Round Bale Storage And Compliance

Making silage in big bales is a flexible and convenient way to conserve small amounts of grass.

This method of ensiling now accounts for approximately 30 percent of the silage made in Northern Ireland. However it is important to remember that where the grass being baled is not dry enough, effluent can seep from big bales. This will have devastating effects if it gets into a watercourse.

To minimise the risk of effluent making its way to a waterway, under the SSAFO (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations, bales must be stored at least ten metres from watercourses and field drains and fifty metres from any borehole. Effluent production from the big bales may be reduced by wilting before baling; however the success of wilting depends on weather conditions at the time. Where possible, grass should be wilted to at least 25 percent dry matter. This ensures effluent production is minimised and is a contributing factor in achieving good preservation of silage.

When choosing a site for storage, ensure that it is level and carefully assess the potential polluting risk to a waterway. If bales are stored on concrete, the effluent should be collected in the same way as effluent from a silage pit.

It is also important to remember that bales should not be opened within ten metres of a waterway. Care should be taken to ensure that the residual effluent contained in the removed wrap does not escape to a waterway.

For further information on storing round bales, please contact Countryside Management Branch at your local DARD office

Round bale storage and compliance