Frequently Asked Questions 

Q? I was reading your information on hay testing on eHay and am wondering about chopped hay testing. We buy chopped alfalfa and bring it into 10 feed yards and would like to know the correct method of sampling. Thanks for any info. you can provide.

A: The challenge is to get the most representative sample. By most accounts, the general agreement is to sample lots of hay before it is ground. But here goes..... Sampling ground hay - When possible, it is best if you can determine where the hay is coming from and obtain a sample before grinding. Ground hay has a terrific amount of separation, with the leaves falling to the middle of the pile and the stems separating to the outside of the pile. It is best if you take several samples from the face of the pile and then you can only hope for the best. Visual observation of the ground hay is probably as accurate as the lab results and generally regard hay purchased in the ground form as feeder hay.

If sampling forage after it is ground s your only option.... Chopped or ground hay - Periodically collect about 10 small samples from each "lot" of hay during grinding and place all the samples into one plastic bag and seal tightly. Sample previously ground or chopped hay beneath the surface. Collect about one-fourth of the samples from the top half of the pile and the rest from the lower half. Avoid allowing fines to sift between fingers.

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