The National Baled Silage Farm Survey found that: - 60% of bales with 4 layers of wrap and 34% of bales with 6 layers had mould present - 50% of farmers applying what they thought was 6 layers were actually applying less - Nearly 20% of farmers failed to apply the intended 4 layers of wrap Applying the optimal 6 layers of film and carefully wrapping bales away from the field and damage can help minimize mould growth and oxygen penetration compared to on-field wrapping. Analyzing silage quality can enable savings in winter feed costs.

1. Are you getting the
most from your big
bale silage?.....
Results from The National Baled Silage
Farm Survey suggest farmers could be
doing more…..

2. The National Baled Silage
Farm Survey
• 80 farms surveyed throughout England
and Wales
• Totalling more than 55,000 bales
Found that………………….

3. 60%
of bales with 4
layers of wrap had
mould present.
34%
of bales with
six layers had
mould.

4. 50%
of farmers who
thought they were
applying 6 layers
were applying less.
Nearly 20%
of farmers that
wanted to apply
4 layers failed
to do so.

5. •6 layers of film is optimum.
•Follow guidelines and count
revolutions to ensure you meet
minimum standards.
•When using a contractor
discuss requirements before
they arrive on farm.

6. 60%
of bales wrapped on
the field had surface
moulding.
43%
of bales wrapped by
the stack had surface
moulding.

7. •Wrap bales away from the field at the storage site to
minimise damage.
•Grass stubble or rough trailer beds can puncture silage
wrap.
•Film damage will increase oxygen penetration + promote
mould growth.

8. •When wrapping in the field is unavoidable, apply more
layers, and remove from the field the same day to avoid bird
damage.
•At the storage site, ensure bales are covered with a net to
protect from birds and ensure any hardcore base doesn’t
contain sharp objects.

9. •Bales stored on
grass/soil had more
surface mould.
•Bales stored on
hardcore/gravel had
the lowest surface
mould cover.

10. SILAGE ANALYSIS
50%
of farmers had
•Sampling is a cost saving never analysed
exercise. their silage
•Understanding silage quality will
enable savings in concentrate and
winter ration costs.
•Samples should be taken from 3-5
bales from each cut.

11. Visit
www.fwi.co.uk/silageadvice
for a host of advice and resources to
help you get more from your silage