Net wrap is the preferred baling material for large round bales. While more expensive than twine, its faster baling speed, improved baling integrity, lower losses and decreased dry matter loss when stored outdoors make it worth the additional investment.
Many producers are concerned about the long-term effects of net wrap on cattle diets. A study conducted at Montana State University indicates that approximately half of the net wrap ingested from commercial cow feeds accumulates in the animal’s rumen.
Durability
Net wrap is an incredibly reliable option for wrapping round bales. Unlike traditional twine, net wrap will not break or tear under extreme conditions and offers superior protection during handling and transport.
Net wrap may be more expensive than twine, but it can be worth the investment in certain circumstances. It is usually faster to bale and may reduce dry matter loss during transport. Furthermore, it helps preserve nutrient quality when stored indoors or outdoors.
Some net wrap products can also shield hay and straw from bird and rodent damage, which is especially helpful for farmers who sell their produce directly to consumers who may not be aware of the potential harm these creatures can do.
B-Wrap, marketed as a breathable wrap, is another breathable material designed to shed precipitation and allow water vapour to escape through tiny pores on the surface. It eliminates condensation issues.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota examined changes to dry matter loss and forage quality from bales bound by twine, net wrap and B-Wrap after they had been stored outdoors for an extended period. They discovered that bales bound in breathable wrap had lower moisture concentration than their twine or net-wrap counterparts at harvest and after 90 days of storage.
When storing harvested hay, producers must prioritise minimising nutrient loss. While there are various storage methods, producers should adhere to best practices when wrapping and storing their bales to maximise yield and quality.
Strength
Several factors determine net wrap strength, including the quality of its raw materials and production process. For instance, the higher-grade resin will be stronger than the lower grades, and the thickness and weight of plastic will affect its strength. Furthermore, polymers (types of plastics) used in production will also impact strength.
Net wrap is typically constructed from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a thermoplastic resin made from ethylene. HDPE boasts impressive strength and is the perfect material for bale wrapping applications.
Net wrap Adelaide is an impressive material, yet it can still be damaged or lost if improperly handled or stored. That is why farmers must understand proper product handling and storage techniques.
It is essential to know how to cut a net correctly. An uneven cut or knife cutting too long may result in splits in the net, particularly around round balers, where these nets often get caught on feed rollers and prevent proper feeding.
Farmers should always consider how many bales they need to wrap, which will help them select the appropriate net wrap and weight. The number of wraps needed depends on crop type, density, handling, and storage conditions.
It is essential to know that some net wrap brands are only compatible with specific baling machines and won’t work well on other models. So before purchasing, check the manufacturer’s product guide for more details about which machine type the wrap works best in and how many wraps are recommended per machine.
Appearance
Net wrap is used on hay bales to improve the efficiency of the baling process and facilitate faster wrapping, less water loss, improved aesthetics and increased marketability.
Net wrap is not biodegradable or recyclable, so farmers must dispose of it safely. Some producers leave twine or net wrap on hay bales and allow their livestock to feed around it; however, Bob Schultheis – natural resource engineering specialist with the University of Missouri Extension – warns against this practice due to potential digestive issues in cattle.
Hay stored outdoors is particularly vulnerable to weathering and degradation due to plant respiration, microbial activity and rainwater passing through it. It reduces the dry matter content of hay bales, increasing their susceptibility to rotting and diminishing quality.
Laddering can be caused by a malfunctioning baler’s cutting action and by worn rubber rollers on variable chamber balers or belt joiners. To avoid this issue, inspect your baler before adding a new net wrap and dust off its rubber rollers with French chalk or talc powder for prevention.
Farmers should remove the net wrap from bales before feeding them to animals, as this can easily get caught in mower shafts or manure spreader beaters. This inconvenience should be minimised whenever possible.
Farmers uncertain about discarding their net wrap Adelaide should consult an expert. They can assist them in choosing the most suitable product and guarantee proper care or offer advice on specific situations.