Silage Season Is Underway: Practical Tips from the Field
Silage season is getting into full swing across parts of Australia, and getting the details right now can make a real difference to the quality of feed stored for the months ahead.
Our Tama Australia Regional Technical Manager, Darrell Butler, recently spent some time in the field near Echuca where contractors were already busy baling and wrapping.
From correct wrapper setup to film application, it is a good reminder that quality silage starts well before the bale reaches the stack.
Silage season in full swing
Out in the field, Darrell joined a contractor working with a new McHale wrapper, helping with the initial setup and checking that the machine was configured correctly.
One of the key points is making sure the wrapper is applying the correct number of film layers and that the machine is properly set up for the conditions.
Watch Darrell’s update from the field:
A small adjustment can make a big difference
On the twin-arm wrapper shown in the field, the machine is fitted with a 70% stretch gear, the setup recommended for this application.
Why does that matter?
As the bale rotates, its shape is not always perfectly uniform. Corners and shoulders can create areas where the edge of the film may sit slightly looser than on the rest of the bale.
Applying the film at the correct stretch helps it conform more closely to the shape of the bale, particularly around the edges and corners, helping create a tighter, more consistent seal.
Watch Darrell explain the setup in the field:
Check the finished bale
Machine setup is only part of the process.
Once wrapping begins, take a moment to inspect the finished bales. Look at the film around the shoulders, corners and edges and check that it has been applied evenly and tightly.
A quick inspection in the paddock can help identify a setup issue before it is repeated across dozens or hundreds of bales.
When the season is moving quickly, those small checks matter.
Get the basics right from the start
Good silage is the result of many individual steps working together, from crop condition and bale formation through to wrapping and storage.
Correct machine setup, appropriate film stretch and consistent coverage all play their part in helping protect the bale from the moment it is wrapped.
And as Darrell’s videos show, sometimes the best time to check your setup is simply to stop, look at the finished bale and make sure the film is doing exactly what it should.
Need technical support this silage season?
Contact the Tama Australia team for product and application support.
