Bale covering nets

When raising livestock you should follow the same principles as for your own healthy diet. To keep animals healthy and strong, they need feed rich in important nutrients. This is where bale covering nets play a key role.

Keep hay, straw and grain for animal feed fresh and preserve their most important nutrients. Bale covering nets give the best protection against UV radiation and all external influences. Compared with plastic sheeting, they resist the weather, ventilate excellently and prevent damp and mould. This way bales keep their quality all year round, for a longer time.

The bale protection nets are of very high quality, so they can withstand all the elements (rain, snow, wind, sunlight…) for several years. The average life of a net is 5 years; you don't have to buy new ones every year, which makes them a very good investment.

Today bale covering nets have become an essential item on every farm that takes livestock seriously.

Main advantages of bale protection nets

Thanks to the composition and quality of the material, which is unlike an ordinary tarpaulin, the nets give complete protection when laid correctly. Some of the most important reasons to use them:

• they let air through and let the bales breathe, preventing damp and mould;
• the material withstands strong gusts of wind; laid properly, it cannot tear;
• it will not tear even when frozen in winter;
• it is UV resistant;
• it can be used for several years;
• it sheds water; laid at an angle, water runs off the sides;

Tips for laying bale covering nets

Using bale covering nets is not complicated, but it is very important to follow the instructions for full protection. We have put together the key guidelines and expert advice to follow for the best results:

• stack bales in a north–south direction for ideal airflow;
• stack at least 8–10 m away from buildings, trees and other structures;
• leave 3–5 m between two stacks;
• if one net is not long enough, two or more can be used. The overlap must then be at least 25 cm, or 35 cm in windy locations;
• lay the nets at an angle of at least 45 degrees so water runs off the sides;
• tension the nets well – they must not loosen; only then do they give the best results;
• fasten the net on both sides 50 cm above the ground, to avoid contact with rainwater and allow better airflow;
• using any kind of string or rope for tensioning is not recommended;
• secure the net with plastic clips and weights;
• the smooth side faces the sun and the rough side faces the bales.

Bale covering net sizes

You are probably wondering how to choose the right size of cover. Here is a precise guide to net size and number of bales depending on bale diameter.

Bale diameter 125–130 cm:

• net size 7.6x12.5 m: 60 bales in total, in 3 rows;
• net size 9.8x12.5 m: 100 bales in total, in 4 rows;
• net size 9.8x25 m: 200 bales in total, in 4 rows;
• net size 12.0x25 m: 300 bales in total, in 5 rows.

Bale diameter 150–160 cm:

• net size 9.8x25 m: 120 bales in total, in 3 rows;
• net size 9.8x12.5 m: 60 bales in total, in 3 rows;
• net size 12.0x25 m: 200 bales in total, in 4 rows;
• net size 15.6x25 m: 300 bales in total, in 5 rows.

Laying a bale covering net

Putting a protective net over bales is not complicated, but you will need help. There are several ways to get it over the stack; choose the one that is easiest for you. Make sure the smooth side faces outwards, as it does not hold water, and the rough side faces inwards so it grips the bales better.

First option: lay the net beside the stack, tie a heavier object to the ends with string and throw it over to the other side.

Second option: place the net on the last bale that goes on top, lift it together with the bale, then let it fall down both sides.

Third option: once the last bale is on top, use a crane or forklift to place the net on the highest bale in the same way and let it spread down both sides.

When you no longer need the nets, store them in a dry place away from chemicals that could damage the material. We recommend packing the nets and storing them on pallets.

Bale covering nets from Sigma Promet

After 25 years in business, we offer a wide choice of net types – over 200 kinds – of the best quality. If you are serious about raising livestock, bale protection nets should be at the top of your list of investments.

If you have any further questions or doubts, contact us – our expert, experienced sales staff will be glad to help.