2. Over the next few hours…. Overview of forage quality Obtaining a representative forage sample Basic description of forage quality terminology Forage analysis methods and instrumentation

3. Over the next few hours…. Reading a forage quality analysis Using and marketing RFQ Factors that affect forage quality Dealing with problem samples Using hay contests to promote forage quality

5. The least used and least understood element of a good forage management plan.

6. Recognize the Differences in Animal Types Ruminant Digestive SystemEquine Digestive System Usual Objectives: Weight Gain Milk Production Fleece Production Usual Objectives: Weight Gain Milk Production Fleece Production Usual Objectives: Maintenance Light to Intensive Work Weight Gain

8. Forage Quality has High Value Now CropMaturityCPTDNSupplement † Cost ‡ -- % -- lbs/hd/day$/hd/day Bermudagrass4 weeks10-1258-620$0 6 weeks8-1051-554.8$0.74 8 weeks6-845-507.5$1.16 Tall FescueLate boot14-1666-700$0 Early head11-1360-630$0 Dough8-1050-545.3$0.82 † Assuming 50:50 corn gluten:soy hulls supplementation for forage quality on low end of the range. ‡ Approximate prices for Aug. 2012 ($310/ton). Supplementing a Lactating Beef Cow

9. Get a Grip on Your Hay’s Value

10. What is the value of forage quality? $65/1000 lb roll 51% TDN $70/1000 lb roll 58% TDN A) B) Scenario: Dry Cows Bale A cost:  No supplement; $70/bale Bale B cost:  56 lbs of supplement/1000 lb bale  $8.68 supp. + $65 = $73.68  + labor

11. What is the value of forage quality? $65/1000 lb roll 51% TDN $70/1000 lb roll 58% TDN A) B) Scenario: Lact. Cows Bale A cost:  No supplement; $70/bale Bale B cost:  180 lbs of supplement/1000 lb bale  $27.90 supp. + $65 = $92.90  + labor In this case, the feeding of one bale paid for the forage test.

12. Cheap hay is EXPENSIVE! $65/1000 lb roll 51% TDN $70/1000 lb roll 58% TDN A) B)

14. Tools For Taking a Forage Sample “Penn State Probe”

15. Tools For Taking a Forage Sample “Colorado Hay Probe”

16. How To Take a Forage Sample Sample from each field AND cutting (“Lot” of hay). Use bale corer to get a representative sample from 20 bales per lot. Insert the sampler fully and cross- ways to the stems. Sample from each field AND cutting (“Lot” of hay). Use bale corer to get a representative sample from 20 bales per lot. Insert the sampler fully and cross- ways to the stems.

17. Taking a Forage Sample Do not take a grab sample!

18. Cut Across Windrows Sampling across 1-2 locations

19. Cut Across Windrows

20. Taking a Forage Sample

21. “Colorado Hay Probe”

22. Taking a Forage Sample

24. How To Take a Forage Sample Fill a clean quart-size plastic bag with about ½ lb of forage. Label each bag with details. Send to an accredited lab (National Forage Testing Association), such as the UGA Feed and Environmental Water Lab. For details, see the FAQ page on www.georgiaforages.com www.georgiaforages.com Fill a clean quart-size plastic bag with about ½ lb of forage. Label each bag with details. Send to an accredited lab (National Forage Testing Association), such as the UGA Feed and Environmental Water Lab. For details, see the FAQ page on www.georgiaforages.com www.georgiaforages.com