Forage testing will help you determine how much to feed livestock
A forage test is as simple as taking a soil test, especially if you have a forage probe. The probe fits on the end of a cordless drill and allows you to take core samples out of small square or big round bales. After you’ve taken several samples, mix them together in a bucket. From the mixture, pull out enough hay to fill a gallon Ziploc bag, and send it to your favorite lab. If you need help with a lab suggestion, want to borrow a forage probe, or need help making sense of the results, call the office at 913-715-7000 or e-mail at jo@listserv.ksu.edu. Also check out K-State’s publication on Forage Sampling Procedures and Equipment at http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3177.pdf
Written by Juju Wellemeyer