Weatherproof silage wrap is a dream for every farmer. It will protect the feedstock to keep the livestock having a good meal. The natural condition is unpredictable with the recent extreme rain density. The summer gives a very hot temperature, and the winter freezes everything. The recent forecasts’ risk is even higher. Floods, heatwaves and storms happen sometimes without clear signs. Those unusual conditions that slowly become the new normal threaten the feedstock.
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Extra Protection for Extreme Forecasts
To overcome the forecast problem, forecast-resistant film is one of the options. However, with the recent technology that is expected to be more friendly with nature, does the material support sustainability? That problem is like a never-ending circle where protecting the feed with the non-renewable source for the livestock, long live, but it hurts nature. Sustainability is now a prominent thing.
Forecast’s Impact on Silage
The forecast has a big influence on the silage. This seems to be an external factor besides some internal factors, like material quality, etc. In fact, it contributes much to the silage fermentation and storage time.
- Raining during the harvest time increases the time for drying the material, and raining after the baling can lead to poor anaerobic bales.
- Ground moisture could be absorbed into the bottom layer. The excessive moisture that breaches into the bale will trigger the molds to grow. If this happens, the important nutrient can be lost. It is not impossible that the impact is not just the loss of nutrients but also serious damage that makes the hard work futile. That serious damage is caused by air that breaches into the bales, together with the moisture that gives it a way.
When the feedstock is reduced by the damage, the livestock’s health is at stake. Malnutrition could lead to a serious illness even death. Meanwhile, the husbandry financial also struggles to overcome this bad situation.
The farmers have to replace the damaged feed with the new one and take the livestock to the vet. Some vital supplements might have to be given to the livestock for health recovery. That nightmare could be avoided by elevating the film quality as the frontline defense. Durable, strong film and airtight are the keys to choosing the weatherproof silage wrap.
How Weather-Resistant Film Protects the Feed
The term refers to the ability to protect the content from the bad influence of the forecast. The animal attack is included as the film should be tear-resistant (also to sharp objects like nails). The heat from UV is also the object to fight against.
To fulfill those heavy-duty needs, the film can be either a thin multilayer or a thick monolayer. Sealing properly is also a must, so when the baling process is about to finish, the operator should double-check.
When high winds blow, the film should be tear-resistant. The bales are better sealed super tightly to avoid oxygen penetration. In this condition, the wind could endanger with various risks (tearing the film, aggressively penetrating the bales, in extreme one, it could move and ruin the storage). In extreme conditions, the film that is said to be weatherproof silage wrap should provide good insulation. It also should protect the content from condensation.
To support the work of the film, external treatment could be added. The farmers choose the location with a good wall and room ventilation for the storage. The alignment is arranged in a good row.
The Concern about Sustainability
The need for sustainable materials is higher than before. So many things related to packaging (for husbandry, human food, etc) are made of non-biodegradable polyethylene. Plastic remains the dominant choice because it effectively protects contents from external factors and is fully water-resistant. However, plastic waste from agriculture increases with the limited recycling capability.
The farmers face a plastic disposal dilemma that recycling it will cost a fortune, burying it will cause pollution and burning it will cause another pollution (air). To deal with this dilemma, the government, the farmers, and the experts work hard to find a solution.
An innovation is being developed on the recyclable or biodegradable film seal. It has not been perfect for now, but all parties are working hard to make this innovation perfect. For a total transition from the non-recyclable to the recyclable one, some things must be prepared. The location to collect the recyclable waste, the tools, and the trained operator are the significant things in this field. Along with this preparation, the farmers could do waste reduction.
The three simple steps for the farmers are doing quick sealing, using the film effectively (not excessively), and taking care of every gram of feed (avoiding wasting any material). With the innovation and the simple steps, the feed is protected, and the environment is balanced. Weatherproof silage wrap is a crucial thing in line with the challenge of practicing sustainable living.
