Winter puts silage clamps under pressure. Freezing temperatures, driving rain, strong winds, and heavy foot traffic can all cause expensive damage and be risky if ignored.
Clamp maintenance is crucial if you want to keep your silage in top condition through the winter and into spring. Here’s what to look out for and what you can do now to prevent problems later.
Why Winter Is Tough on Silage Clamps
Once the weather turns, a slight weakness in your clamp can quickly worsen. Cracks in concrete expand as water freezes and thaws. Torn covers let in oxygen and moisture. Persistent rain increases the chance of leachate run off or contaminated feed.
- Ignoring these issues can lead to:
- Increased dry matter losses
- Higher spoilage and heating
- Contaminated feed that harms animal health
- Weakened structures that cost a fortune to fix
That’s why winter is the right time to act.
Key Areas to Check Right Now
Walk your clamp and make a note of any issues. Don’t wait until silage quality drops or repairs become urgent.
Check for holes, tears or sagging in your silage sheets. Even a small tear can let in oxygen, which causes heating and mould growth. Patch damage quickly or replace worn covers to keep your silage sealed.
2. Blocked Drainage Channels
Clear out any blocked drains or gullies around your clamp. Standing water increases the risk of effluent run off and damages concrete. Good drainage protects both your silage and your yard.
3. Concrete Walls and Floors
Look for cracks, crumbling sections or spalling (flaking concrete). These areas can get worse over winter and weaken the structure. Make a plan now to repair them before spring. Small cracks can often be sealed quickly with the right product.
If you use tyres or side sheets, check they’re holding tight. In winter wind, loose sheeting lets in rain and air. If you’re tired of tyres, switch to Silostop Secure Gravel Bags or Oxygen Barrier Side Sheets for a cleaner, safer clamp setup.
5. Leachate Channels and Tanks
Make sure effluent channels are flowing and tanks aren’t full. Overflowing leachate can damage your yard and lead to environmental fines. Plan a regular check routine, especially after heavy rain.
Tips to Prevent Winter Clamp Problems
Taking a few extra steps now will help you avoid costly issues later.
Use an Oxygen Barrier Film
If you haven’t already, consider switching to a film like Silostop Max that provides a proper oxygen barrier. These films cling tightly to the silage and reduce DM losses by keeping air out.
Secure Your Covering Properly
Use gravel bags or clamp nets to weigh down covers and stop wind damage. Patch any visible holes right away using proper tape. Don’t wait for the wind to lift half your sheet.
Keep Feedout Faces Clean and Tight
Use a sharp blade or shear grab to leave a tight face. Pull the sheet back just enough for daily feedout and re-cover after each use. This keeps the face sealed and reduces spoilage.
Log and Plan Repairs
If you spot structural issues, take photos and make notes now. That way, you’ll have a clear plan when the weather improves. Contractors get busy in spring, so book early if you need help.
Don’t Let Small Issues Turn into Big Costs
Silage quality doesn’t just depend on how you make it, it depends on how you store it. A damaged clamp leaks value every day. Spoilage, waste and animal health issues all eat into your margins.
Walk the clamp, make the fixes, tidy up the edges, and check your drainage. These small jobs help you get through winter without surprises and make spring feedout much smoother.
