{"id":1063,"date":"2026-07-28T01:53:05","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T01:53:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/silage-baler.com\/?p=1063"},"modified":"2026-07-28T05:29:30","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T05:29:30","slug":"net-wrap-vs-twine-choosing-the-right-bale-binding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/silage-baler.com\/uk\/application\/net-wrap-vs-twine-choosing-the-right-bale-binding\/","title":{"rendered":"Net Wrap vs Twine: Choosing the Right Bale Binding"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Equipment \u00b7 Bale Binding \u00b7 Consumables<\/div>\n

Net Wrap vs Twine: Choosing the Right Bale Binding<\/p>\n

The cost-per-bale comparison, shape retention differences, storage duration implications, and the crop and market conditions that make each binding type the right choice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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A Decision Most Baler Buyers Make by Default \u2014 and Shouldn’t<\/h2>\n

When farmers buy a new round baler, the binding type question \u2014 net wrap or twine \u2014 is usually settled by the dealer’s standard configuration or by what the previous machine used. It is rarely made as a deliberate comparison of the two options’ relative advantages across the buyer’s specific crop types, storage requirements, and market. This matters because the net wrap versus twine decision has real cost and quality implications that vary significantly by application.<\/p>\n

Net wrap adds AUD $1.20 to $2.80 per bale to consumable costs compared to twine at AUD $0.25 to $0.70 per bale \u2014 a material difference across a 600-bale season (AUD $570 to $1,260 additional for net wrap). In return, net wrap provides better bale shape retention, 30 to 60 seconds faster bale cycle time, and meaningfully better performance in high-moisture silage and long-duration outdoor storage. Whether those benefits justify the cost premium depends entirely on the operation’s specific circumstances.<\/p>\n

This article covers the complete net wrap versus twine comparison \u2014 mechanism, cost, shape retention, storage performance, and the specific crop and market conditions that tilt the decision toward each. For context on how binding choice integrates with the baler specification decision, our article on best round baler for small to mid-size sheep farms<\/a> covers the broader equipment specification context where binding type is one component.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"9YG-1.25A<\/p>\n

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Mechanism and Speed: How Each Type Works<\/h2>\n

Net Wrap: The Peripheral Pressure System<\/h3>\n

Net wrap is a knitted or woven polypropylene mesh that is fed across the full bale width during the final bale-forming rotations. The net adheres to the bale surface through friction from the rotating bale, wrapping 1.5 to 2.0 times around the circumference before the knife cuts and the net end is tucked. The result is a net that provides continuous circumferential pressure on the bale surface \u2014 maintaining cylindrical shape as the bale is ejected and through the handling and storage period.<\/p>\n

Net wrap application takes 7 to 12 seconds per bale in most machines and requires the bale to stop forming while the net feeds \u2014 this ‘dwell time’ reduces baler throughput slightly compared to twine in continuous-flow operations. However, net wrap eliminates the ‘tailgating’ problem of twine \u2014 the need to wait for twine to fully tie and cut before ejection \u2014 and produces a bale that is ejected in a single clean action, maintaining momentum in high-volume operations.<\/p>\n

Twine: The Spiral Wrap System<\/h3>\n

Twine binding uses two or three polypropylene or sisal twine strands applied to the bale in a spiral pattern as the bale rotates, with the twine tied at the bale surface and cut. Twine provides point-contact binding at the tied locations rather than the continuous circumferential pressure of net wrap \u2014 adequate for hay bales that are relatively stable in shape, less adequate for high-moisture silage bales that tend to bulge and deform between the twine contact points after ejection.<\/p>\n

Twine application is faster per revolution cycle (no dwell time) but requires a longer total cycle per bale to achieve adequate binding security across the bale width. Net modern commercial round balers take approximately equivalent total cycle times to finish a bale in twine versus net wrap formats \u2014 the speed advantage of twine is smaller in practice than in theory.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Factor<\/th>\nNet Wrap<\/th>\nTwine<\/th>\nAdvantage<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Consumable cost per bale<\/td>\n$1.20\u2013$2.80<\/td>\n$0.25\u2013$0.70<\/td>\nTwine \u2014 $1\u2013$2 per bale cheaper<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bale cycle time (practical)<\/td>\n7\u201312 sec application<\/td>\nSimilar total cycle<\/td>\nSimilar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shape retention (silage)<\/td>\nExcellent \u2014 cylindrical<\/td>\nPoor-Moderate \u2014 deforms<\/td>\nNet wrap<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shape retention (hay 14-16%)<\/td>\nGood<\/td>\nGood \u2014 adequate<\/td>\nSimilar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Outdoor storage weathering<\/td>\nGood \u2014 mesh protects<\/td>\nModerate \u2014 twine degrades<\/td>\nNet wrap<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Biodegradability<\/td>\nLow \u2014 plastic mesh<\/td>\nHigher \u2014 sisal twine option<\/td>\nTwine (sisal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Removal at feedout<\/td>\nFast \u2014 one pull<\/td>\nFaster \u2014 cut 2-3 twines<\/td>\nTwine slightly<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Livestock ingestion risk<\/td>\nLow \u2014 mesh visible<\/td>\nModerate \u2014 twine fragments<\/td>\nNet wrap<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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When Net Wrap Is the Correct Choice<\/h2>\n

Silage Baleage \u2014 Net Wrap Is Non-Negotiable<\/h3>\n

For silage baleage at 40 to 65% moisture, net wrap is not a preference \u2014 it is the correct technical specification. The reasoning: a silage bale at 55% moisture is an asymmetric load \u2014 the bottom half of the bale is denser and wetter than the top half due to settling under the bale’s own weight. Twine binding at 3 to 4 contact points cannot provide the continuous circumferential resistance needed to prevent the bale from flattening at the base and bulging at the equator within 24 to 48 hours of ejection. A deformed silage bale has internal structural gaps where anaerobic conditions are not maintained \u2014 aerobic pockets form in the deformed zones, initiating fermentation failures that spread inward over the storage period.<\/p>\n

Net wrap’s continuous circumferential pressure maintains the cylindrical bale geometry through the active fermentation phase (the first 21 days when deformation risk is highest) and through the entire storage period. For the silage baling workflow on the 9YG-1.25A variable-chamber round baler<\/a>, net wrap is the standard configured binding \u2014 the baler’s ejection system and bale collection geometry are optimised for the shape-stable net-wrapped bale format.<\/p>\n

Outdoor Storage Beyond 6 Months \u2014 Net Wrap Holds Better<\/h3>\n

Polypropylene net wrap, despite its reputation as a plastic waste problem, is significantly more UV-stable than polypropylene twine at equivalent thickness. For hay bales stored outdoors beyond 6 months \u2014 including export hay stacks and remote property reserves that must last through a full year before use \u2014 net wrap maintains structural integrity through the UV, temperature cycling, and rain\/dew events that degrade twine binding. A twine-tied hay bale stored outdoors for 12 months in SA or WA shows measurable twine degradation (cracking, reduced tensile strength) from UV exposure; equivalent net wrap maintains full binding strength.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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When Twine Is the Correct Choice<\/h2>\n

Low-Moisture Hay for Immediate Sale or Barn Storage<\/h3>\n

Dry hay baled at 13 to 16% moisture with immediate barn storage or within-season sale does not require the shape retention and extended outdoor durability of net wrap. The lower consumable cost of twine (AUD $0.25 to $0.70 per bale versus $1.20 to $2.80 for net wrap) is a genuine saving across a 400 to 600-bale hay season without meaningful quality trade-off when the storage conditions are appropriate. Well-baled dry hay at 14% moisture holds its cylindrical shape under twine binding in barn storage \u2014 the low moisture means the bale is mechanically stable and does not settle or deform the way moist silage does.<\/p>\n

Bedding Straw \u2014 Twine Reduces Feed-Site Cleanup<\/h3>\n

For wheat straw bedding bales fed in horse or pig facilities, the net wrap removal step creates a cleanup task \u2014 net wrap fragments that are not fully removed from the bale face before feeding contaminate the bedding area with plastic mesh. Twine-tied straw bales are faster to open at the feed site (cut 2 to 3 twines, pull the bale apart) and leave no plastic mesh contamination. For commercial straw bedding supply where animal welfare and stable cleanliness are priority concerns, the twine format is the more practical choice despite its lower shape retention.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"9YG-1.0C<\/p>\n

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Biodegradability and Environmental Considerations<\/h2>\n

Polypropylene net wrap is the primary source of agricultural plastic contamination in Australian farm soils and waterways \u2014 UV degradation produces microplastic fragments that persist in the environment for decades. Sisal twine, produced from the natural fibre of the agave plant, degrades completely within 12 to 24 months in field conditions and presents no microplastic contamination risk. Polypropylene twine degrades similarly to net wrap but in smaller initial fragment sizes that are less visible and less likely to be collected during paddock cleanup.<\/p>\n

Some Australian local governments and farming regions have implemented plastic bale wrap collection schemes \u2014 most apply to silage film rather than net wrap, but the regulatory trend toward reduced agricultural plastic use is clear. Sisal twine or the newer biodegradable plastic twine alternatives (PLA-based products entering the Australian market from 2023 onwards) allow hay producers to achieve full biodegradability while retaining the cost advantage of twine over net wrap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
\nCan I run the same baler on both net wrap and twine by switching between them?<\/span>+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Most modern round balers \u2014 including the 9YG-1.25A \u2014 are factory-configured for one binding type but can be field-converted to the other with a conversion kit (typically AUD $400 to $1,200 in parts). The conversion changes the binding applicator system and ejection timing. Operations that produce both silage (requiring net wrap) and hay (where twine is adequate) often run net wrap year-round for simplicity rather than converting between seasons \u2014 accepting the higher consumable cost on hay bales in exchange for operational simplicity.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nWhat is the correct tensile strength for hay-grade polypropylene twine?<\/span>+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Hay-grade polypropylene twine is specified at 130 to 180 kg tensile strength per strand \u2014 sufficient to maintain binding on a 250 to 350 kg dry hay bale through normal handling and storage. Some producers use lower-grade twine at 90 to 110 kg tensile strength to save cost \u2014 this is adequate for immediate barn storage but risks twine breakage under outdoor UV stress or handling impact. For export hay or any bale requiring outdoor storage beyond 3 months, use 150+ kg rated twine minimum.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nDoes net wrap affect the silage film wrapping step?<\/span>+<\/span><\/summary>\n
No \u2014 the net wrap is applied inside the baler before ejection and sits between the silage mass and the outer film layer. The silage film wrapper applies its layers over the outside of the net-wrapped bale. The net provides the structural binding; the film provides the oxygen barrier. Both are necessary for silage baleage \u2014 net wrap alone is not an oxygen barrier, and film alone cannot maintain bale shape on high-moisture silage. The two systems are complementary, not alternatives.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nHow do I remove net wrap safely at feedout without leaving fragments?<\/span>+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Cut the net wrap at the bale end face using a sharp knife (a linoleum cutter or purpose-made net wrap knife works well), then peel the net off the bale circumference in one or two sections. Do not cut the net into small pieces \u2014 pull it off as large continuous sections that can be collected for waste disposal. Store collected net wrap in a sealed bag and dispose of through your local agricultural plastic collection scheme (many rural shires offer annual plastic wrap collection days). Do not bury or burn net wrap \u2014 both create environmental problems.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nIs there a performance difference between different net wrap brands?<\/span>+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Yes \u2014 net wrap tear resistance, UV stability, and roll-end quality vary between brands. Premium-grade net wrap (Tama, Rasspe, and similar) uses higher-density knit construction and UV stabilisers that maintain tensile strength through 18 to 24 months of outdoor storage. Budget brands may use lower-density construction that provides adequate performance for short-duration indoor storage but degrades faster in outdoor UV conditions. For hay going into outdoor storage in Australian summer conditions, use premium-grade UV-stabilised net wrap and budget the additional $0.30 to $0.60 per bale into the production cost.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n

\"9LH-12<\/p>\n

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EverPower Baling Machinery \u00b7 Condell Park NSW 2200<\/div>\n

Discuss Your Baler Binding Specification<\/h2>\n

Tell us your crop mix, storage duration, and market \u2014 we’ll advise on the right binding configuration for your operation and confirm compatibility with your baler model.<\/p>\n

Request a Quote<\/a> About EverPower<\/a><\/div>\n
+61 2 9708 3322<\/a>  |  \u2709 sales@silage-baler.com<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Equipment \u00b7 Bale Binding \u00b7 Consumables Net Wrap vs Twine: Choosing the Right Bale Binding The cost-per-bale comparison, shape retention differences, storage duration implications, and the crop and market conditions that make each binding type the right choice. A Decision Most Baler Buyers Make by Default \u2014 and Shouldn’t When farmers buy a new round […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1063","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-applications"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/silage-baler.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1063","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/silage-baler.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/silage-baler.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silage-baler.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silage-baler.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1063"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/silage-baler.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1063\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1068,"href":"https:\/\/silage-baler.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1063\/revisions\/1068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/silage-baler.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1063"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silage-baler.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1063"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silage-baler.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1063"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}