Forage testing is part of a quality-control process from end to end: hay growing, harvesting, forage tests, hay sampling, lab tests and accurate techniques, equipment and procedures.

Experience with hay testing can give a trained eye the ability to judge hay quality within 20 RFV (relative feed value) points or less. Many buyers rely on color as a primary factor in hay quality. Most careful buyers and sellers also rely on forage testing to estimate hay value.

I had a buyer, who had no experience in forage testing, examine cores of hay from different stacks ranging from 100 to 200 RFV. We laid a core sample from each stack on the pickup bed. He had no trouble recognizing the differences in quality and this was verified by my test results from earlier hay samples. The test results added confidence in the buyer’s judgment and basis of value by the seller.

In general, the hay seller and buyer have an obligation to verify the forage testing is done by a certified laboratory. I interview the lab I use for testing and have had no negative experiences. I have been testing hay for approximately 20 years.

There is a very small percentage of alfalfa hay that has genetically engineered organisms from Roundup Ready alfalfa. Special harvesting and testing practices must be taken until this contamination or presence is eliminated.

In regards to the lab are lab-to-lab variations. I believe there may be a problem due to electronic accuracy and electronic hardware and standards – sensors and infrared spectrum processing. Different hardware manufacturers, system design and electronic calibration may cause significant differences between some labs’ test results. Other factors may be involved as well.

Chuck Noble (FAX/Phone: 425-747-7092)
South Dakota hay and seed producer