A new generation of forage cover that is game-changing in its method of protecting clamps and bales has been launched by Kelvin Cave Ltd.
ClampShield 500 and BaleShield 160 have been developed to give a high degree of protection to clamped or baled forage while cutting the need for single-use plastic.
Both are reusable products that give protection for several years; they have long-term ultraviolet stability and offer outstanding tear resistance – importantly giving protection against damage by birds.
The most robust of the range is ClampShield 500, designed for use across silage clamps immediately on top of a low air-ingress vacuum film. Used in this way, it is claimed to cut the need for single-use plastic by 75 per cent.
With a weight of 500g/square metre – around twice that of netting – the cover stays in place with less weighting than typically used. Sand or gravel bags around the clamp’s perimeter and on any joins are usually considered sufficient, with no tyres or weight across the clamp usually required.
Developed in Italy by specialist manufacturers of highly durable textiles used in civil engineering and the oil industry, as well as in agriculture, Clampshield 500 comprises a water-repellent, polypropylene fleece with outstanding durability and up to 15 years of UV resistance.
Its textured, non-slip surface is safer to walk on than conventional top sheets, even in icy conditions, as testified by its use in extreme climates, at down to -20C.
The product is available in a range of sizes and is supplied with hook and loop tape (similar to Velcro), to securely link two sheets together, and cover any shape and size of clamp.
“We’ve been searching for a product that’s truly resistant to damage by rooks and crows for many years – something that’s particularly important for maize, wholecrop and other silages containing grains,” company managing director Kelvin Cave said. “We’re confident we have this durability in ClampShield 500, which also comes with environmental and health and safety benefits, and can save significant cost when used over several years.”
The BaleShield 160 version of the product is of the same construction, but its lower gauge is more suited to covering stacks of hay or straw, or even wrapped bales where bird damage is a problem. This allows the forage or bedding to be safely stored in the open, close to where it’s needed, and minimises the risk of losses or spoilage.
Both water repellent and breathable, BaleShield 160 helps prevent the formation of mold on bales and its UV blocking treatment gives the fleece a service life of up to four years.
Used on stacked bales, ideally in a pyramid formation and on pallets to provide all-round air circulation, BaleShield 160 can be secured using one of a range of accessories, designed for easy access at feedout. These include hook and loop tape to join two or more covers together, plastic screws for securing the fleece to the ends of the stack, and metal clips for attaching to metal tubes, to keep the cover under tension.
Both products are designed for minimal use of labour, even in windy conditions, whether sheeting and opening clamps or covering and removing stacked bales.
