Wrapping Hay Bales In Plastic

These bales tend to have lower forage quality and greater mold throughout the bales.

Wrapping hay bales in plastic.

For optimal preservation wrap bales within 24 hours of baling using 6 to 8 mil thick plastic. Single bale wrappers cost less than inline systems but they require more wrapping time and plastic film per bale. In this method the forage crop is cut sooner immediately baled and wrapped in plastic to ferment like silage. Some of the inline systems require end caps or plastic hay bags to seal the ends of the lines.

Wrapping bales can be an economical answer when quality counts when haying on rented properties and when silos are not available. Wrapping plastic or a tarp around the hay bale will make the cover more secure and less likely to be affected by the wind. Select blown low density polyethylene film around 1 mil thick. Pre tension the film to stretch 55 to 75 percent.

The finished bales look like giant white marshmallows. Bales left unwrapped for more than 48 hours can reach internal temperatures over 130 degrees f. Plastic wrap is most commonly used in high moisture baling. If the hay is in string tied bales and to be stored outside then a couple turns of plastic may be an economic advantage as long as the gain due to reduced storage losses outweighs the loss in increased expense.

To protect hay from the elements farmers may choose to cover it with a tarp wrap it in a plastic sheet or secure a cap on top of it.