K-State Research and Extension

Forage Testing

Agricultural Forage testing

Forage testing can be a valuable tool for producers and livestock owners. Whether you have an animal that needs certain dietary components or just want to make sure your herd is consuming the optimal amounts during the winter season, testing enables you to take the guesswork out of the nutritional values and know how much protein and energy is in your forage.

You can select a variety of nutrient or nitrate packages or single element tests from the lab. Check out their available tests at the links below. Additional tests can also be custom ordered; contact your local K-State Agriculture Agent for assistance.

Forage Sampling Procedures

Fit a forage probe on the end of a cordless drill to take core samples out of small square or big round bale. After you’ve taken several samples, mix them together in a bucket. From the mixture, pull out enough hay to a quart sized bag, and send it to a testing lab. For more information, check out K-State’s publication on Forage Sampling Procedures and Equipment.

Testing Labs in Kansas

K-State Lab

Follow sampling procedures, fill out sample form from website and mail to lab. K-State Soil Testing Laboratory requests plant samples be submitted in paper bags.

Mail your K-State Lab samples to:

SDK Labs

Follow sampling procedures, fill out sample form from website and mail to lab. SDK Labs requests samples be submitted in plastic bags.

Mail your SDK Labs samples to:

If you need assistance selecting the correct forage analysis or getting your samples mailed, contact our office and we would be happy to assist you. We also have a hay probe available for sampling.

*These resources are listed for informational purposes only. It does not imply endorsement or recommendation of companies or services by either K-State Research and Extension or Johnson County K-State Research and Extension.