To the naked eye, one silage sheet can appear similar to the next, according to Sean O’Connor from BPI. Viewing the latest Visqueen silage sheets at a microscopic level reveals how seven individual layers are brought together to form one strong, versatile and lightweight film structure.

The manufacturer added that with seven layers to choose from, additives and other raw materials can be inserted with greater precision during the manufacturing process. This process creates dedicated film layers for performance characteristics such as UV protection, puncture resistance, tear resistance and strength, according to Sean.

Such technically advanced manufacturing processes ensure all the mechanical aspects of the film are maximised, resulting in a reliable, stable, high-performing silage sheet.

Being lighter, Visqueen silage sheets are easier to handle and apply to silage clamps of all sizes.

The advanced manufacturing techniques employed during their production enable smoother gauge control to deliver a consistent film thickness across the whole sheet which provides an enhanced oxygen barrier and a more consistent level of protection across the clamp surface. The durable Visqueen silage sheet range is strong enough to withstand the rigours of the farm, where its robust impact features help to prevent tears and splits occurring during the clamp sheeting process.

Sean says when making a silage clamp costing in the region of €8,000 to €15,000 plastic cover has to be considered as a vital part of the process. Grass silage thus accounts for 20-25% of total annual feed per cow on well-run dairy farms, and up to 30% of total feed on beef farms depending on the production systems in place.

Over 85% of farms in Ireland make silage each year, and the estimated cost of harvesting over a million ha of grass silage exceeds €500m annually. Under commercial silage making conditions, research has shown that total dry matter (DM) losses of 25% can be expected from field to feed-out, while in-silo losses of 5% to 18% are typical.

Research by Teagasc and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute at Hillsborough has confirmed similar storage losses for clamp silage made in Ireland.

According to Sean O’Connor, the new Visqueen silage covers will be available this year on the Irish market from Agri merchants and co-op stores.