Ag-Bag Concept of Bagging

The Basics of the Ag-Bag System

Scientific research has established that certain ideal conditions for feed storage and processing will maximize the feed value of crops over time. Ideally, if one harvests a crop at its peak nutritional value, one can preserve virtually all of that value until the crop is fed to livestock. The ideal is achievable if one places the crop in an oxygen-free environment at a moisture level in the 60 to 70 percent range. Once ensiled, a fermentation process begins – the chopped silage respires for a short time thereby raising the temperature to a level between 80 to 100 degrees, which the lactic acid producing bacterial thrive. After approximately three weeks of fermentation, the pH drops to about 4.0, indicating stabilized silage which will remain constant until fed.

Adding lactic acid forming bacteria to your silage is beneficial to fermentation. The airtight environment and Ag-Bag Inoculant helps prevent growth of undesirable bacteria, molds and insects which contribute to storage loss. At the same time it enhances the benefits of cool fermentation. Ag-Bag inoculant is micro encapsulated with a sugar and enzyme coating which protects each bacterium from oxygen. This provides it with immediate nutrients to jump-start the production of valuable lactic acid.

We believe that the features of the Ag-Bag system provide significant operational and economic advantages over conventional storage systems. Some of the features are as follows:

1. Quality Feed. With very little loss in the bag, the desired levels of protein and energy are retained. The fermentation in the bag increases the Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) so the need to purchase supplemental protein may be eliminated or greatly reduced.

2. Versatility. There is no limit to the types of feedstuff that can be stored in an Ag-Bag, e.g. corn, alfalfa, oats, barley, wheat, peas, coastal Bermuda grass, Milo, Johnson grass, Brewer’s spent grain, distiller’s grain, fruit packing by-products, cannery by-products, aspen wood chips, chicken litter, etc.

3. Flexibility. The storage capacity of the system is unlimited by using as many Ag-Bags as needed, locating them wherever desired.

4. Custom Work. As the system is mobile, storage locations may be changed from year to year and custom work can generate additional revenue for machine owner.

5. Labor Requirement. The operation of the system requires one man to oversee the machine and control the compaction process.

6. Time and Efficiency. The system can keep pace with even the most mechanized harvest operation. The machines can compact up to four tons of silage per minute into an Ag-Bag.

7. Weather Conditions. The machines can be operated in weather which would shut down any other harvest and storage operation. This is due to the design and operation of the equipment, and because the system will accept harvested material with a much higher moisture level than conventional storage systems.

The 3M's of Silage - MANAGEMENT; MATURITY; MOISTURE

The “3M’s of Ag-Bag® Silage” represent documented methods and technology of good silage making. Ensiling has proven to be the most efficient method of storing and preserving the nutrient value of your crops. We invite you to benefit from proven methods and profit-making concepts. Read on, it can change your future.