Feed testing

Learn more about how to test hay, silage and grain, and what to do with the results.

A person uses a corer on the end of a drill to go into a hay bale.

Feed testing

To find out more about where to get a feed test, please call 1300 795 299 and ask to speak to your Local Land Services Ag Advisor.

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Feed testing is a simple, practical way to make better plans and keep livestock in good condition especially during challenging times. 

Feed testing helps to:

  • plan accurate feed budgets
  • check nutritional value of stock feed. 

How to collect and test feed samples

Prepaid feed tests are available and cover hay, pasture, grain and silage. 

Steps for hay sampling

  1. Collect a feed quality service sampling bag.
  2. Using a minimum 10-12 bales, take samples using a hay corer or pocketknife.
    1. If using a corer, make sure the hay is pushed out so that it doesn't get clogged.
    2. If using a knife, scrape off the outside hay that is exposed to the elements, then cut in and grab a sample.
  3. If using square bales, take samples from the end of the bale (on the shortest edge) or if using round bales, take samples from the side of the bale (on the longest edge).
  4. Fill the sample bag to the indicated line.
  5. Complete enclosed submission form.
  6. Seal feed quality service bag with your filled sample bag and completed submission form enclosed. 
1:31

90 second hay testing

This quick “how‑to” guide walks you through taking a hay sample for quality testing. If you’ve never taken a sample before, or would like a refresher, this video steps you through the process to achieve the best results.  

Read transcript
Video transcript

90 second hay testing

Welcome to our 90 second feed testing video.
Today we're going to show you how to test some hay using a number of methods.
You'll need a feed quality service bag to be able to send it off to the lab.
You can use a feed Cora to collect your sample.
If you haven't got one of these, the trusty old pocket knife will do the
job.
No matter what you're using, it's important to make sure you sample
upwards of 10 to 12 bales to get a good representative sample of what you're
feeding to your livestock.
Here are some things to consider.
If you're using square bales, sample from the end of the Bale.
If you're using round bales, sample from the side of the Bale.
When using a Cora after each core, you want to make sure that you push the
hay out to prevent it from clogging up.
Make sure you have filled the bag to the hay line indicated.
If you're using a knife, firstly scrape off the outside hay that
has been exposed to the elements.
Then cut in and grab a sample again, making sure to sample multiple bales and
fill to the line indicated on the sample bag.
The Feed Quality Service Bag contains A submission form you need to fill out,
plus a set of instructions for taking a sample.
Once you've filled out the submission form,
place it and your filled sample bag into the green Feed Quality Service Bag and
seal it up.
This bag is free to post, so just pop it into the post box when
you're in town next.

What to do with the results

Results for basic tests can take 3 – 10 working days depending on the type of test.

Once you receive the test results, they can be used to:

  • know what quality of feed you are dealing with
  • decide how to use the feed in a ration.

Soil testing and sampling

Learn how to sample and test soil for fertility and health.

Pasture testing and sampling

Learn about how to calculate dry matter, yield and stocking rate.

Contact Local Land Services NSW

We welcome your enquiries, feedback and comments.  Contact our team

Find your nearest LLS office

Use the search function to find information or resources from Local Land Services.

Phone:1300 795 299
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