Approximately 19 million grass silage bales are made in Ireland on an annual basis, which is a figure that is likely to increase significantly.
As a consequence, this specific form of conserved fodder will remain a critically important winter feed source.
Driving this will be the continuing development of baling and wrapping technologies – the now almost common use of inoculant applicators on baler/wrappers illustrates this perfectly.
Grass bale weights are also increasing, with 750kg now commonly achieved on Irish farms. Significantly, this weight of bale can still be obtained after a 24-hour grass wilt.
The reality is that well-made grass bales are probably the highest quality winter forage source now available on Irish livestock farms.
Chopping, inoculant application, and the enhanced compaction capacity of modern balers combine to deliver optimal fermentation conditions while also delivering a ‘zero waste’ scenario.
Silage research
Significant investment and research into the development of bale wrapping materials has also helped to secure the enhanced quality forage that baled silages now represent.
Sales director for Berry Global’s Silotite brand in the UK, Ireland, Pacific, and Asia, Lloyd Dawson told Agriland: “Recent years have been marked by a step forward in the development of bale wrap films that deliver enhanced silage quality. This is a 100% recyclable polythene film.”
Another example of innovation driving the quality of baled silage, is the growing use of film-on-film technologies.
“Using film, instead of netting, to initially bind the bale has many advantages. In the first instance, the applied film is creating an oxygen barrier from the very outset,” Dawson continued.
“This has an immediate and beneficial impact on the fermentation processes taking places within the bale. Subsequently, a lower number of film layers [is] required to provide the totally anaerobic conditions required within the bale.
“Finally, baler net cannot be recycled; in contrast the bale wrap films manufactured by Berry Global are 100% recyclable,” he said.
According to Dawson, the introduction of Silotite to the British and Irish market helped revolutionise bale wrapping, pushing forward the market for sustainable products.
By engaging directly with the farming community and working closely with key research establishments to undertake commercial scale trials, Berry claims that its product developments are both scientifically grounded and closely aligned with the sector’s needs.
Approximately 16,000t of bale wrap is used across the island of Ireland on an annual basis.
Dawson continued: “Silotite is now sold in 75 countries around the world, however, Ireland has always been synonymous with the use of baled silage at farm level.
“Future developments regarding the size of silage bales and the range of forages ensiled within them are on the horizon.
“These breakthroughs will help to make livestock production a more sustainable option in countries around the world.”
Every tonne of polythene recycled saves 1.8t of crude oil, reduces energy usage by two thirds, entails 90% less water and cuts sulphur dioxide emissions by 33%, according to Berry.
Useful products manufactured from recycled bale wrap include agricultural slats, farm fencing, and garden furniture.
“We remain committed to providing farmers with cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency, promote sustainability, and contribute to their success,” Dawson added.