A hay quality test costs $15–$25 and takes 3–5 days. It tells you more about your hay than any visual inspection can. Here's how to find a certified lab and get a sample that produces reliable results.
Finding a Certified Lab
The National Forage Testing Association (NFTA) maintains a directory of certified forage testing laboratories at foragetesting.org. NFTA certification means the lab participates in proficiency testing programs — important for ensuring results are comparable across labs and seasons.
Additional options:
- State university extension labs: Most land-grant universities run forage testing services. Penn State, University of Kentucky, University of Wisconsin, and Texas A&M all have extension forage labs. Often slightly cheaper than commercial labs and directly connected to your state's extension agronomists.
- Commercial labs: Dairy One (New York, wide geographic service), Rock River Laboratory (Wisconsin), Ward Laboratories (Nebraska), and Equi-Analytical (New York, horse-focused) are well-known commercial options with national mail-in service.
- Your county extension office: Call them first — they often have relationships with preferred labs and may offer subsidized testing.
How to Take a Proper Sample
A hay test is only as good as the sample. One probe from one bale tells you about that bale, not the batch. Proper sampling procedure:
- Rent or purchase a hay probe (hollow coring tool, available from extension offices or farm supply stores for $30–$80, or loaner from your extension office)
- Sample at least 15–20 bales from the batch you want to test — more bales = more representative result
- Core from the flat end of round bales, or from the side of square bales — probe to the center of the bale
- Mix all core samples into a clean plastic bag — zip-lock bags work fine
- Label the bag with your name, date, hay type, and cutting number
- Mail or deliver within 24–48 hours; keep in a cool location until mailing
What to Request
A standard NIR (near-infrared reflectance) analysis covers CP, ADF, NDF, TDN, and moisture — everything most small farms need. Cost: $15–$25. If you need mineral analysis (calcium, phosphorus, potassium — important for breeding animals or when formulating a total mixed ration), request a mineral package for an additional $10–$20. Wet chemistry analysis is more precise and costs $35–$60; generally unnecessary for small farm routine testing.