Forage and Feed Testing

(Updated: Feb. 20, 2024, 12:26 p.m.)
round bale of hay
Hay Bale

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services released a new web-based form for forage and feed analysis on July 28, 2020. The form should be completed online prior to mailing or dropping off samples. To access this online form, please click on the following link Forage Sample Analysis Form. Once you’ve completed the form just click Summary, and your information will be emailed directly to them. You should also print a copy of your form to include with your sample.

REMEMBER: Please be sure to label each sample clearly, AND include an envelope containing your payment (cash/check) (a complete analysis is typically $10) with your name written clearly on the envelope.

SAMPLE SIZE REQUIREMENTS FOR ANALYSIS: Grain, roughage, home mix, or TMR samples must fill a quart-sized bag. The NCDA&CS Farm Feed Testing Service will not analyze COMMERCIAL FEED SAMPLES.
  • Grain = quart-size bag
  • Forage sample (collected by a core sampler) = quart-size bag
  • Forage sample (collected by a grab sample or by the handful) = gallon-size bag, moderately stuffed

PAYMENT OPTIONS/INFORMATION: Include a check or money order made payable to NCDA&CS. If paying by credit card: Please indicate as such on your form, and make sure to include your phone number and a member of our staff will call you to process your order. *DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION. They will call you AFTER your sample has been received.
  • Mailing address if using the USPS
    • NC Animal Feed Program Farm Feed Testing Service 1070 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC  27699-1070

  • Mailing address if using UPS/FedEx
    • NC Animal Feed Program Farm Feed Testing Service 4400 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, NC  27607

  • If dropping off your sample, it can only be dropped off at their location during normal business hours.  Do NOT leave your sample when the building is closed.
Forsyth County Livestock Producers:  The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center has a hay probe available to aid you in taking your samples. Email, April Bowman, Extension Agent, Livestock, Forages, and 4-H Youth Development at awbowman@ncsu.edu or call 336-703-2855 to inquire about borrowing it on a first-come, first-served basis.

The above information is provided as a courtesy and for educational information.  Feed testing is conducted through the NCDA&CS. Visit https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/food-drug/feed-program for more information. Find your County Extension Center at https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/directory/.