Hay – Hay of different types, cuttings or lots should be sampled separately. Using a suitable hay probe, bore 12-20 bales selected at random through the small square end. Combine all core samples and submit for analysis.

Silage – Collect only fresh, unloaded material. Pull handfuls of silage from 12-20 locations in the unloaded silo pile, feed bunk, or from in front of 12-20 cows. For bunker or trench silos, collect 12-20 samples from across the face of freshly exposed material. Sampling locations should vary from top to bottom and left to right. All sub samples should be combined and mixed thoroughly in a clean plastic bucket to form a composite sample. Submit one pound (0.5 kg) of the composite for analysis.

Another option is to load a mixer wagon with silage, blend for a few minutes, and then grab a sample from the discharge.

Total Mixed Rations – Collect only freshly blended rations. Pull 12-20 handfuls of the mix from different locations in the feed bunk or from in front of 12-20 cows. All sub samples should be mixed in a clean plastic bucket to form a composite. Submit a one pound (0.5 kg) sample of the composite for analysis.