Silage plastic and netting costs have a significant influence on the bottom line when making silage bales. The Irish Farmers Journal has been in contact with a range of merchants and suppliers to establish what average prices might look like for this season’s harvest.

Table 1 shows average prices from around the country for both silage wrap rolls (1,500m x 750mm) and plastic bale netting (3,600m). This year, a roll of plastic wrap has an average cost of €83.75. This price represents an increase of €2.75 on last year’s average of €81/roll.

However, some farmers and baling contractors are securing lower prices closer to last year’s levels through bulk-buying.

A pallet of 40 silage wrap rolls costs in the region of €79 to €83 per roll, with brand name dictating the price paid.

Some new releases that have not had the same level of prominence as more established brands on the Irish market can be purchased for just €78/roll currently.

The pink wrap plastic is retailing at a higher cost, but this is expected, as a percentage of the profit goes towards the Irish Cancer Society. Pink bale wrap averages €90/roll.

Prices for bale netting are quite variable this year. According to our survey, it costs €180.75 on average for 3,600m of plastic bale netting.

This is a significant rise from last year, which averaged just under €175/roll.

However, prices are ranging from €175/roll in the north to a high price of €190 in the west, which is bumping up the average cost. Again, there is scope to reduce costs through bulk-buying. Larger rolls of netting (4,500m) are coming in at an average price of €281/roll and smaller rolls of 4,000m are costing €225.

Film-on-film wrapping

Film on film is where a layer of film is used around the bale rather than net before it leaves the baling chamber.

This method is starting to become popular across the country and current prices range from €220 to €235.

This will cover between 130 to 150 bales.

It is claimed that this system helps to create a better oxygen barrier in the bale compared with plastic net, aiding better preservation.

Recycling

Another factor to note when purchasing plastic is recycling. A six-digit code comes with the silage plastic and this proves that you are purchasing levied plastic. It will be located on the docket or invoice for the plastic.

Make sure you receive this code at purchase, because it will reduce the costs of recycling significantly.