#forage testing

Why Are My Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Results Late?

You may notice that when you drop off a sample for NIRS analysis, you are told the results of hay, forage, silage, or corn grain samples will be done the next day.  However, once in awhile when you check your email at 5 pm the next day, no reports have arrived in your inbox.  Many customers are anxious to receive their results, so why the delay?

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5 Steps for Proper Hay Sampling

With the first cutting of hay coming off fields in southern states, I am reminded that proper hay sampling procedures are a must.  Today I was brought a sample from a single bale of mixed hay and asked to sort the alfalfa from the grass hay and use those as individual, separate samples.  I was not the only one whose first reaction was, are they planning on sorting it out every time they feed? …

Understanding Hay Quality – Part III

So far in our three-part series on hay quality we have looked at defining terms, quality standards, maturity, species and variety, leafiness, and harvesting. In our last installment, we’re look at how to meet our horses nutritional needs with hay, testing forage for nutritional value, and purchasing hay.  For more information on any of these topics, visit For more information visit Purdue…