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