Tama Assist Preparing for Harvest: Key Crop Baling Practices for the Autumn Season
When there is weather pressure during an autumn harvest, it’s tempting to get straight to baling. However, if hay or silage crops are too damp, you risk mould and poor bale quality. Moisture is your biggest challenge at this stage.
What to do:
Wilt properly. Resist baling the crop too wet. You risk nutrient loss due to heating and fermentation problems in silage bales.
Tama’s tip:
TamaNet+ netwrap is ready for baling when you are. It wraps hay and silage bales tightly, from edge to edge. This prevents moisture penetration in hay and straw bales and tightly wraps silage bales before stretch-wrapping.
Tama bale netwraps ensure fast and effective baling, especially needed during short breaks in the autumn weather.
Uneven, small windrows slow down baling, while oversized windrows can clog the baler. Neat, even rows that match your baler’s width can ensure steady and consistent baling.
What to do:
Adjust windrow size to fit your baler. Watch as you go – as conditions change you might need to tweak your setup.
Tama’s tip:
When using baler twine, choose a product with good strength that produces reliable knots. Tama baler twine is tough enough to hold dense bales together without snapping, makes secure knots and works with all major baler brands. It is also UV-resistant, so it is suitable for outdoor storage.
When preparing for autumn harvest, plan your baling day properly and ensure storage space is ready. Don’t leave exposed bales sitting outdoors.
Once baled, hay and silage bales need to be stacked securely. Position bales to minimise rain exposure and keep elevated off damp ground and sharp objects.
What to do:
Bale fast. Choosing longer rolls of netwrap means fewer changeovers, saving time during busy harvest days. And always ensure the length you are buying is the length you actual receive.
Tama’s tip:
Tama bale stretchfilms protect bales from rain and moisture. The bale wrap seals tightly and lasts well, even in rough weather.
Small changes can impact both bale quality and field productivity.
- When planning your harvest, always check your machinery well before baling begins. Cleaning away residues and maintenance of equipment will ensure hassle-free baling.
- Assess your soil health after autumn harvesting. This can guide future fertilisation and reseeding decisions.
- If you graze livestock, adjust pasture management to protect sward health through winter.
- Where possible, sow any autumn forage crops early for the best chance to establish before colder weather sets in.
Want more tips or help choosing the right crop baling product for your autumn harvest? Contact the Tama UK team today for friendly, expert advice and product support.