Higher silage costs ahead

Irish silage makers are expected to be paying more for diesel, plastic film and netwrap, as well as facing increased labour costs.

HIGHER diesel, plastic film and netwrap prices, and rising labour expenses will hit silage makers this year, warns Sean O’Connor, Managing Director of Irish Polythene Agri, the biggest supplier of stretch film, netwrap and silage covers in Ireland.

He says increased economic activity in China and Eastern Europe has pushed up oil prices and raw material costs for their products, and any stocks of stretch film at 2004 prices had all been used up.

He predicts that it will cost 40 cent more (plus VAT) to wrap a silage bale this year, with stretch film retailing for €81.50 to €82.50 per 750 mm roll (about €13.25 plus VAT up on last year).

Netwrap is expected to be seven cent dearer per bale, costing €168 for a 3,000 metre roll (a price rise of €20, including VAT). Large silage pit covers are expected to be about €30 dearer per sheet (including VAT).

Higher fertiliser prices add to silage costs too; however favourable weather and better utilisation of slurry have helped some farmers to control fertiliser costs.

Farmers making baled silage can minimise price increases with effective wilting and by using modern machinery, advises Sean O’Connor. They should aim to pack as much dry matter into the bale as possible, through wilting, swath presentation and careful baling.

According to Dermot Forristal of Teagasc, a reduction of eight bales per hectare can often be easily achieved. Mr O’Connor advises against skimping on film usage or being tempted by new and unproven films. High DM bales for animals sensitive to mould (sheep, pregnant animals or horses) should have at least six layers of cover.

He points out that four layers on a loose wet bale (22% DM, 640 kg) will cost as much per tonne of silage dry matter as six layers on an extremely well-packed dry bale (35% DM, 600 kg).