How soon after wrapping can I feed baleage?
Forage baled in the correct moisture range and wrapped with the correct amount of plastic will undergo the full fermentation process within 6 to 8 weeks and usually in less than 4. Cool temperatures, mature forage, and insufficient forage moisture levels will reduce fermentation rate. To be safe, wait at least 8 weeks after wrapping to begin feeding baleage bales. This time will ensure that the forage is fully ensiled and does not begin to deteriorate or heat when it is fed.
Baleage made with in-line wrappers needs the full to ensile because feeding out these bales exposes the next bales to oxygen and spoilage risks. However, if there is a dire need, one can feed an individually- wrapped bale at any point as long as the bale is quickly (<24 hours) and completely consumed.