As the agriculture industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and operate more sustainably, innovative solutions in silage-making are helping farmers contribute to this transformation.
Agri Plastics, an organisation focused on advancing the use of plasticulture in agriculture, recently hosted a webinar featuring Will Wilson and Jeremy Perkins from Silostop Agri. The session explored practical ways to make silage production more sustainable, providing insights into reducing waste, minimising plastic use, and supporting farm profitability and environmental goals.
Agri Plastics aims to drive innovation in agriculture by promoting the effective use of plastic materials that optimise crop production and resource efficiency. Recognising that agricultural practices must evolve to meet the demands of a growing global population, Agri Plastics provides a space for sharing ideas, advancing technologies, and supporting farmers in achieving higher productivity with fewer resources.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
- Reducing Carbon Emissions in Feed Production
According to Wilson and Perkins, feed production accounts for a significant portion of a livestock farm's carbon emissions—up to 37%, based on studies like the Arla Carbon Check. In this context, maximising the quality and efficiency of home-grown forage, such as silage, is critical for sustainability and farm profitability. By optimising silage storage and minimising waste, farms can reduce their reliance on imported feed, which often carries a higher carbon footprint.
- The Role of Oxygen Barrier Films in Sustainable Silage Production
One of the most promising technologies discussed was using oxygen barrier silage films. Unlike traditional polyethylene films, these advanced covers are designed to prevent oxygen infiltration over 100 times, which is essential for proper fermentation and reducing silage spoilage. The result is less waste, higher silage quality, and reduced dry matter losses. Studies have shown that high oxygen barrier films can reduce spoilage by up to 42% in the top layers of silage clamps compared to conventional plastic, ensuring that more feed is available for livestock and reducing the need for additional resources.
- Lowering Plastic Use and Carbon Footprint
One of the sustainability challenges with traditional silage sheets is the high volume of plastic they require. In contrast, oxygen barrier films are thinner, which means less plastic is used per square meter of silage covered. For example, covering a 40m x 12m clamp with oxygen barrier film uses just 43.4 kg of plastic—only 18% of what would be needed with standard polyethylene film. This reduction in plastic use not only cuts down on waste but also results in a 5.5 times lower greenhouse gas emission during manufacturing.
- Biogas Production and Silage Efficiency
The webinar also highlighted Silostop Agri's work with the biogas sector. In biogas plants, efficiently managed silage is crucial for maximising energy output. Oxygen barrier films also play a role here, reducing the dry matter losses that would otherwise compromise feedstock quality. For example, in biogas facilities using 40,000 tons of maize silage, switching to oxygen barrier films can reduce dry matter waste by over 1,000 tons, significantly improving energy yield and supporting the plant’s sustainability targets.
- Silostop Agri’s Commitment to Sustainable Practices
Wilson and Perkins concluded by sharing the steps Silostop Agri is taking to enhance its own sustainability efforts. These initiatives include using hybrid vehicles, solar power, and lower-emission concrete in their production facilities. Silostop Agri is also actively involved in recycling programs, such as France’s CPA initiative, which ensures that a high percentage of agricultural plastics are collected and recycled.
Final Thoughts
The Agri Plastics webinar underscored the critical role of sustainability in silage making, highlighting practical solutions that reduce environmental impact while improving feed quality and farm efficiency. Farmers can protect their silage, minimise waste, and reduce their carbon footprint with innovations like oxygen barrier films. By adopting these practices, livestock farmers preserve valuable resources and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural future.
