Using baling twine in hay baling is a great way to add value to your hay. You can use different kinds of twine, including Sisal and Net wrap.
Sisal twine
Whether you are using a baler or a hand baler, there are several basic uses for baling twine. It can bind hay bales, mend fences, and reattach tractor parts.
In the past, natural fibres such as sisal made baler twine. But in the 1960s, artificial fibres were introduced into the baler twine market. While these fibres have a lot of features, they are not a replacement for natural fibres. Many farmers report better utilization of their late-season hay crop when they use bales bound by natural fibre twine.
The most basic function of baling twine is to bind hay bales. But there are other uses as well. For example, it can mend fences, reattach tractor parts, and help steady a fence. Some people even use colours to mark bales. In addition, some baling twine is treated to resist insect infestation and mildew.
It is important to know which type of twine to use. Depending on the hay you are baling, you may choose from sisal, polypropylene, or net wrap. The type of baler you have will also affect the type of twine you use.
Sisal is a natural fibre derived from the leaves of the agave sisalana plant. This fibre is a great choice for baler twine because it is biodegradable and strong. In addition, the fibre is also resistant to mildew and rodents. This natural fibre is also a sustainable option for your farm.
Although sisal is the most popular choice for hay baling, several other materials may be better. For example, polypropylene has a higher tensile strength than sisal. While sisal twine may be more expensive, it has advantages over plastic twine. For example, it is more durable and can be used outdoors. On the other hand, plastic can easily rot indoors. Also, if you have cattle, you want to be careful with the types of twine you use. Poly twines can easily kill cattle if they are accidentally ingested.
Net wrap is also an option and can provide a larger surface area for hay to be stored on. However, it is important to note that the net can be slightly heavier than sisal twine. Additionally, the University of Wisconsin reported that 7.3 percent of dry matter was lost in a hay bale wrapped in a net wrap. It is less than the 11.3 percent loss in a hay bale wrapped in sisal twine.
Another alternative is solar-degradable twine. This type of twine combines the best features of sisal and synthetic twine. It has a longer storage life before decomposition, which can be important for hay storage outside. It also enhances water-shedding capabilities.
If you are looking for the best hay baler twine, you may consider Holland Extra(r) Sisal Baler Twine, made from select-grade Brazilian agave sisalana fibres. It offers strength, dependability, consistency, and reliability.
Net wrap
Net wrap on your hay bales is a great way to maximize bale density. Net wrap increases water shedding ability compared to twine and helps maintain bale shape during handling. The net wrap does not answer all hay storage questions despite these benefits.
While the net wrap is a good way to encase a bale, it can be expensive. The costs of the net wrap can range from $0.30 to $0.50 per bale. The added cost of the wrap can add up to a significant amount of money. For this reason, producers should consider using net wrap on hay bales before using plastic wrap or other wrapping materials. In many situations, the cost of the net wrap can justify the extra expense.
One of the net wrap’s most popular perceived benefits is its water-shedding ability. According to researchers, the net wrap can shed about 1 percent of the dry matter inside the bale. It is much less than the 3-percent dry matter loss that twine generates when spinning the bale.
However, researchers found that the water-shedding ability of net wrap was lost when stored on a poorly drained surface. They also found that the plastic film used to enclose the bale degraded more quickly with sisal twine. It is because the rodenticide-treated material tended to break down the plastic film. It makes removing the net wrap from the bales more difficult.
A recent North Dakota State University Extension study examined the digestibility of different twine and net wrap types. Researchers found that plastic twine and sisal twine were not digestible. These findings led researchers to recommend using a biodegradable plastic twine or net wrap for outdoor storage. In addition, the researchers also recommended using a solution to remove the net wrap before feeding. Regardless of the solution, producers should avoid feeding their livestock a large amount of the binding material. It may lead to health issues and cause animals to lose weight or even die.
Researchers also found that the material that encloses the bales is an important factor in the potential loss of hay. It can affect weight gain, nutrient loss, and labour costs. It is also important to consider how the materials are stored and the site’s conditions. When bales are stored outside, dry matter loss due to weather can be very high. For example, hay stored under a shed may lose up to five percent of dry matter during the first year. During the storage period, the plants respire, causing dry matter to decompose. When rainwater passes over the surface of the bale, it can leach out the nutrients from the bale. It is important to store the bales on a well-drained surface.
Plastic wrapping
Using plastic to wrap bales of forage is an economical way to preserve bales over a wide range of moisture levels. It also helps keep nutrients and leaves inside the bales, resulting in more easily digestible hay.
It’s important to wrap bales of forage immediately after baling to prevent mould and algae from growing. Depending on the moisture level, more layers of plastic may be needed. Generally, three to four layers are sufficient for short-term storage. It is best to wrap bales before a rain, as it will prevent moisture from wicking up from the ground. A breathable film bale wrap is a good option, as it sheds precipitation and prevents water vapour from accumulating.
The amount of plastic needed to wrap a bale will vary depending on the moisture level and crop type. For dry hay, one-to-two layers of plastic are sufficient. The more layers you have, the longer the storage life. Generally, bales must be wrapped at least once a month to prevent moisture from wicking up from the soil.