Forage and Grain Analysis

Forages and farm-produced grains may be analyzed at the Soil, Plant and Pest Center. The Basic Forage test includes Moisture, Dry Matter, ADF(Acid Detergent Fiber), NDF(Neural Detergent Fiber), TDN, Net Energy, RFV, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium for $10.00 per sample. The Basic Forage Plus is the basic test in addition to Copper, Sulfur, Manganese and Zinc for $20.00 per sample. Home produced grains may be analyzed for $15.00 and includes Moisture, Dry Matter, ADF and Crude Protein. Rations based on feed analyses are offered by request.

How to Sample:

Approximately one-half gallon of sample (cored hay or grain) is needed for analysis.

• Hay — Obtain samples from approximately 10 bales. Best samples are obtained with the use of a forage sampling probe. Check with your local Extension office about the availability of these samples. For square bales, take one core from one end of each bale. For round bales, take a sample from each side of the bales. If grab samples are taken, be sure to obtain a representative sample.
  
• Silage or haylage — If haylage is in round bales, follow the same procedures as for round baled hay. If haylage or silage is chopped, then obtain two to three gallons of material from 10 to 15 places in the silo. Four upright silos, run unloader and collect on sample per minute for several minutes. In both situations, mix all of the collected material together, then fill sample bag with this mixture. Be sure to seal bag to ensure correct moisture determination.
  
• Grain — Obtain several small samples from different areas on the bin or storage area. Mix as listed above. Commercial feeds should not be submitted.

Sample Fees

Please refer to the Soil, Plant and Pest Center Fee Schedule.* The fees are effective February 1, 2007.

Submit a Sample:

Send forage/grain sample(s), Forage and Grain Test Information Sheet(s),* and appropriate fees to the Soil, Plant and Pest Center (see address and fee information on the Forage and Grain Test Information Sheet). Fees can also be paid by credit card using the secure UT Institute of Agriculture eMarketplace site. Click here to pay online.

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