The following article will deal with the factors which influence the quality and cost of making big bale silage. The principles of making big bale silage are the same as those for conventional silage. Similarly beef cattle offered low digestibility silage will have low rates of liveweight gain. It is also important to exclude air from the bale to ensure a successful fermentation. To achieve this, it is necessary to produce a well shaped, dense bale and to wrap the material as soon as possible after baling.
Bales are lighter and easier to handle.
Combining swaths from succesive mower runs gives the slowest drying rates. Mower conditioners can produce swaths that should give increased drying rates relative to conventional mowers. Wilt grass if possible. Adjust the baler density setting to its maximum allowable position. Avoid use of excessive forward speeds.