Feed, Forage & Misc
Sample Submission Guidelines
Approval is required to submit samples to the laboratory for out of state customers. Please contact us at 406-577-7917 to obtain approval prior to shipping any sample(s) to the laboratory.
- Complete the appropriate Sample Submission Form based on sample type:
- Provide all information requested.
- Ensure each sample submitted is uniquely identified.
- Sample turn around time is dependent on the laboratory workload and the number of tests requested (typically 7-10 working days).
- By submitting samples to the laboratory, the customer agrees to a simplified report. Information not included on reports consists of: analysis date, deviations, method used, measurement uncertainty, and sampling scheme (as the lab does not conduct sampling). All required information is readily available upon request.
Sample Size
- Hay/Straw/Other Feedstuffs: Gallon Ziploc bag ~ 3/4 full
- Water (Livestock Only): ~ 1 to 2 quarts in a non-glass container
- Other: Contact the laboratory.
Sampling Procedure
- Hay/Straw/Other Feedstuffs:
- DO NOT INCLUDE SOIL IN THE SAMPLE.
- Cut standing plants to obtain the same portion as would be harvested (or eaten).
- Field: Walk the field in a "W" pattern & take a sample at each point of the W.
- Hay bales/stacks: Probe. Do not mix different types or cuttings of forage. Take as many cores as possible, at least twenty per stack, more for larger or dissimilar lots.
- Other: Contact the laboratory.
Shipping
- We do not accept samples that have deteriorated or become compromised.
- Ship Monday - Thursday so that samples arrive on a weekday.
- DO NOT SHIP ON FRIDAY OR BEFORE A HOLIDAY.
- Refrigerate water samples prior to shipping.
- Hay/Straw/Other Feedstuffs:
- Ship wet sample(s) in a plastic bag & add "blue ice" packs to prevent spoilage.
- All Liquid Type Samples (i.e. water; liquid feed): Package carefully to prevent leaking during shipment.
Sample Discount
To be eligible for the discount, samples must be submitted at the same time for the same test.
- 1-2 Samples: No Discount
- 3-6 Samples: 10% Discount
- 7+ Samples: 20% Discount
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