When it comes to hay baling, few names carry the legacy and expertise of Jones Twine & Net Wrap. Founded four generations ago, the company has grown alongside American agriculture, serving farmers who depend on durable, high-quality products to protect their hard-earned hay.
Recently, Erica Lantz, owner of Feeders Grain & Farm Supply, sat down with Anthony Jones, fourth-generation CEO of Jones Twine & Net Wrap, to talk about the evolution of net wrap, choosing the right product for your operation, and the importance of building lasting relationships in the agricultural industry.
A Legacy Rooted in Service
For Anthony, agriculture and customer care are family traditions.
“I was blessed to grow up with an unbelievable grandfather who had a gift for making everyone feel important,” Anthony shared. “One of our longest-standing customers is Feeders Grain. Visiting your site was one of the first sales trips I ever took as a kid.”
That long-standing partnership continues today, built on the same foundation of integrity and service that both companies hold dear.
“Anyone can make a customer for a day,” Anthony said. “Our goal is to make a customer for life.”
The Evolution of Net Wrap
Jones Twine & Net Wrap has been part of the net wrap story since its beginning. When the product first entered the U.S. market, there were several American manufacturers — but over time, production shifted overseas to Europe and Asia.
While it’s no longer a U.S.-made product, Jones Twine stands out because of how they source and test.
“We work with multiple manufacturers around the world,” Anthony explained. “Not all net wrap is created equal. We make sure every product we sell is top-quality, high-performing, and the best value for farmers.”
That global perspective allows the company to match specific wraps to different crops and conditions — from elastic options for straw to heavy-duty wraps for corn stalks.
Choosing the Right Net Wrap: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
Net wrap technology may seem simple, but as Anthony explained, there’s real science behind the strands.
There are two main ways to achieve strength in net wrap:
- Elastic-based wraps — more stretch, good for crops that expand like wheat straw.
- Thicker, stiffer wraps — greater durability, ideal for rough materials like corn stalks.
“Think of it like rubber bands versus rope,” Anthony said. “Elastic wraps expand and handle swelling, but tougher, stiffer wraps like our BaleTuff product resist tearing and handle tougher crops.”
Among their most trusted brands are:
- BaleTuff – a heavy, cast-film wrap that holds up in tough conditions.
- AgRite – a balanced option with both strength and flexibility.
- Tama – a lighter, elastic net wrap, also sold under brands like John Deere and Kubota.
Anthony cautioned against cheap knock-offs.
“There’s top-quality net wrap — and then there’s the bargain-bin stuff that should terrify anyone baling hay,” he said. “You get what you pay for.”
Why Quality Matters
While cost is always a consideration, cutting corners on net wrap can backfire fast. Cheap wrap can tear, jam in rollers, or fail in storage — costing time and labor in the field.
“Agriculture isn’t a nine-to-five job,” Anthony said. “When you’re out there from sunup to sundown, you can’t afford breakdowns caused by poor-quality wrap.”
High-quality net wrap may cost more upfront, but it saves money in the long run by reducing waste, protecting hay quality, and keeping operations running smoothly.
Twine vs. Net Wrap: Why Many Farmers Have Switched
Some producers still prefer sisal twine or wire, but Anthony says the benefits of net wrap are hard to ignore.
“You can bale a field in a third of the time with net wrap compared to twine,” he explained. “It protects the bale better, reduces waste, and extends storage life — whether it’s a bumper crop year or a tough season.”
He also warned against leaving net wrap on when feeding:
“Don’t let livestock eat plastic,” he said firmly. “It’s not biodegradable, and it can cause serious digestive issues.”
While some have wished for a biodegradable net wrap, Anthony clarified that such a product doesn’t exist — at least not yet.
“If someone invents it, we’ll be the first to know,” he said with a smile.
The Science Behind Silage Wrap and Grain Bags
Beyond net wrap, Jones Twine & Net Wrap also distributes silage wrap, grain bags, and tarps. Anthony explained how research and development have revolutionized those products in recent years.
“European manufacturers pushed the envelope with multi-layer technology,” he said. “Five-layer and seven-layer wraps perform better and more consistently than single-layer products.”
He cautioned farmers not to assume thicker always means better.
“A thicker film doesn’t automatically make a better wrap,” he noted. “The quality of the layers and the UV stabilization matter more than raw thickness.”
Cutting Through Marketing Noise
Both Erica and Anthony discussed the challenges of navigating flashy marketing and buzzwords in ag products.
“There’s a lot of marketing out there that sounds great but doesn’t always deliver results,” Erica said.
Anthony agreed.
“Farmers are smart. They just need honest information,” he said. “That’s why we partner with dealers like Feeders Grain — because you care about helping customers, not just selling to them.”
He also cautioned against products claiming to “repel pests” or win flashy awards.
“If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” he added. “Real performance comes from real testing, not marketing hype.”
Looking Ahead
With products distributed worldwide and partnerships spanning generations, Jones Twine & Net Wrap continues to focus on quality, reliability, and relationships.
“We’re proud of our products,” Anthony said. “But more than that, we’re proud of our partners — folks like Feeders Grain who share our heart for agriculture.”
For farmers looking for dependable net wrap, twine, silage wrap, or grain bags, that commitment makes all the difference.
“At the end of the day,” Anthony concluded, “we’re not just selling wrap — we’re helping farmers protect their livelihood.”
Learn More
Visit Feeders Grain & Farm Supply to explore our full line of Jones Twine & Net Wrap products, including BaleTuff, AgRite, and Tama net wraps. Our team is here to help you choose the right solution for your baler, your crop, and your operation — because when it comes to your hay, quality and service matter.
