April and May 2020

Due to coronavirus and its effects on sampling, analytical work and social distancing, the PT scheme was able to complete 7 out of the 9 planned samples this season. No sample analysis took place in April or May.

March 2020

The completion of the analyses for the second maize silage sample was interrupted by the beginnings of the Covid-19 pandemic.  On completion though, 76% of members achieved Grade A and Grade B compliance.  Those members not submitting data were recorded a non-compliant grade F which is reflected in the group performance.

February 2020

The second whole crop silage sample showed 71% of members achieved Grade A excellent compliance and 18% achieved B grade.  One member was unable to report data and one did not submit and was recorded a non-compliant grade F which is reflected in the group performance.

January 2020

The third grass silage sample showed 53% of members achieved Grade A excellent compliance and 35% achieved B grade.  This showed an improvement from December figures but a reduction in A grade from previous grass samples in august and October.  Those members not submitting data were recorded a non-compliant grade F which is reflected in the group performance.

December 2019

Issue of maize results was delayed to to Christmas break and quality checks on some results.  Maize data showed good compliance with wet chemistry results for Dry Matter and Crude Protein with members achieving A and B grades.  Those members not submitting data were recorded a non-compliant grade F.

November 2019

Due to both the wet weather experienced in October and maize clamps not being opened for use or sampling as yet, the maize sample due for analysis in November has been postponed to December.

October 2019

The second grass silage sample shows an improvement to 70% of members who achieved Grade A excellent compliance with wet chemistry reference results.  As for September, two members failed to report crude protein results and were recorded a non-compliant grade F which is reflected in the group performance.

September 2019

For this whole crop forage sample, scheme members submitted results and generally showed excellent or good compliance with the wet chemistry reference results.  Two members failed to report crude protein (CP) results and therefore were recorded a non-compliant grade F which is reflected in the group performance.

August 2019

The first sample of the 2019-20 season Proficiency Test was grass forage.  All scheme members submitted results and were closely aligned with the Wet Chemistry results from the reference laboratory ABFI and 65% achieved Grade A compliance.