1	Successful Wrapping and Storage of Square Bales Dan Undersander, Tim Wood University of Wisconsin William Foster Consultant
2	Research Studies Two plastic wrapping studies: 1) wrapped bales with 0, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, or 10 ml wrappings using either 1.0 or 1.5 ml thickness plastic 2) wrapped bales (at either 36 or 63% moi) at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 hrs after baling
3	Bale Wrapping Research Conducted at UW Lancaster Research Station during 1997 and 1998 Used bales 34 by 32 by 60 inches Measured forage quality at baling and after storage Measured bale temperature for 3 weeks
4	Study 1: Effect of plastic wrap thickness on bale preservation
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7	Summary Total plastic thickness appeared to be more important than wrapping number no forage quality difference with 4 mls or more plastic temperature elevated with less than 6 mls plastic 8 mls recommended to reduce risk of mold and tearing
8	Study 2: Effect of time of wrapping after baling
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13	Summary Wrapping bales later than 24 hours after baling is not recommended higher bale temperatures at wrapping higher ADF-CP visually more brown and increased spoilage
14	Summary of Studies Plastic wrapping medium bales at 21 to 38% moisture adequately preserved them Total plastic thickness appeared to be more important than wrapping number Wrapping bales later than 24 hours after baling is not recommended
15	Tips for Successful Storage of Wrapped Bales 1. Select a target moisture range: 40-55% provides most consistent results 20-35% can work, esp. if hay has not been rained on
16	2. Make bales of proper size and weight 4 to 6.5 ft long is optimum for most wrappers Heavy bales are difficult to handle during wrapping and stacking– greater risk of tearing For example, a 6-ft bale @ 60% moist. will weigh 1300-1400 lb
17	3. Make tight (dense) bales Advantages: -Less oxygen to use up during fermentation -The bales are easier to handle & stack
18	4. Select a good wrapping & storage site Little or no slope Free of sharp stubble– grass is ideal Locate away from “wildlife areas” -- brushy fencerows -- the back forty
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21	5. Handle bales carefully after wrapping Keep your wrapping site as close to your bale storage area as possible. Check for tears/holes and tape them immediately.
22	6. Stack bales whenever possible It saves space and protects bales. It also makes monitoring easier.
23	7. Monitor bales during storage Check them at least monthly for animal and bird damage. Keep the grass mowed and hand spray weeds around the stack.
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25	Storage Summary Select a target moisture range Make the proper size and weight Make tight (dense) bales Select a good wrapping & storage site Handle bales carefully after wrapping Stack bales whenever possible Monitor bales regularly during storage