MAKING AND STORING BALAGE
Balage Moisture, Tightness & Wrap Timing
Balage has been used in European countries for over 20 years and much of the technology in successfully making balage is from Europe. Timing of wrapping is very important. After baling, bales should be wrapped within 2 hours at 40-60% moisture to maintain quality, the more oxygen the bales has degrades the quality of the forage. Make bales as tight as possible so oxygen cannot enter bales until wrapped.
Wrapping Dry Hay & Straw in Black Plastic
Wrap dry hay and straw with black plastic as white will cause condensation of moisture under the plastic, while bales wrapped in black plastic will pull moisture from under the plastic. Be sure the bale has sweat out before wrapping by putting your hand in the middle of the bale to make sure it is cool before wrapping. Straw can usually be wrapped after combining as the moisture content is much lower.
Temperature and Oxygen Content of Balage
Balage is quickly gaining popularity for storing forages, wet and dry, for excellent feed. Research has shown balage excels as a way of storing forages. Balage will ferment and ensile at a temperature of 104Ëš-106Ëš while upright silos ferment and ensile at 116Ëš-122Ëš. Bunk silos ferment at 125Ëš-135Ëš. The lower the temperature forages can ensile means less oxygen is present to burn off nutrients.
Wrap Time with Ag Wrap Bale Wrappers
The Ag Wrap Bale Wrapper can be used as a 3 pt. or skid steer mounted. Some prefer the wrapper on the skid steer as you are looking ahead to wrap the bales. The average time to pickup and wrap and pull away is 1 ½ to 2 minutes. The operator also has the capability of wrapping on the move.
A wheel kit is available for small skid steer or small tractor. The wrapping is controlled with a handheld controller from your seat.
The Ag Wrap Bale Handler allows you to move, stack and store wrapped bales with out damaging the plastic. Bales stored on end can be stacked 2-3 bales high to save space.
The Ag Wrap Bale Handler can be adapted to fit your loader or skid steer hookup.
The Ag Wrap Bale Wrappers & Bale Handlers are made in Northeast, Ohio