It’s hard to believe that it is already time to make hay. Cutting, tedding, raking, and baling is sure to keep folks busy in the coming months. But what about testing? This is a periodic reminder to test your hay! The only way to truly know the nutrient content of hay is to submit a sample to a forage testing lab and have it analyzed. This information can assist you in making feeding decisions for various stages of production and potentially marketing your hay at a greater price. What better time to test hay that when you are putting it into the barn? The following information will guide you through the process.

• Test each lot of hay separately. A lot is defined as hay that was harvested at the same time from the same field under the same conditions.
• Use a hay probe to collect 15 to 20 core samples from each lot of hay. Your local Extension agent can help you locate a hay probe in your area.
• Insert the hay probe into the bale at a 90-degree angle
  • For round bales, insert the probe into the curved side of the bale.
  • For square bales, insert the probe into the center of the end of the bale.
  • This video, How to Take a Forage Sample, demonstrates the sampling technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UksOxJQzEnc.
• Remove the hay probe and empty the contents into a clean bucket or bag.
• If grab samples are collected, be sure that a representative sample is taken, as this method may not provide reliable results.
• After sampling the complete lot, mix the sample thoroughly and place into a 1-gallon zip lock bag. The bag should be at least ½ full.
• Seal the bag and use a permanent marker to write the sample name on the bag. Each sample will need a unique sample name.
• Fill out the Forage Submission Form (https://soillab.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/129/2020/06/Forage-Submission-Form-2019.pdf).
• Mail samples and Forage Submission Form to:

Soil, Plant and Pest Center
5201 Marchant Drive
Nashville, TN 37211 

• Payment can be made by check, payable to “University of Tennessee.” You may also purchase forage tests online at https://soillab.tennessee.edu/.

Contact your local county Extension office if you have any questions about collecting or submitting hay samples.