hay sampling developed by bobby smith and sarah vaughn cooperative extension service the university...
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Hay Sampling
Developed by Bobby Smith and Sarah Vaughn
Cooperative Extension Service
The University of Georgia
Bobby Smith, CEC Morgan County
Importance of Hay Production
• According to USDA 2004 600,000 acres of hay in GA 3 T/A average yield?!? $108,000,000 value
• According to UGA Farm Gate Survey 2003 714,000 acres $136,971,313 direct value
• Does not factor in value-added aspects Beef, dairy, equine, sheep,
goat and nursery industries
Why Sample Hay?
To Determine Quality
Quality Factors
Protein
Energy
Fiber
Nutrients
Nitrates
Sampling Methods
Brace and Bit
Colorado Hay Probe
“Grab” Sample
Penn State Forage Sampler- Brace and Bit
Advantages• Does a good job of
sample collection
Disadvantages• Difficult• Sharp tip Required • Time and Labor Intense
Forage Sampling with a Brace and Bit
• Start sampling against the grain from the wrapped side of the bale
• Sample level or slightly elevated as you pierce the bale to insure sample doesn’t slide out of the probe
• Use wooden plunger to push the sample out of the probe into the sample bag
• Take a minimum of 10 to 15 samples per lot of hay
Colorado Hay Probe
Advantages
• Less time consuming
• Less manual labor
• More efficient
• Light weight
Disadvantages
• Tip sharpness?
• Cost
Sampling with Colorado Hay Probe
• Check pug to make sure it is closed tight (Adjust by turning clockwise)
• “Punch” probe into bale level or slightly elevated to make sure sample doesn’t slide out
• Keep pushing until you reach the flanged portion of the sampler
• Use plunger to push sample into collection base
• Take a minimum of 10 to 15 samples per lot
Sample Ready for the UGA Forage Lab
Summary
Use a Hay Probe to obtain Forage Quality Samples Using a Hay Probe increases reliability of sample 100
fold over grab samples Several types of Hay Probes are commercially available Select a Hay Probe that fits your needs
Send your Samples to a lab that reports RFQ so comparisons of Quality can be made