed to offer better durability and protection for bales. This means that we can expect wraps to last longer and be more resistant to damage in the future, making them a more cost-effective option for farmers. So, as the demand for wrapping materials continues to grow in the coming years, we can expect to see more advances in this field that will help to make wrapping bales a faster and more efficient process.
Conclusion
Wrapping bales of hay or straw is a vital part of the farming process, as it helps to protect the crop from damage. There are some different wrapping materials available on the market, each with benefits and drawbacks.
The above information provides a brief overview of some of the most popular wrapping materials and future trends that are likely to emerge in this field. So, whether you’re looking for an easy-to-use wrap or something more durable, there will be a material that will suit your needs.
