As we move rapidly through February we can estimate that we are about half way through the 2015 Miscanthus harvest, with most crops cut and drying on the ground. It now becomes time to turn our attention to when to bale, so here are our top 7 tips for getting it right.
1. Only bale the crop when it will meet moisture specifications of below 16% or you will ultimately lose out when it comes to selling it.
2. After cutting there is no need to turn the crop or it will introduce moisture and other deleterious material (soil/stones) from the leaf mulch.
3. Invest in a moisture probe, see our Balemaster offer in the newsletter.
4. Test the first four or five bales in several places when the contactor starts and always work to the wettest reading, not the average. If the crop does not meet 16% it’s not ready for baling.
5. We would recommend that all baling contractors use the large Hesston format as other, smaller bales may be rejected by the processors. Mixed bale sizes create considerable issues at the processing plant intake and storage areas.
6. As well as meeting moisture specification, the bale should also be tightly packed, for stability and economical haulage. The bales must meet the following specifications:
Large Hesston
| Bale height | (mm) | 1220 – 1320 |
| Bale width | (mm) | 1150 -1250 |
| Bale length | (mm) | 2250 -2650 |
| Bale weight | (kg) | 525 – 650 |
| Density | (kg/m3) | 125- 143 |
7. And finally, for safety’s sake please remember that all farmers have a health & safety responsibility to any contractor working on site and therefore preparing risk assessments, method statements and proper induction procedures are your legal responsibility.
If you have any question regarding baling please contact Terravesta on 01522 731873.
