1. Hay Sampling Developed by Bobby Smith and Sarah Vaughn Cooperative Extension Service The University of Georgia Bobby Smith, CEC Morgan County

2. 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

3. Why Sample Hay? To Determine Quality Quality Factors Protein Energy Fiber Nutrients Nitrates

4. Sampling Methods Brace and Bit Colorado Hay Probe “Grab” Sample

5. Penn State Forage Sampler- Brace and Bit Advantages Does a good job of sample collection Disadvantages Difficult Sharp tip Required Time and Labor Intense

6. 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

7. Colorado Hay Probe Advantages Less time consuming Less manual labor More efficient Light weight Disadvantages Tip sharpness? Cost

8. 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

9. Sample Ready for the UGA Forage Lab

10. 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