Silage bale wrapping is entering its third decade in the UK, but we are still being asked the same questions each year about the technique. We are listing below just a few of these, together with the answers, which we hope will prove helpful. However, if you have any further queries, please email us on sales@bpiagri.com Q. How should I choose which brand of film I should use? A. Choose a reputable long established brand, which exhibits a high level of tack, to achieve a good seal around the bale. Do not make price per reel a priority, as in general "you get what you pay for". Ask wrapper manufacturers which brand they use. Q. Can I buy British? A. Whilst most bale wraps are of foreign manufacture, bpi.agri manufacture in the UK and have been doing so since 1986. Two of our brands Silotite and Visqueen are Market leaders. Q. How can I be sure of applying sufficient layers of film? A. Count how many revolutions it takes to cover the bale, at this point add one and then double the total. Four layers have then been applied. For six layers increase the total by 50%. Q. How many layers should I apply? A. A minimum of 4 layers on a silage bale up to 50% dry matter (DM), and a minimum 6 layers on bales exceeding 50% dry matter, on all square bales and coarse crops. Q. Should I wrap hay? A. No. Whilst haylage has sufficient moisture to enable fermentation to commence, the very high dry matter levels encountered with hay mean that no fermentation or preservation occurs, sometimes allowing moulds, etc. to develop. Q. How can I best prevent birds from damaging wrapped bales? A. Most bird damage occurs when wrapped bales are left in the field, sometimes within an hour or two of wrapping. It is therefore best to bring bales to the storage area and wrap them there. If wrapping has to take place in the field, then move the bales without delay to the storage area. Bales should preferably be stored in stacks, which enables them to be covered by a close-woven protective net. Q. How can I identify bird and wildlife damage? A. Bird damage usually occurs on the upper bale surface, and appears as holes through all film layers, sometimes with netwrap pulled through. Larger birds and other animals can also make holes nearer ground level. Please note that holes through all film layers are not caused by film faults. Q. How can I best achieve trouble-free balewrapping? A. Choose a reputable and proven balewrap film, and use as recommended by the manufacturer. Service and adjust the balewrapper before the season starts. This will include lubrication and adjustments as recommended by the manufacturer, and replacement of any worn parts. Particular attention should be paid to the pre-stretch unit, ensuring that it turns freely, and that the rollers are kept clean at all times. Q. How long can I store balewrap film? A. We recommend that it is used within 2 years of purchase. Q. How long can I keep wrapped bales? A. We recommend that bales are fed within 12 months of being wrapped.