The price of silage wrap has taken a considerable jump since last year, with the price of a roll up over 30%. Last year, depending on the brand, silage wrap was being sold in and around €88-€90/roll including VAT and the levy. At present, wrap is retailing in the region of €115-€120/roll including the charges, with prices set to further increase in the short term.

However, depending on when suppliers placed orders, some merchants have older stock and perhaps even a bit of last year’s stock, and are selling wrap down as low as €105-€110/roll. Unfortunately this isn’t set to last too long, so snap up any bargains while there going.

Maurice Keady, area sales manager with Silawrap in Co Wexford explained: “Taking September to the end of April 2020-2021 v 2021-2022, the resin material costs used in the production process of silage wrap have gone up by €32/roll including VAT. At least 90% of our total cost increases is down to resin price increases, with the remainder being packaging, transport and energy costs. Resins have gone up a further €4/roll in May and our supplier has informed us of a further price increase in June which will add another €6/roll”.

If prices do hit the €130/roll in the short term as expected, it will leave bales costing €4.64/bale and €7.22/bale for extra wrap.

What’s driving the cost increase?

Manufacturers are saying that the price and availability of raw materials is the factor driving the increased cost. Silage wrap is produced from polyethylene resins which are derived from oil and gas. Thus, the sharp rise in wrap this season is somewhat related to the rise experienced in fertiliser costs.

The cost per bale

Taking an average figure of €120/roll, it equates to around €4.28/bale for applying normal layerage. If looking to apply an extra layer of wrap which is quite popular nowadays, prices will be coming in at around €6.66/bale.

If prices do hit the €130/roll in the short term as expected, it will leave bales costing €4.64/bale and €7.22/bale for extra wrap. Heavy crops of bales will inevitably make pit silage an attractive option, especially if prices further increase.