When it comes to producing quality hay, the type of baling twine you use can make a significant difference. In this discussion, I’ll share the ins and outs of the baling twine I prefer, why I switched it, and how it impacts the hay we produce on our farm.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Twine
Choosing the right baling twine is crucial for a smooth hay-making process. The wrong twine can lead to breakage, inefficiency, and wasted time—especially when you’re racing against the evening dew. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different types of twine, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Understanding Twine Types
The first type of twine I used was a biodegradable natural fiber known as sisal or cecil twine. This twine is made from natural fibers and is biodegradable, which is an appealing feature for those who are environmentally conscious. It has served us well for many years and is primarily sourced from Brazil.
- Biodegradable: Sisal twine is eco-friendly and breaks down over time.
- Performance: It works well in both New Holland and John Deere balers.
- Breakage Issues: Over time, the quality of the 9,000 strength twine became inconsistent, resulting in frustrating breakages.
Transitioning to 7200 Twine
As the 9,000 twine began to fail us, I decided to try 7200 twine, which is thicker and designed to reduce breakage. This twine has a higher knot strength, and I hoped it would resolve the issues we faced with the thinner variety. However, the results were disappointing.
- Thicker Diameter: The 7200 twine is thicker than the 9,000 twine.
- Increased Breakage: Surprisingly, the 7200 twine performed worse than the 9,000, leading to even more breakage.
Exploring Plastic Twine
After experiencing issues with both sisal and 7200 twine, I decided to explore plastic twine as an alternative. My goal was to maintain quality while ensuring that the bales held together effectively. I knew that customers, especially horse owners, prioritize the quality of hay, and I wanted to provide them with the best possible product.
Customer Feedback and Decision Making
Before making the switch to plastic twine, I consulted with my customers. I wanted to know whether they would have concerns about using plastic instead of biodegradable twine. To my surprise, 100% of them responded that they cared more about the integrity of the bales than the type of twine used.
- Quality Over Type: Customers prioritize bale integrity over twine material.
- Market Demand: Understanding customer preferences helped guide my decision.
Choosing the Right Plastic Twine
After extensive research, I settled on a type of plastic twine known as 96 honey 210. This twine has a knot strength of 210 and a total length of 9,600 feet per bale. The knot strength is particularly important because it indicates how likely the twine is to break at the knot, which is often the weakest point.
- High Knot Strength: A higher knot strength means less chance of breakage.
- Cost-Effective: The plastic twine is often less expensive than sisal twine.
Performance of the New Twine
Since switching to the 96 honey 210 plastic twine, I have experienced a remarkable reduction in breakage. We can go an entire season without any issues, which is a game-changer when it comes to efficiency during the hay-making process.
- Reliability: Very few instances of twine breakage or issues at the knot.
- Cost Efficiency: The price of plastic twine is significantly lower compared to sisal twine.
Considerations When Using Plastic Twine
While plastic twine has many advantages, there are also some considerations to keep in mind. It’s essential to manage the twine properly to avoid environmental issues and equipment damage.
- Cleanup: Be diligent about picking up leftover twine to prevent it from wrapping around mower spindles.
- Sharp Knives Required: Ensure that the knotters on the baler have sharp blades to cut through the tougher plastic twine.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the choice of baling twine has a direct impact on the quality and efficiency of hay production. After experimenting with various types, I’ve found that the 96 honey 210 plastic twine meets our needs for strength and reliability while still being cost-effective. While I initially preferred biodegradable options, the feedback from my customers and the performance of the plastic twine have made it clear that this is the best choice for our farm.
As we gear up for another haying season, I feel confident in our decision to use this high-quality plastic twine, and I look forward to producing the best hay possible for our customers.
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