How do you wrap silage bales correctly?

Why correct wrapping is so important

Properly wrapping silage bales is essential for good silage storage. A well-wrapped bale helps keep air out, supports stable fermentation, and limits nutritional loss. Errors during the wrapping process can lead to heating, mold growth, and unnecessary feed losses.

It is therefore important for livestock farmers and contractors not only to use good wrapping film , but also to pay attention to bale construction, machine settings and handling after wrapping.

Start with a well-formed bale

Proper wrapping begins even before the film is applied. The bale must be firm, even, and well-formed. An unstable or irregular bale is harder to wrap and increases the risk of air entrapment or film damage.

That's why the use of a sturdy round bale net is so important. A tight bale provides a better foundation for consistent film coverage.

Choose the right wrapping film

Not all film performs the same. Good agricultural film must have sufficient stretch, strength, and adhesive to properly seal the bale. UV protection is also important, especially when bales are stored outdoors.

At Cordex you will find, among other things, SILACORD® Stretch Wrapping Film 750mm x 1500m , SILACORD MAX® Stretch Wrapping Film 750mm x 2000m and SILACORD® Stretch Wrapping Film 500mm x 1800m for various applications and work volumes.

Ensure sufficient overlap and number of layers

A good overlap of the film is necessary to seal the bale airtight. In many practical situations, at least six layers are used. For longer storage periods, harsher conditions, or drier material, eight or more layers are often chosen.

If you would like to know more about this, please also see our page on how many layers of wrapping film are needed for silage .

Wrap at the right time

After pressing, it's important to wrap bales as quickly as possible. The sooner the bale is properly sealed, the less chance there is of unwanted air ingress and loss of quality.

A smooth working process, with good coordination between pressing and wrapping, helps to better preserve the quality of the silage.

Prevent damage during handling

Even after wrapping, careful handling of the bales remains important. Damage from sharp parts, careless transport, or rough surfaces can damage the film and allow air to enter.

Therefore, pay attention to:

• moving wrapped bales;
• stacking and storing;
• contact with sharp edges or points;
• long-distance transport.

Check the bales after wrapping

A visual inspection after wrapping helps identify problems more quickly. Check that the film is applied evenly, that the bale is well covered, and that there are no visible damages.

By incorporating this into your standard working methods, you can help prevent losses later on.

Round bale net and wrapping film work together

For best results, round bale netting and wrapping film should complement each other. The netting ensures a firm bale shape, while the film ensures an airtight seal. You can read more about this in our round bale netting and wrapping film guides .

A practical choice for those who want to work efficiently

Properly wrapped silage bales not only ensure better forage quality but also provide more peace of mind during busy periods. Less damage, fewer losses, and more consistent results make a significant difference at the farm level.

Buy wrapping film for silage bales at Cordex

At Cordex, you'll find reliable solutions for packing silage bales, with free shipping, fast delivery, and direct shipment from our factory to your business.