2021 - Volume #BFS, Issue #21, Page #55
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New Ag Plastic Chases Critters Away
A new repellent plastic made by the European Company E.P.R.D. (European Plastic Research and Development) effectively repels birds, rodents & raccoons from wrapped bales and silage and grain bags. The specially treated plastic keeps grain and forage in top condition, by protecting it for up to two years in farmers fields. Elizabeth Omet of Protexia explains that the additive works similar to an electric fence, in that it trains the unwanted pests to never come near the plastic again, due to the highly uncomfortable sensation they experience when around the plastic.
“We found an incredibly effective organic product that can be added during the plastic extrusion process that repels problem animals, birds, rodents and raccoons,” says Omet. The product called Combirepel is an additive made to repel some species of animals for a determined amount of time and made to be bonded into extruded plastic. In the Protexia products the Combirepel has a life span of 2 years in the plastic and doesn’t transfer into the environment. It is a non-toxic, environmentally safe repellent made from essential oils and other natural ingredients. By repelling the pests, it trains them to stay away - much like an electric fence.
Protexia has introduced Agrirepel in 11 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. Despite being told the North American market was only interested in low cost solutions for storage, Omet says Agrirepel is being well received. Initially, sales were direct to the farmer, but retailers and distributors are now showing major interest. Now Protexia currently has over 100 dealers in the U.S. and Canada.
“People in the dairy industry tell us the Agrirepel-protected silage and hay is higher quality,” says Omet. “When the cows are eating healthier by not ingesting as much mold, they are producing more milk. Last year we had a veterinarian tell us the cows he treats eating bales wrapped from Agrirepel have fewer foot and skin problems because they aren’t eating moldy feed.”
Agrirepel is more expensive - but the time and money you save makes it well worth it. With Agrirepel, you not only protect it for seldom more than a dollar more per bale or a dollar more per foot for a silage or grain bag, but you spend less time checking for damage and repairing it. All Agrirepel is made from the highest quality, virgin LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and the wrap is coated with an adhesive that seals tighter and doesn’t unwrap in the wind. “Our customers report using fewer wraps than they would without the repellent and adhesive,” says Omet. “Many currently use 8 to 10 wraps and as many as 12 trying to keep animals out. With Agrirepel, most often you only need 6 wraps per bale.”
Omet says the company is looking for distributors and dealers in North America for Agrirepel and all Protexia supplies. Protexia has a full line of flexible storage supplies including Twine, Net Wrap, Breathable Hay Tarps, Bale Wrap, Silage and Grain Bags, Silage Covers and Protection Nets. They have implemented a new dealer program to help small farms in rural areas receive higher quality products at the best price. If you are interested in Protexia supplies, you can contact them by reaching out to them directly.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Protexia, P.O. Box 3540, Glen Ellyn, Ill., 60138 (ph 800 935-3011; www.protexia-plast.com).



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2021 - Volume #BFS, Issue #21