Net wrap is a handy tool that can save farmers time and money. It is an easy-to-use wrap that helps keep hay or other crop products wrapped around the bale, preventing loss during transport or storage. Although it may seem like a new invention, netted wrap for round bales has been around for quite some time.
With the help of net wrap, farmers can get their crops to market quickly and efficiently without worrying about losing any of their products. This type of wrap is also great for protecting hay from the elements, as it helps to keep moisture and pests out. If you are looking for an easy way to keep your bales wrapped tightly, net wrap is the perfect solution. Let’s discuss more net wrap for round balers
How Net Wrap Works
Net wrap bales work by tightly wrapping the hay or other crop product around the bale. The net wrap is made from a strong material that can withstand the elements. When the net wrap is applied, it helps to keep the grass or other crop product in place, preventing it from falling out during transport.
Net wrapped for rolled bales typically comes in rolls placed on the bale before wrapping. The netting is then fed through a device that applies it evenly around the circumference of the bale. This process can be done by hand or with the help of a machine.
Once the netting is in place, it is vital to ensure tight and secure. This can be done by using a tie-down strap or simply pulling on the mesh until it is snug. Once the netting is closed, it will need to be cut to be removed from the bale.
It is important to note that a net wrap baler is not meant to be a permanent solution. It is intended to be used for transport or storage purposes only. Once the baler has reached its final destination, the netting can be removed and discarded. Sometimes a plastic film or other materials can be used in place of net wrap, but these are not as effective and can be more challenging to remove.
Net Wrap, Net Replacement Film or Baler Twine
There are three main types of wraps used on rolled bales
Net Wrap
Net wrap is a newer method of securing hay or other crop products. It is made from HDPE and UV stabilizers. Net wrap is applied around the outside of the bale and pulled tight. Once in place, it can be cut to remove it. This method is quicker and easier than twine, and it is also more effective at keeping grass or other crop product in place.
Net Replacement Film
Net replacement film is a new material to replace net wrap in the round silage bales. Thanks to its innovative design, this roller apparatus not only protects the bale from damage but also enhances the ensiling process by creating an additional layer of protection around it.
Baler Twine
Twine is the traditional method of securing grass or other crop products to a bale. It is typically made from natural materials, such as jute, sisal, or hemp. Twine is wrapped around the outside of the bale and tied in place. This method works well, but it can be time-consuming and challenging to remove once the bale has reached its destination.
Time That Binds
Applying net wrap to a round bale can be time-consuming, but it is well worth it. Usually, twine is used to secure the netting, adding even more time. However, machines are now available to automate the entire process, making it faster and easier.
Bales Varied in Size and Purpose Over Time
Round bales have varied over time, with some bales reaching nearly six feet in diameter. However, the average quality bale is typically between four and five feet in diameter. The size of the bale will often dictate how much hay or other crop product it can hold. Twine bales are typically smaller, while those wrapped in netting can be larger.
Round bales are typically used for feeding livestock or storing grass. They can also be used for bedding, mulch, or even fuel. The uses for rolling bales are nearly endless, so they have become so popular recently. Generally, the larger the baling, the more hay or other crop product it can hold, making them ideal for those who need to store a lot of grass.
Cost Per Bale
The cost of the net wrap can vary depending on the size of the roll and the type and quality of material used. However, it is typically between $30 and $50 per roll. This may seem like a lot, but it is well worth the investment when considering how much time and money it can save. Twine can also be used to wrap circular bales, but it is not as effective and can be more challenging to remove. The least amount of money would be needed for the twine, around $15 per roll.
Advantages Of Using Net Wrap For Round Bales
There are many advantages to using a net wrap. Perhaps the most critical advantage is that it helps keep grass or other crop products from loosening during transport or storage. Some other benefits include:
Help In Keeping Moisture Out
Bales wrapped in netting are better able to withstand the elements. This is because the mesh helps keep moisture out, which can cause the grass or other crop product to rot. Silage bales are particularly susceptible to moisture damage, so netting is often used to help keep them fresh.
Protects Against Rodents and Birds
Rodents and birds can cause a lot of damage to grass bales. They can build nests inside the bales, making it difficult to access the hay. They can also eat the grass, which can lead to a loss in nutrition for livestock such as cows. Netting helps keep rodents and birds out, so the hay is better protected.
Pest Control
Another advantage of using good-quality net wrap is that it helps to keep pests out. Mice and other small animals can cause a lot of damage to bales, but a net wrap can help keep them out. Silage wrap is also available, which is even more effective at keeping pests out. Pests can also damage a cow, so using net wrap can help keep them healthy.
Better Air Circulation
The net wrap also allows for better air circulation. This is important because it helps to keep the grass or other crop product from heating up and becoming mold. Grass wrapped in netting can also be stacked more closely together, allowing for more efficient storage.
Easy Handling
Handling rolled bales can be a dangerous and challenging task. However, a good quality net wrap can help to make it easier. The netting helps keep the bale together, making it less likely to fall apart. With less chance of the bale falling apart, it is also less likely that someone will be injured.
Ease of Use
To use a netted wrap for bales, roll it out over the top of the bale. Then, use twine or another rope to secure it in place. Some types of netting can be removed easily, while others may require more effort. However, net wrap is very easy to use and can save time and money.
Less Hay Loss
Another advantage of using net-wrapped bales is that it can help reduce hay loss. The netting helps keep the hay in place, preventing it from being blown away or lost during transport. With less hay loss, farmers can save money and time.
Greater Bale Strength
The net wrap also helps to add strength to round bales. The netting helps keep the bale together, making them less likely to fall apart. This is especially important when transporting or storing round bales. Silage bales are particularly susceptible to damage, so using a net wrap can help to keep them safe.
Fewer Damaged Bales
Because netted wrap helps to keep round bales together, it also helps to reduce the number of damaged bales. The netting prevents the bale from being blown away or lost during transport. When there are fewer damaged bales, farmers can save money and time.
UV Stabilization
Netted wrap for round bales is also UV stabilized. This means that it will not break down in the sun, making it ideal for use in all types of weather. It is also more durable than other wrap types, so it will last longer. Net-wrapped bales are also water and wind-resistant.
Over Edge Coverage
Another advantage of using a net wrap baling is providing over-edge coverage. The net baling will cover the entire bale, including the edges. This is important because it helps to keep the hay or other crop product from being blown away or lost during transport.
Some Drawback Of Net Wrap:
Although there are many advantages to using the net wrap, some drawbacks.
- One of the most significant drawbacks is that it can be more expensive than other wrap types. However, if farmers take the time to compare prices, they will likely find that the benefits of using net wrap outweigh the cost.
- It can be more challenging to remove than other types of the wrap. This is because the netting can become tangled in the bale, making it difficult to remove. However, if farmers take the time to learn how to remove the netting properly, they will likely find that it is not as difficult as it seems.
- Another factor to consider is that it can be more challenging to store. This is because the netting can take up more space than other wrap types. But, if farmers take the time to find a storage solution that works for them, they will likely find that it is not as difficult as it seems.
Wrapping it Up
Net wrap for round bales is a great way to keep your hay or other crop products safe during transport or storage. It helps to keep the product wrapped tightly around the bale, preventing loss and damage. Net wrap is also an effective way to control pests and moisture. If you are looking for an easy way to keep your bales safe, net wrap is the way to go.
