Soiltest is committed to providing accurate and precise results in our feed analysis. To assure this we maintain a strict daily quality assurance/quality control program. Soiltest is certified for both NIR and wet chemistry feed and forage analysis by the National Forage Testing Association. To obtain this certification, our laboratory analyzes reference samples from the National Forage Testing Association (NFTA) throughout the year.
Whether you choose WET CHEM or NIR, you can be assured that we are doing everything we can to provide the most accurate and precise analysis of your feed samples.
Feed Sampling Techniques
Good forage sampling techniques are crucial when evaluating forage or hay quality. Here are a few guidelines to follow in order to obtain the accurate forage analysis you are looking for.
Use a forage probe to take your sample
Sample each field or stack that is to be sold as a unit
Each unit should be probed 20 times in a random manner completely around the unit (one per harobed load for starters). Bales should be probed horizontally centered in the end of the bale
Combine all cores and mix thoroughly in a plastic bag
Identify the sample bag and fill out the Soiltest Feed Analysis Request Form
Keep bags cool and out of the sun and take to laboratory for analysis
Alfalfa
Feed and Forage analysis from Soiltest Farm Consultants
Determining the relative feed value (RFV) of your forage and feed is made possible by our comprehensive forage analysis schedule. To assure accurate results during alfalfa analysis and timothy analysis, we maintain a strict daily quality assurance program that will give you a precise indicator of the quality and value of your hay and forage. We offer complete mineral analysis of all feed and forage samples in addition to basic hay quality analysis.
If you are a broker in the hay and forage industry, then you understand the importance of analyzing hay and forage for protein ash, fiber feed value, and digestibility. Whether alfalfa aalysis , or timothy analysis, Soiltest is certified for both wet chemistry and NIR feed and forage analysis by the National Forage Testing Association. To maintain this special certification, our lab analyzes reference samples from the NFTA throughout the year.
Understanding Our Feed and Forage analysis Sampling Techniques
We suggest specific guidelines when taking samples to ensure an accurate quality evaluation of forage or hay. Please follow these suggestions, so that you can be guaranteed of a precise alfalfa or timothy forage analysis:
Take your sample with a forage probe.
Take a forage sample from each stack or field that is to be sold as a unit.
Probe each forage unit 20 times in a random manner, completely around the unit. A good starting point is one probe per harrow bed load. Bales should be probed horizontally, centered in the end of the bale.
Combine the forage cores and mix completely in a plastic bag.
Mark the sample forage bag to identify it, and fill out the Soiltest Feed Analysis Request form.
Keep forage sample bags out of the sun, keep them cool, and take or ship them to the lab for analysis.
Because grass hays can possess nitrate toxicity, we are able to conduct nitrate forage analysis to ensure their safety for use.
We also offer analysis for the Roundup-Ready gene to ensure the health of the forage and it’s resistance to glyphosate-based weed control products.
Aflatoxin analysis ensures that the Aspergillus species of fungi do not pose a threat to the heath of livestock. Moist conditions during harvest commonly increase the potential of this threat.
Contact Us Today for More Information about Alfalfa analysis, Timothy analysis, and Feed analysis
For prices and a list of our forage and feed analysis services you can contact us directly at compost@soiltestlab.com, and we will be happy to go over our many services in more detail.
