Supplies of bale net, bale wrap and silage pit covers have not been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, suppliers say.

They have now ordered much of their expected requirements for 2020 and have taken first deliveries. Some expect a small decrease in price this summer because of lower oil prices.

There have been concerns that COVID-19 lockdowns in Europe, which closed some factories, would disrupt manufacture and availability of silage plastics.

“We are not seeing any issues with availability,” said a spokesperson for Volac, a major supplier on the Irish market.

“Product is already coming in and we have no concerns. We are in regular contact with our own wholesale suppliers.

“We are glad of the opportunity to outline this as we are aware that there have been rumours of supply problems – these are unfounded. We would ask our customers to order as normal – over-ordering will just put pressure on our hauliers.”

This view was echoed by other suppliers, although two suppliers were more cautious.

One, who asked not to be named, said that availability would be adequate, but there could be some logistical import delays.

“We have material in stock and more coming. But there could be some supply and timing issues for us,” a manager said.

He said he was aware that a plant in Portugal manufacturing net wrap had reduced daily output to 40% after staff became ill. However, it would shortly be returning to full output and he did not know of other manufacturers impacted. The second supplier also cautioned that there could be delays in wholesale deliveries.

A large carryover of baled silage from last year, plus slow grass growth to date, means there is no urgency in farmer demand for wrap yet.

Half of the suppliers contacted said they expected little, if any, change in wrap prices this summer, the others said price per roll would decrease by €2 on last year.