Proper samples key to accurate test results

If you want to know how good your forage really is, you have to send in proper samples.

In fact, experts say it is the most important aspect of forage quality testing. Your goal should be to obtain a representative and randomly elected sample.

Therefore, it’s important to follow a defined protocol — like this one — when pulling samples:

• Identify a single lot of hay.
• Choose a good, sharp coring device.
• Sample at random.
• Take enough cores.
• Use good technique.
• Handle samples correctly.
• Sample should be the right size.
• Split samples correctly.

For additional details on each of these steps, click here.

Source: University of California

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