The final maize sample of the season was analysed in July.  The results from the group show 87.5% of laboratories gaining an A or B grade.  There was 56.25% A grade and 31.25% B grade which combined with no C grades shows improved consistency on the previous maize sample in May.  One lab was awarded a P grade as there was a delivery issue on samples for testing and one lab failed to submit results and was graded F.

The final sample of whole crop forage for the season was circulated in June.  The results show good compliance against wet chemistry from the group members on the graded parameters of Dry Matter, Starch and Fibre (NDF). 75% achieved an A grade and a further 19% B grade. One lab did not contribute data and was awarded an F grade. The complete season for whole crop forage, consisting of 3 rounds of 10 samples each, gave an average compliance achieved of 69% A, 18% B and 2% C grade demonstrating the consistency of approach to this forage analysis.

The second Maize sample round was completed in May.  In general there was a consistent result across all laboratories with 87.5 percent of labs achieving an A (31.25%) or B grade (56.25%).  There were no C grades in this round.  One lab was awarded a P grade as there was a delivery issue on samples for testing and one lab failed to submit results and was given a F grade.

Some variation was noted in Dry Matter results – this will form part of the end of season data review.

The second round of whole crop silage was tested in April. 

87.5% of member laboratories achieved an A or B grade this month - 81% A, 6.5% B and no C grades on overall performance. One laboratory (6%) was unable to contribute data this month due to a technical issue and this is highlighted as a P grade on the graph and included in the overall performance grading calclulation.
One laboratory was grade F due to a poor result for NDF analysis, although Dry Matter and Starch were A grade for that laboratory.

Overall the performance level is similar to that of the first whole crop sample in January, indicating consistency in the results for key parameters of DM, Starch and NDF.

March saw the first round of maize forage to be tested this season. 

94% of member laboratories achieved an A or B grade this month - 41% A, 53% B and no C grades. One laboratory (6%) was unable to contribute data this month due to a technical issue and this is highlighted as a P grade on the graph and included in the overall performance grading calclulation.

Like whole crop, maize is a more heterogeneous material, however good consistency was achieved on the key parameters of DM, Starch and NDF.

Due to coronavirus restrictions affecting access to farm and collection of samples, no PT testing was carried out in February.  This round will be completed later in the season.

January was the first round of whole crop forage to be tested this season.  The results reflect the much more variable nature of whole crop forage compared to grass silage.

88% of member laboratories achieved an A, B or C grade this month - 53% A, 29% B and 6% C grade. Two laboratories (12%) were unable to contribute data this month due to unforeseen technical difficulties and this is highlighted as a P grade on the graph and are included in the overall performance grading.

The performance grades when compared with grass silage reflect the more variable nature of whole crop forage and the challenges of achieving homogenous samples.  Overall the performance of the member laboratories demonstrates good compliance against wet chemistry.

Due to the restrictions imposed for control of Covid-19, samples could not be collected and prepared for distribution and testing in December. This sample will be rearranged later in the season.

The results of the third grass sample of the season again show a very good Proficiency Test performance from the member laboratories with 71% achieving Grade A and 18% Grade B.  Two laboratories (12%) were unable to contribute data this month due to unforeseen technical difficulties and this is highlighted as a P grade on the graph and are included in the overall performance grading. 

The performance grades achieved so far on all the three grass forage samples to date, show a high degree of consistency across varied samples and support the reliability of the processes and analyses being carried out by the FAA Member laboratories.

The results of the second grass sample of the season show a very good performance from the member laboratories with 82% achieving Grade A and 18% Grade B.  All laboratories contributed to the Proficiency Testing scheme this month.

The October samples were taken across a range of silage sources and qualities.  The performance grades achieved demonstrate the reliability of the processes and analyses being carried out.

The new season of the Proficiency Test started this month with grass forage samples.  The results show very good compliance and consistency across Dry Matter, Crude Protein and ND Fibre analyses on which the grading is based.

82% of members achieved a Grade A and 12% Grade B.  One laboratory (6%) did not supply results of their analysis and therefore was awarded an F grade.  This non-compliance is reflected in the overall group performance results graph.