When it comes to silage, oxygen is the enemy. Even small amounts entering the stack surface can trigger heating, mould growth, dry matter losses, and reduced feed quality. The top metre of your silage is the most vulnerable—and for many farms, it is also where the greatest and most costly waste occurs.
Silostop®’s two-step system—Silostop® Orange Oxygen-Barrier Film paired with Silostop® UV Covers—offers one of the most effective ways to protect silage and maximise the value of every tonne harvested.
Why Silostop Orange Works
Silostop® Orange is internationally recognised as the leading oxygen-barrier film, thanks to its thin, multilayer structure that stops oxygen far more effectively than conventional black and white polyethylene plastic. Research shows:
- Dry matter losses can drop by up to 50% in the top metre compared with standard sheeting
- Aerobic stability can improve by up to 2.5 days, keeping feed fresh and nutrient rich at the face of the stack
- Silostop® Orange is over 60× more effective than PE plastic at blocking oxygen
NT-1364-Silostop-Brochure-EMAIL.pdf
Despite being only 45 microns thick, it delivers exceptional strength, clings tightly to silage, and is far easier to handle than heavy conventional plastics.
Additional benefits include reduced labour, less top layer discard, and lower recycling costs (just one-third the weight of standard film).
The Essential Role of Silostop® UV Covers
Once the oxygen barrier is down, it must be protected. Silostop® SupaCova UV Covers are designed for durability and long-term use—up to seven seasons with correct handling and storage.
Key advantages include:
- Exceptional UV resistance
- Protection from birds, livestock, abrasion, wire in tyres and weather damage
- Woven structure that allows wind to pass through, preventing lifting and overheating
- Strong, easy handling and reduced plastic usage
Together, Silostop® Orange and UV Covers create a complete sealing system that keeps silage cool, stable, and protected year-round.
Silostop® system on farm in Canterbury. This farmer uses both gravel bags and tyres to cover his stack
What Happens Without Proper Protection
The cost of poor coverage is clearly visible in many stacks: mould patches, darkened spoilage, heating, and reduced feed out efficiency. These problems don’t just reduce volume—they reduce the nutritional quality your animals receive.
The image below shows typical surface deterioration caused by oxygen penetration and inadequate sealing.
The Bottom Line
- Silage is one of your biggest on-farm investments. By upgrading to Silostop®’s proven two-step system, you:
- Save more quality feed
- Improve herd intake and performance
- Reduce plastic waste
- Protect your stack through every season
If you want cleaner silage, higher quality feed, and less waste on your farm, Silostop® Orange and Silostop® UV Covers are the simplest and most effective way to achieve it.
Silostop® system – UV Covers and Silostop® Orange on farm in Oamaru
Get in touch with your Local Area Manager for more information.