Testing, Samples & Procedures

Forage Testing

We believe that forage testing is an important part of animal husbandry. On a dairy farm your animals are your source of income, so knowing what there are eating should be of utmost importance to you.

What to sample

• Test all silages and wet and dry hays.
• Homegrown grains and large grain purchase quantities (there is no need to sample most grain purchases from your local mill because till you get the sample back you would be on a different batch. Also on most grains commercially grown averages are fairly accurate.)

General Testing Procedures

• Test cuttings individually if possible there can be a large difference.
• Stay clear of “odd” bales, bird droppings, and mold.
• Use the fastest shipping possible and don’t ship over the weekends.
• Fermented samples should be frozen before shipping.
• Wet Wrap or haylage – 5-6 pulls from various bales or locations.
• Silage: Let set for 2 weeks then take sample once there is no mold and you are in at least a foot.
• Grain: Send in two cups of grain.
• Pasture: Use a zigzag method pulling samples. Pull only the forages that animals are consuming. Samples should not include the bottom 4” of plants.