Choosing the Right Silage Wrap
When you’re picking silage wrap, it’s not just about price—quality matters for bale preservation, feed value, and customer satisfaction.
Here’s what to look out for:
Thickness (Microns) – Don’t Get Caught Out!
- Standard thickness for most farmers: 25 microns
- Recently, some cheaper wraps have been sold as 25 µm but are actually thinner—leading to lower bale quality
- Thinner wrap = more air ingress, poorer fermentation, more spoilage
How to check thickness yourself:
- Cut a clean section of unused film
- Fold it 4–5 times
- Measure the folded thickness with a micrometre or digital calliper
- Divide by the number of folds
Example:
- Folded thickness: 0.125 mm (125 µm)
- Folded 5 times: 125 µm ÷ 5 = 25 µm single layer
Tip: Weigh the rolls—compare with a trusted 25 µm roll. If it’s lighter, it’s probably thinner film.
Tear Resistance
- High tear resistance = better for bales that will be moved multiple times
- Stronger film costs a little more but reduces punctures and feed loss
- If you have frequent bird or stick damage, a tougher wrap can pay for itself
Packaging Clues
- Rolls sold without a box can be a red flag—they may be off-spec or unbranded stock
- Branded, boxed rolls often have batch tracking and better QC
- Unless you know exactly who you are buying from and trust the spec, be careful!
Colour Choice & Climate
- White – Reflects heat, keeps bales cooler; best for hot climates
- Black – Absorbs heat, warms bales faster; good for cool climates
- Green – Blends into the landscape for a more discreet look
Buying Tips
- Stick with reputable suppliers—cheap wrap can lead to expensive feed loss
- Don’t just compare price per roll—compare cost per preserved bale
- Keep records of wrap performance so you know what works in your conditions
If you need any more tips or advice on silage wrap, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
