Describe the function of a bailer in agriculture.

A bailer, commonly referred to as a baler, serves a crucial function in agriculture by compressing hay or straw into bales for easier handling, transport, and storage. By compacting these materials into manageable sizes, a baler makes it possible for farmers to efficiently collect large volumes of hay and straw, which can then be stored for animal feed or utilized for bedding. This method of baling not only reduces waste but also helps preserve the quality of the forage.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary function of a bailer. While storing harvested grain, tilling soil, and irrigating fields are important agricultural processes, they are functions performed by other specialized equipment, such as grain bins, plows, and irrigation systems, respectively. These distinctions highlight the unique role of a baler in the agricultural machinery landscape.