If you're baling hay, you've faced the classic question: net wrap or twine? Both get the job done, but they're not equal when it comes to speed, bale quality, weather protection, and cost per bale.
Here's a straightforward comparison based on real-world performance to help you decide which is right for your operation.
Speed: Net Wrap Wins by a Mile
This is where net wrap dominates. A typical net wrap cycle takes 2-3 rotations to secure a bale — about 6-10 seconds. Twine requires 15-25 rotations depending on the number of wraps, taking 30-60 seconds per bale.
For a farmer baling 500 bales in a day, that difference adds up:
- Net wrap: ~1.5 hours total wrapping time
- Twine: ~6+ hours total wrapping time
That's 4+ hours saved per day — less fuel, less wear on equipment, and you finish before the weather turns.
Bale Quality and Weather Protection
Net wrap covers the entire outside surface of the bale, creating a barrier against rain, snow, and ground moisture. Studies from university extension programs show that net-wrapped bales stored outside lose 5-10% dry matter over a storage season.
Twine-wrapped bales, by contrast, have gaps between the strings where water penetrates. Outside-stored twine bales can lose 15-35% dry matter — and the outer 4-6 inches often turn into unusable waste.
For a 1,500 lb bale, that's the difference between losing 75-150 lbs vs. 225-525 lbs of usable hay. At \/ton hay value, net wrap pays for itself in reduced spoilage alone.
Cost Comparison: The Full Picture
Twine looks cheaper per roll, but the cost per bale tells a different story:
Twine Cost Per Bale
- Sisal twine: \.35-\.50 per bale (4 wraps)
- Plastic twine: \.20-\.35 per bale
Net Wrap Cost Per Bale
- Dealer brand net wrap: \.40-\.55 per bale
- Factory-direct (XES Extreme): \.30-\.36 per bale
At factory-direct pricing, net wrap costs about the same as twine — and when you factor in reduced hay losses, fuel savings, and time savings, net wrap is significantly cheaper overall.
Bale Shape and Handling
Net wrap produces tighter, more uniform bales that:
- Stack better — More consistent shape means stable stacks
- Handle easier — Less likely to fall apart during transport
- Shed water better — Smooth surface lets rain run off instead of soaking in
- Feed cleaner — Less waste at the feeder
Twine-wrapped bales tend to be looser, especially at the edges. They're more prone to sagging, falling apart during handling, and losing shape in storage.
Equipment Considerations
Most modern round balers (manufactured after 2000) can run both net wrap and twine. Switching between them usually requires a simple adjustment — check your baler manual.
Key compatibility notes:
- John Deere 450/460/550/560/569 — All support net wrap
- New Holland Roll-Belt series — Net wrap ready
- Vermeer 504/605/Rebel — Net wrap compatible
- Case IH RB series — Supports both
- Older balers (pre-2000) — May need a net wrap kit retrofit
Net wrap requires the correct width for your baler chamber. Standard sizes are 48", 51", 64", and 67". See our net wrap sizes guide for help choosing.
When Twine Still Makes Sense
Twine isn't obsolete. It can be the better choice when:
- You're baling very small quantities (under 100 bales/year) and don't want to invest in net wrap rolls
- Your baler is too old for net wrap and a retrofit kit isn't available
- You're baling dry straw for bedding that will be used quickly (weather protection doesn't matter)
The Verdict
For any farmer baling 200+ bales per season with a modern baler, net wrap is the clear winner. The combination of faster baling, better weather protection, reduced hay losses, and comparable cost per bale makes it the smarter choice.
And with factory-direct pricing from XES Extreme Bale Net Wrap, the cost advantage of twine disappears entirely. Free shipping included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from twine to net wrap mid-season?
Yes. Most balers can switch between twine and net wrap with a simple adjustment. Consult your baler manual for the changeover procedure — it typically takes 15-30 minutes.
Does net wrap work for silage bales?
Net wrap secures the bale shape before plastic film wrapping for silage. It's actually preferred over twine for silage because the tighter bale shape reduces air pockets, improving fermentation quality.
Is net wrap harder to remove at feeding time?
Net wrap is actually easier to remove — it comes off in one piece. Twine requires cutting and removing multiple individual strings, which takes longer and creates more waste to collect.
