What equipment will I need?
A baleage system requires much the same equipment as a conventional hay system, with some additions. The minimum requirements are a mower, possibly a rake, a baler capable of baling wet forage, a tractor of sufficient horsepower to carry these bales safely, a bale spear, and a wrapper. Some balers have a chopping mechanism that aids in increasing bale density as well as reducing particle size for ease in mixing rations, but this is not necessary in situations where no mixing is needed. Bale spears are inexpensive ways of moving the bales prior to wrapping and just before feeding. Wrappers range in cost from $6,000 to $25,000 or more and differ considerably in labor and equipment requirements. Some custom operators wrap silage, and many local entities (County Extension, conservation districts, cattlemen’s groups, etc.) may have wrappers available for rent.