Balers and silage are nearly synonymous with Ireland and increasingly so with smaller amounts of second-cut silage heading to the pit.

One of the changes seen since the last FTMTA Farm Machinery Show has been the adoption of film-on-film technology on balers.

Silotite Ireland, along with Silawrap, is currently the main supplier of net replacement film in Ireland. Silotite Ireland general manager Sean O’Connor says that the principle behind the new tying system is that on the barrel of the bale, the plastic dispensed by the baler will give extra protection and plastic cover compared with standard net. This reduces the expansion of the bale after leaving the chamber.

Silawrap’s Maurice Keady said the bale remains tighter, reducing the amount of air in the bale and, ultimately, the development of mould.

A study carried out by the agricultural engineering research department at the University of Turin examined the potential of using film to tie bales. The test showed that the bale’s curved surface represented 62% of the total surface area, while the flat ends accounted for 38%.

The amount of airtight plastic applied over the bale surfaces with the film-tying method was 58% on the curved surface and 42% at the ends, whereas the net-tying method had 48% and 52% of the total plastic film on the curved surface and the ends respectively. So more plastic and tighter bales generally mean a better fermentation and improved ensiling.

Machine options

McHale has been using the technology effectively on the Fusion 3 Plus model for two years and now it is also available on the 5600 Plus baler.

Krone had its machine on display also, with the film-on-film unit adding around €3,000 to the cost of the new Krone Comprima X-treme, while the non-stick dispenser roller on the new Kuhn Bio is €2,000 alone.

There are mixed reports from operators. The net replacement film seems to perform well when temperatures are normal. Hot days can cause some minor problems with tearing and tack on rollers.

As with most new things, this will be improved by the film manufacturers getting the stretch and the glue right in roll. Also, the roll of net replacement film has to be changed at around 100 bales compared with every 200 bales approximately for net, so it is adding more downtime for the contractor.

Farmers are happy with the silage out of the bales, with reports of improved results.

They seem to be happy to pay more for this service to get the best silage.