Sweden

Sweden has a reputation for being a big bale market although there is a presence of clamps and tower silos where dairy herds have increased in size. Recent estimates from the Swedish Agricultural University suggest an even split of a third each between bale, clamp and tower methods of storage with an average of 9 million bales produced.

Two cuts as standard

The standard is to take at least two cuts of silage a year, three when possible — this is more common in the south — and even four in exceptional years. The cuts are usually taken in late May, early July, August and/or September. Baled silage predominates in the later cuts. Harvesting of the silage made in Sweden is either by large baler or by metered-chop harvester.

Six to ten layers, white film

The DM content tends to be high, at 45 – 50% in silage for cattle and 60 – 65% in haylage. Round bales usually have six layers of wrap though the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences recommends eight if the bales are to be handled frequently. Ten layers or more are usual for haylage bales. The colour of silage wrap film used in Sweden is almost always white.

Additives commonly used

Additives to enhance fermentation are commonly used in Swedish silage, with proprionic and formic acids being the most popular. The total quantity of acids used in 2001 was 5,000 tonnes.

Contracting is widespread

Contractors are used by roughly half of Sweden’s farmers. There are some 440 contractors in five regional contractor associations and most contractors are farmers. Sharing the work and equipment for silage production among neighbours is also a common practice.

< back