Silage Stretch Film: Airtight Baling for Higher Quality Feed

Good silage begins in the field, but its quality is further enhanced through careful wrapping of silage bales. Once the crop is baled, the only thing that stands between a valuable feed source and spoiled silage is a silage protection film that keeps air out. The right silage stretch film is not just a bale covering. It maintains the anaerobic environment that allows proper fermentation and nutrient preservation.

Many farmers notice that even with good fodder and careful baling, the quality of their silage varies once the bales are opened. In most cases, the difference lies in how well the wrap performs during fermentation and storage.

Silage fermentation depends on an airtight seal. This airtight seal is needed for lactic acid bacteria to convert natural sugars into acids. These acids lower the bale pH, which stabilises the forage. When exposed to air, harmful bacteria and moulds develop, reducing the palatability and nutritional value of the silage. Poor quality silage stretch film, or film applied unevenly, allows oxygen to slip in and ruin that process.

A dependable silage protection film keeps oxygen out and prevents moisture or light from degrading nutrients.

• It supports the entire fermentation process
• It ensures stable, sweet-smelling forage, palatable to livestock.

Silage losses are not always visible. If air leaks into the silage bale, it can lead to heat generation and a reduction in digestibility due to the degradation of especially the protein component of the feed.

Using a strong, UV-stabilised agricultural stretch film helps avoid these issues. Films designed specifically for baled silage have the stretch and cling needed to secure a seal during handling, in humidity and with temperature fluctuations.
This makes a difference to silage quality, especially where bales are stored outdoors or for long periods.