Page 34 - Sep302021

The Midwest Cattleman · September 30, 2021 · P34
Test, Don’t Guess – sampling and testing hay

Fall is here and the weath- ple for analysis, it should be
er reminds us of the chang- kept separate from other lots
ing of the seasons. This is of hay. The UNL NebGuide
the time of year when many “Sampling Feeds for Analy-
producers are hauling hay ses” states that a “lot” of hay
home for the winter as well should be harvested from
as pricing and purchasing the same field consisting of
hay. There is a tremendous similar types of plants, cut-
range in hay quality depend- ting dates, maturity, variety, the probe into the bale, since method that should be used
ing upon level of maturity, weed contamination, type of friction from high speeds (such as sample every fourth
fertilization, growing condi- harvest equipment, curing can heat the probe to a point bale) to obtain an accurate
tions, harvest circumstances methods and storage condi- where it damages the hay sample. Once all of the sam-
and storage methods. Accu- tions. When these conditions sample. ples for a “lot” have been col-
rately sampling and testing differ, feed should be desig- To get a representative lected, the samples may need
hay is the only way to get a nated and sampled as a sep- hay sample from a “lot” of to be sub-sampled to get the
real understanding of the arate “lot”. hay, select 15-20 bales in the feed down to a sample size
nutritive value of feed. Using Hay samples should be lot. Knowing the total num- that can be sent in for anal-
values from previous years or taken using a hay probe or a ber of bales that are present
a “book value” can be costly core sampler. The hay probe can help identify a random continued on page 38
since a producer may incor- should penetrate at least
rectly develop a ration using 12-18 inches into the bale
values that aren’t represen- and have an internal diame-
tative. ter of at least 3/8 of an inch.
Guidelines for sampling Using your hand to grab a
When sampling hay, get- sample will not consistently
provide reliable results. Tips
ting a representative sam- of hay probes should be kept
ple is a critical first step. sharp to cut through hay and
Samples must accurately prevent selective sampling.
represent the entire lot of Avoid getting hay probes hot
hay. When obtaining a sam-
when using a drill to drive

B/F

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A and INTO a B BRRIIGGHHTT FFUUTTUURREE

T with FESCUE FITFESCUE FIT

T B/F BALANCER ®
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B/F BALANCERSS
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Maternal Integrity BALANCERernal Integrity BALANCER Bull SaleBull Sale

CO. 1 188 mmoonntthhss oolldd

Nov. 6, 2021 / 1 pm Butler, MOv. 6, 2021 / 1 pm Butler, MO
No

Lot videos/info @ www.bfcattleco.com

Auction Live Streamed on our Facebook page
Brett & Libby Fo
Sale Day Phone Bids: Gary Felger 573-298-0828
Sale Day Phone Bids: Gary Felger 573-298-0828 Brett & Libby Fosterster
Auctioneer Bill Nance ~ Nance Auction Service Butler, Mo 64730
417-214-0093 nanceauctionservice@yahoo.com 660-492-2808 / @BFCattleCo