Locking in quality: Independent Wrap’s approach to better forage

Silage quality is one of those subjects that quietly determines the success of a season, because even when the weather plays its part and the chop is clean the work is not finished until the stack is sealed properly and fermentation has had time to settle. Across the country contractors and farmers spend months preparing forage and yet the difference between average feed and exceptional feed often comes down to two decisions that sit outside the paddock, the inoculant applied on harvest day and the cover placed over the stack.

Independent Wrap supports better silage outcomes by combining proven inoculant technology with high-quality pit covers designed to protect feed value and reduce waste through storage and feed-out.

Independent Wrap has built a strong reputation by linking those two elements together, supplying inoculants and pit covers that are designed to protect feed value, minimise waste and ultimately protect the significant investment that goes into growing and harvesting forage in the first place. As farming systems become more intensive and margins remain under pressure, those decisions are becoming less about preference and more about making every dollar count.

Forage Mate BP inoculant sits at the centre of that offering, having been developed to address one of the most frustrating challenges in modern silage systems which is the heat and spoilage that can creep into a stack once it is exposed to air. The product combines lactic acid bacteria with propionibacterium and lactobacillus buchneri, creating a microbial balance that supports stronger fermentation and significantly improved aerobic stability during feed-out which is particularly important for maize silage. Trials have shown treated stacks remain stable for far longer than untreated silage, delivering a real advantage during warm conditions or extended feed-out periods when the exposed face can deteriorate quickly. By encouraging a rapid pH drop and producing a clean fermentation profile, the inoculant helps lock in nutrients and reduces the energy lost through heating and spoilage.

Those benefits flow directly through to the farm business, because preserving feed quality also preserves animal performance and reduces the volume of silage that needs to be grown to achieve the same production outcome. For contractors, Forage Mate BP is highly concentrated, easy to mix and delivers a high bacterial count giving confidence it will perform even when harvest conditions change quickly. It is supplied in a water-soluble format capable of treating between one hundred and one thousand tonnes depending on pack size, and the simple two-gram-per-tonne application rate makes consistency easier to achieve during long and pressured days. The bright green colour once mixed with water provides a visual confirmation of flow and tank levels, which is particularly useful when multiple machines are running and time is tight.

Once the crop has been harvested, treated and stacked the next major decision is the cover and this is where Independent Wrap places considerable emphasis on quality, durability and longevity. All pit covers are manufactured from virgin material and produced to strict European standards, giving farmers and contractors confidence the sheet will withstand punctures, abrasion and UV exposure throughout the storage period. The range includes single-sheet covers from twelve to twenty metres wide and up to three hundred metres long with carefully specified micron ratings and puncture resistance designed to deliver reliable performance. Metre markings assist with accurate positioning and cutting, while full recyclability supports the growing focus on waste reduction across the sector.

For farms wanting a higher level of protection, the 2-in-1 twin sheet system has gained attention for its superior oxygen-barrier performance. This system combines a durable outer layer with an integrated barrier film that significantly reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the silage surface. In New Zealand conditions where large surface areas, warm spring temperatures and variable feed-out rates can increase the risk of spoilage, limiting oxygen penetration is critical to reducing visible shrinkage and feed losses. The twin sheet also saves time during placement, allowing operators to cover the stack in one step rather than handling multiple layers during the busiest part of the season.

Silage bags form another part of the product line, with ten-foot widths available in a range of lengths to suit different storage requirements. Bags offer flexibility for operations storing feed on satellite blocks or across multiple farm locations and suit systems where pits may not be practical. As with the larger covers durability is a priority, providing confidence during filling, handling and feed-out while helping reduce waste over the storage period.

Alongside inoculants, covers and bags Independent Wrap also offers Hay Defender, a liquid treatment designed specifically for high-moisture hay systems where the aim is to restrict yeast and mould development without relying on harsher chemical preservatives. Hay Defender works as a natural fermentation product and provides a safer option for operators, being non-corrosive to equipment and non-toxic to staff. Contractors working in narrow weather windows will recognise the value of a treatment that protects leaf retention and feed quality when moisture levels are marginal, and the ability to hold the mixed product for several days allows flexibility when baling is delayed. Clear moisture guidelines for different bale types help ensure the product is used where it delivers the greatest benefit, supporting a consistent approach across different crops and conditions.

Across inoculants, covers and hay treatments the thread tying Independent Wrap’s range together is a focus on protecting the value of forage that farmers and contractors invest so heavily in producing. Every step from fermentation through to storage and feed-out, plays a role in the final outcome and the company’s products reflect a strong understanding of both the science and the practical realities of modern intensive farming systems. In an environment where cost control is critical, spending more upfront on quality inoculants and covers often outweighs the cost through reduced losses, better feed utilisation and improved animal performance. For contractors that approach supports doing the best possible job for their clients, helping ensure the farmer’s return on investment is optimised and reinforcing the contractor’s role as a key partner in the success of the farming operation.