The Ten Top Tips of Bale Wrapping

1. Only ensile good quality grass, cut at the optimum growth stage (diagram a) and ideally of 40-50% dry matter (DM). For haylage do not exceed 60% DM. Swath should be uniform in height, density and DM, and the full width of baler pick up (diagram b). Bales should be dense and cylindrical in shape (diagram c). 
   
2. Check that when on the wrapper, the centre of the bale is horizontally in line with the centre of the film reel (diagram d). 
   
3. Check for correct percentage of film pre-stretch by making two marks horizontally 10cm apart on the film reel. Slowly commence wrapping, and locate these marks on the bale surface and measure their distance apart. As an example, for 70% stretch they should be 17cm apart (diagram e). 
   
4. Check on the bale for correct ‘neckdown’.Final film width should be as per diagram f.
5. Check that film overlap is no less than 50% (diagram g). 
   
6. Ensure that a minimum 4 film layers are applied to all areas of bales up to 50% DM, and minimum 6 layers for those over 50% DM, all square bales, and all bales where the crop is of a coarse nature.
7. Wrap at the stacking area if possible, but if not, move bales from field immediately after wrapping.
8. Never use a spike to stack bales, and repair any damage to bales during the storage period immediately.
9. Protect bales from birds and vermin.
10. Always read film and wrapper instructions before use!