Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Covering wheat straw bales

These photos were taken late in the day on Monday as the 'guys' covered 220 wheat straw bales with plastic. It is part of the process to ammoniate wheat straw to add feed value to the otherwise 'low feed value' of wheat straw. The added anhydrous ammonia basically doubles the protein content of the wheat straw.
The first step - after stacking the bales in a tidy pile - is to lift the plastic (and the strong people) on top of the pile.

They put a metal rod in the center of the roll of plastic - which is very heavy.

Kendall held on to one end as Jamie and Matt carried the roll to the end of the stack of bales.

Then they unfold the plastic so that it covers all 220 bales. Joey was holding down one corner.

Matt worked on the opposite end of the stack.

Matt stood on the plastic so that the wind didn't take the plastic to Nebraska.

Joey used the skid steer to pile dirt on the plastic to keep it where it is supposed to be.

The finished product - 220 wheat straw bales covered in plastic and sealed with dirt on the edges.

The final step is to supply anhydrous ammonia to the stack. They will use the 'improved bales' in feed rations during the next few months.

And lastly, you throw Sam in the air!

Sam loves farming with his uncle Matt

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thanks MaryKay for teaching this "city boy" why the bales are covered with plastic. I never knew that was the reason (just thought they would be better if kept dry from the snow and rain).

As always, enjoy reading your blog!