FORAGE TESTING PROGRAM

TESTING YOUR HAY/HAYLAGES

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) provides a forage testing service exclusively for Kentucky producers, offering valuable insights into the nutritional content of hay. This service is available to those who grow or purchase hay within the state. Please note that corn silage testing is not included.

In partnership with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, KDA remains committed to supporting Kentucky hay producers through this program.

PROGRAM OPERATIONS

WHAT IS AN ANALYSIS REPORT AND WHAT DO I DO WITH IT?

What do all the abbreviations mean? You and your extension agent will receive an analysis report by email from KDA. Mailed paper analysis reports can be requested. Your extension agent can assist you with your livestock ration balance. "Interpreting Forage Quality Reports" and “Understanding Forage Quality” are great reference material; you can find them at www.kyagr.com/marketing/forage in “Hay Testing Terms” or at www.uky.edu/ag/forage in “Publications”.

HOW CAN TESTING HELP ME, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Farm Vehicle Regulations

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

KDA will continue to charge a $10 fee per lot (same field, same cutting) for the service. The producer receives an analysis report of the forage's nutritional value and an "Interpreting Forage Quality Report" guide. The KDA Forage Testing Program follows standards outlined by the National Forage Testing Association (NFTA). Your local Extension Agent can assist you with your winter feed ration. Livestock farmers who need hay can find it right here in Kentucky. Listings can be found on this page “Forage Sales Directory/Tested Hay”.

SAMPLING YOUR HAY - HOW TO TAKE A GOOD HAY SAMPLE

To ensure that samples are properly collected, KDA recommends producers and County Extension Agents complete a free, one-hour course provided by the NFTA. This training can be accessed online at foragetesting.org, by clicking on the "Certified Sampler" tab.

LISTING YOUR HAY FOR SALE

If a producer has Kentucky grown hay, tested by KDA and would like to sell it, KDA will list it at no charge on the “Forage Sales Directory/Tested Hay” webpage. A producer or extension agent will make a visual evaluation of the forage lot using the “Forage Sample Analysis Request Form” located under “Forage Sample Request Form” (change name on web page) This information will be listed on the “Forage Sales Directory/Tested Hay” page.

Listings on the “Forage Sales Directory/Tested Hay” page are designed to support Kentucky consumers and producers. The analysis can be sorted by any combination of county, relative feed value (RFV), bale size and type of hay. Each listing describes a lot's type, cutting date, cutting number, bale size and weight, color, odor, and other characteristics.

WHAT FORM DO YOU USE?

Please print out the “Forage Sample Analysis Request Form” and attach it to each sample submitted for testing. Please make sure you send at least a quart size baggie or more to make an adequate amount of forage when submitting your sample.

WHEN SUBMITTING SAMPLE:

We do not accept cash or invoice. Include a check or money order made out to "Kentucky State Treasury" per sample or per person.

Mail to: 
Kentucky Department of Agriculture  
Forage Testing Program  
107 Corporate Drive  
Frankfort KY 40601

On-site educational testing for local hay

Please contact The KDA Forage Program to make appointments for the Forage Testing Mobile Unit. KDA continues to offer on-site testing and educational programming for local hay contests, hay auctions, fairs, field days, conferences etc. The Mobile Forage Unit appointments are requested via email to: ag.web@ky.gov. 

COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS:

KDA welcomes farmer input on the significance of this service. KDA will use this feedback to guide long-term policy decisions about testing costs and program operations. For feedback on KDA’s Forage Testing Program please contact KDA's Plant Division Director at (502)-782-4120.

For questions about testing, please contact KDA Forage Program Manager at (502)-782-9210.

TO BE LISTED ON THE HAY HOTLINE WEB PAGE

If you have current market available hay ready to sell (not hay that may be available in the future, and would like to list your hay on the hay hotline, please fill out the "Hay Hotline List Form" located under "Forms & Documents". This site is open to all states. 

Submit the Hay Hotline List Form via email to ag.web@ky.gov or fax to (502) 573-2543 to be put on our list. We will post sellers that contact our hotline as we collect information.

CAUTION FOR HAY BUYERS AND SELLERS

KDA makes no guarantees or claims to the quality or appearance of hay and forages listed for sale. Samples submitted to KDA for testing are no longer collected by KDA staff, effective June 30, 2018. The KDA Forage Testing Program lab in Frankfort is certified for accuracy by the National Forage Testing Association.

    Reputable hay buyers and sellers should have a contract that specifies: 
  • The name, address, and phone number of the buyer and seller;
  • The type and quality of the hay;
  • Whether the price will be set by total weight or number of bales;
  • Logistics for shipping, including contact information and costs for pickup or delivery;
  • How money will be exchanged between the buyer and seller; and
  • What recourse the buyer has if the product is not as advertised (e.g., refund or replacement).

KDA makes no guarantees or claims to the quality, price, or nutritional value of hay and forages submitted through the hay hotline. Producers and brokers with hay for sale will be listed as we collect information through the hotline. KDA suggest that any hay purchased be tested for quality and protein.

Additional Links