Producing quality forage continues to be a struggle this year due to warm, wet weather. Last year’s forage testing showed a lack of sufficient nutrients in most first cutting hay, meaning supplementation could be needed. Ohio State University Extension is again offering the forage testing program at a reduced cost to both provide timely advice for winter supplementation and develop a county hay quality summary (if enough samples are submitted).
A forage test will only be accurate if the samples are high quality, so samples must be obtained using a forage sampling probe. Our office has a probe available to borrow. After collecting your samples, place dry hay in a paper bag. Wet wrapped hay/baleage should be placed in a plastic bag and frozen.
If you’d like to have your hay tested, drop off your sample(s) to our office by July 30th. Producers will receive test results for NIR analysis, dry matter content, TDN, crude protein, ADF, NDF, ash, fat, C, P, K, and RFV. The first sample analysis is $15 and subsequent samples are $20.
While you are in, consider purchasing a soil test kit for your hay field. If you have not had your soil tested in a while, you could be losing yield due to nutrient deficiencies. They are only $12 each, and our office can help make fertilizer recommendations based on your results.
Learn more about taking a good hay sample: A Useful Hay Test Starts with a Good Sample | Agronomic Crops Network