FARMERS across Scotland, England, and Wales are to trial wrapping hay bales in twine made from sisal in a bid to cut agricultural plastic waste.
Plastic net wrap is typically used on farms across the UK, but the charity Innovative Farmers warned that the material sheds microplastics that pollute water and soil – with the UK estimated to produce 150,000 tonnes of such waste annually.
Sisal, described as a cactus-like plant, requires few chemical inputs to grow, is easy to use in existing farm equipment, and contains no toxic microplastics so can be safely composted.
The one-year trial will compare 5,000 bales, half using sisal twine and half in plastic net wrap, stored in barn conditions ranging from dry to exposed. The bales will then be lab-assessed next year in March and November for protein and sugar content, and to compare the dryness of the material under different conditions.
Innovative Farmers explained that it is hoped sisal will keep the bales secure and dry, giving farmers a nature-friendly alternative that saves on vet bills and plastic tax.
Field lab coordinator, Stuart Oates, farms cattle on Rosuick Organic Farm on Cornwall’s Lizard peninsula. Experimenting with sisal, he aims to remove all plastics from his farm, and eventually replace fossil fuels entirely.
He said, “Plastic net wrap is a nightmare material. It’s almost impossible to cut off without small pieces falling into the hay, which then spread into the environment and get eaten by our animals.
“This can build up quickly as we process thousands of bales a year. The effects of ingesting microplastics on animal and human health is only now starting to be understood, and none of it is good.”
Sisal requires few chemical inputs to grow, is easy to use in existing farm equipment and contains no toxic microplastics so can be safely composted. The one-year trial will compare 5,000 bales, half using sisal twine and half in plastic net wrap, stored in barn conditions ranging from dry to exposed.
The bales will be lab-assessed next year in March and November for protein and sugar content, and to compare the dryness of the material under different conditions. It is hoped sisal will keep the bales secure and dry, giving farmers a nature-friendly alternative that saves on vet bills and plastic tax.
Stuart added, “Our early experiments have shown that sisal is incredibly strong and quick to process, so it’s a win for us and the environment.
“Small steps can lead to huge change – we want to see if this can be applied on a larger scale, so we’re encouraging farmers to join the trial and see how sisal can work for them.”
Farm plastic is often burned, buried or sent to landfill once used – causing further harm to the environment. The farmers are now planning how to scale up production, working with contractors to discuss costs. If the advantages turn out to be significant, it could benefit all UK livestock farmers, Innovative Farmers said.
Field lab researcher Conor Kendrew, of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said, “A successful trial means a strong business case for sisal. From there we can look at establishing economies of scale, cutting farm costs.
“If you’re a farmer using sisal, your research will support other farmers, helping re-build an industry around environmentally sound practices.”
Innovative Farmers coordinator, Laura Gude, added, “We’re excited to see farmers take the lead on this research.
“Plastic alternatives like sisal are not widely known – this could be a huge opportunity for livestock farmers.
“We hope this inspires others to try these nature-friendly methods, and would encourage any interested parties to follow the trial.”
