On March 28, 2025, Silostop visited Brisson’s Daona Dairy Farm in Shoreham, Vermont, for an on-farm demonstration of our Anti-UV Cover and Orange Oxygen Barrier Film. This practical trial, led by Bonni Kowalke, showcased the performance of Silostop’s high-performance silage protection products in a side-by-side comparison with traditional black-and-white plastic.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Anti-UV Cover vs. Conventional Plastic
At Daona Dairy, half of the bunk was sealed using Silostop’s Anti-UV Cover combined with our Orange Oxygen Barrier film, while the other half used a standard black-and-white plastic, also paired with an oxygen barrier.
What stood out immediately was the temperature difference: silage stored under Silostop Orange remained noticeably cooler than the core silage temperature, indicating better protection from heat and oxygen ingress. This cooler temperature contributes directly to preserving forage quality and reducing spoilage.
No Spoilage, Less Labor
One of the most impressive outcomes was the complete lack of visible spoilage under the Silostop-protected section. When it came time to feed, there was nothing to pitch or discard—a major win for feed efficiency.
Additionally, labor savings were clear. The Anti-UV Cover significantly reduces the need for placing and removing tires on the silage pile. Gravel bags, used in place of tires, effectively held the cover against the wall plastic, streamlining the sealing process and saving time for farm staff.
Scientific Sampling and Results Pending
To assess forage quality, samples were taken from six locations: three from under the Silostop plastic and three from the feed face. Each sample was vacuum-sealed and shipped overnight to Dairyland Labs for analysis. The tests will measure:
- Nutrient profile
- Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) profile
- Yeast and mold counts
These results will offer data-driven insights into the impact of Silostop’s solutions on silage quality compared to conventional methods.
Why It Matters
Spoiled silage isn’t just a waste—it’s a risk to animal health, a cost to the business, and a drain on valuable time. Silostop’s Anti-UV Cover and Orange Oxygen Barrier are designed to combat those challenges, delivering superior protection against oxygen and UV light. As demonstrated at Brisson’s Daona Dairy, these products help farms reduce spoilage, save labor, and ultimately, preserve the value of every ton of silage they produce.
