According to Visqueen, its new two-in-one silage clamp sheet could help growers reduce spoilage at the top and shoulders of their clamp.
The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) in the UK cites average dry matter losses of 25% under commercial silage-making conditions.
More than 60% of growers only apply a top sheet to their clamp.
To tackle this, Visqueen has announced the new Synergy clamp sheet, combining a vacuum underlayer with a thicker quality top sheet.
Lloyd Dawson, Visqueen’s sales director for the UK and Ireland, says it’s become increasingly common for farmers to neglect proper sheeting of their clamp due to a lack of labour and time, which is where Visqueen Synergy comes in.
He says: “The product combines two crucial processes, giving farmers the benefit of both the vacuum sheet and top sheet in one time-efficient application.
“The top sheet is made from a thicker green-black material, providing enhanced strength and durability.
“The flexible underlayer sheet in the two-in-one process forms a vacuum effect, creating an improved oxygen barrier to enhance fermentation and prevent spoilage.”
He adds that without more efficient clamp management, growers could continue to see significant financial losses. “With silage worth £60-70 per tonne this year, a 25% loss to spoilage in a 1,000 tonne clamp could mean a financial loss of up to £17,500,” he explains.
“The dry summer of 2025 served as a stark reminder of the importance of maximising forage in preparation for more challenging periods. Failing to do so puts huge pressure on winter feed supplies.”