Systems, methods, and user interfaces for controlling a bulk material baling system are provided. One embodiment of the invention relates to a user interface for controlling components of a tying system, providing a wire odometer that determines and displays real-time information on the use of consumables by the tying system, such as an amount of remaining wire. Embodiments of the wire odometer simultaneously monitor and display an amount of remaining wire on a wire carrier, and a corresponding number of straps remaining to be tied by the current wire carrier. Further embodiments of the user interface provide monitoring data and remaining-use expectancy indicators for individual system components. Additional embodiments of the user interface are configured to control various features of components of a combination tying system that straps bailed material with alternate tying heads, providing both wire strapping and plastic strapping capabilities.
