In the dairy industry, we spend a fortune on seed, fertilizer, fuel, and chopping to get the crop into the bunker. But once the packing tractors shut down, many farms stop managing the pile. This is a costly mistake.
The invisible thief on every dairy farm is silage shrink. It’s the feed you grew but never got to feed. Research suggests that average bunker silos lose 10% to 15% of their dry matter to spoilage and fermentation losses. On a 2,000-ton pile, a 15% loss means 300 tons of feed. Roughly $15,000 to $20,000 vanished into thin air.
At Midwest Sidewalls, we believe the cheapest feed you have is the feed you’ve already grown. Here is how proper covering reduces silage shrink and puts that money back in your pocket.
The Physics of the Seal
The enemy of fermented feed is oxygen. When oxygen touches silage, aerobic bacteria wake up and start consuming the nutrients meant for your cows. This process generates heat (compost) and carbon dioxide.
To stop this, you use plastic. But plastic alone isn’t enough.
- The Balloon Effect: If your plastic isn’t weighted down heavily and evenly, wind creates a vacuum effect. It lifts the plastic, sucking air across the surface of the pile. This “bellows” action pumps fresh oxygen into your feed all winter long.
- The Sidewall Solution: By placing tire sidewalls touching edge-to-edge (or effectively spaced), you eliminate this billowing. You essentially “vacuum seal” the pile with gravity.
Oxygen Barrier Films Need Weight
Many Wisconsin farmers are upgrading to “Oxygen Barrier” (OB) films. These are high-tech, multi-layer plastics that block oxygen transfer. They are fantastic products, but they are often thinner and lighter than traditional black-and-white plastic.
Because they are lighter, they require more consistent weight to maintain contact with the feed. Using a silage tire sidewall ensures that your high-tech film actually does its job. If the wind lifts the OB film, you’ve wasted the premium price you paid for it.
The ROI of “Touching Tires”
University research, such as studies about Efficiency in Silage Preservation, have shown that covering a bunker properly can return $8 for every $1 spent.
Consider the math:
- The Cost: Buying a bundle of clean, nylon sidewalls is a one-time capital expense. They last for decades.
- The Return: Every year, those sidewalls save the top 1-2 feet of silage across your entire bunker.
- The Bonus: You feed higher quality forage, leading to better components and milk checks.
Stop the Spoilage in Curtiss, WI
Don’t let your hard work rot away. If you are seeing black, slimy layers on top of your bunk, you are seeing silage shrink eating your profits.
We stock thousands of sidewalls right here in Curtiss, WI, ready for pickup or delivery. We also carry the Tire Shooter to help you place them efficiently. Upgrade your covering program this harvest and keep the feed you grew.
Check out our full inventory of silage covers and weights to get started.