Group Performance Report - Season 2025-2026

The April PT scheme grass silage sample set was unusual because their dry matter and NDF levels were at the extremes of the range normally expected. As a result, the round was particularly challenging for participating laboratories, and the overall number of A grades awarded for testing performance fell compared with previous rounds and seasons. Bearing in mind the challenging nature of the samples, performance of the members was still considered to be good. When overall performance was evaluated, 19% of laboratories achieved an A grade and 75% achieved a B grade. It is important that samples do challenge the members of the PT scheme. In this way, testing methodology can be stress tested to ensure challenging customer samples can be competently tested. One laboratory did not submit results and was therefore scored F.

The challenging nature of the samples was particularly evident in the dry matter results, where 38% of laboratories achieved an A grade and 50% achieved a B grade. CP also proved difficult, with only 12.5% of laboratories achieving an A grade and 81% achieving a B grade. NDF grading declined slightly compared with previous rounds, with 31% of laboratories achieving an A grade, 50% a B grade and 12.5% a C grade.

The final round of maize silage testing for the 2025-2026 season showed consistent performance across the majority of laboratories, ranging from good to excellent. Laboratories will use the results from this season’s PT Scheme year to ensure that performance is maintained and, where needed, improved for the next testing season. Overall, A grades predominated for dry matter, starch and NDF. Laboratories achieving C grades will be required to review their calibrations. For starch, 68% of laboratories achieved an A grade, an encouraging result given that starch presentation in maize silage can affect the accuracy of analysis. For dry matter, 56% of laboratories achieved an A grade, and for NDF, 50% achieved an A grade.

Laboratory testing performance for this round was good, with 44% of laboratories achieving an overall A grade.

Dry matter testing performance improved compared with previous rounds, with 63% of laboratories achieving an A grade.
Protein testing performance also improved. No C grades were awarded.

NDF testing performance remained good, despite one laboratory receiving a C grade. Their testing results were however near to achieving a B grade. Where C grades are awarded, laboratories are required to review their testing methodology to identify and address any issues.

The January review of Maize Silage testing performance shows strong results across the group. Overall testing quality remains high, with 50% of laboratories achieving an A grade, demonstrating a good level of compliance with testing standards. Performance for NDF testing remains positive, with most laboratories achieving an A or B grade. B grades are still considered a good level of performance. Several labs are also very close to reaching A grade status overall for their testing performance. Where laboratories have received a C grade, a structured review of their testing techniques will be undertaken to help identify improvement opportunities and support enhanced performance in future rounds.

Laboratories are demonstrating outstanding overall testing performance: 67% of laboratories achieved an A grade, with the remaining 33% achieving B grades—a fantastic reflection of the group’s technical consistency and analytical accuracy.

High-quality results across key parameters: Dry Matter (DM), Starch, and Fibre (NDF) were all measured with excellent precision. Notably, 6 out of 15 laboratories achieved A grades across every reported graded parameter. This level of consistency demonstrates their robust processes and commitment to deliver reliable forage analysis for clients.

Laboratories in the Proficiency Testing Scheme are always aiming for continuous improvement. Where any C grades are awarded for testing performance, laboratories initiate internal reviews and investigations—ensuring quality remains at the forefront of daily activity.

The second round of grass silage analysis carried out by the FAA Group Member Laboratories resulted in overall good performance.

The grading review awarded 40% A grades, and 60% B grades overall.

A grades – Excellent performance.
B grades – Solid results, most laboratories are nearing A grades.
Where C grades are indicated for specific parameters, a review of data and methodology by the respective labs will be carried out, which is a good quality assurance step.

Strong Performance in FAA Group’s Maize Silage Testing! The first round of maize silage analysis showed excellent results across member laboratories. 73% achieved an overall A grade, confirming accuracy and consistency of results against reference wet chemistry.

This round of performance grading confirms the robustness of FAA Group laboratories and their commitment to quality testing. 

The testing performance of FAA Group member laboratories in the first round of maize silage analysis was strong overall. Accurate evaluation of maize silage can be challenging due to its natural characteristics—particularly for starch analysis, where the distribution of maize grains throughout the mix and sample presentation can significantly impact results. This highlights the importance of proper sampling techniques. Samples must be collected correctly and be truly representative of the clamp to ensure laboratories receive a homogeneous sample for testing. These efforts help maintain accuracy, consistency, and confidence in the results delivered by FAA Group member laboratories.

Key Findings

73% of laboratories achieved an overall performance grade of A, indicating a high level of testing accuracy and consistency when compared with reference wet chemistry results.

Dry Matter (DM) testing was the most variable parameter: 46% of laboratories scored an A grade. One laboratory received a C grade and will review their results to identify areas for improvement.

Starch analysis: 67% of laboratories scored an A grade.

Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) analysis: 87% of laboratories scored an A grade.

Overall Conclusion: These results demonstrate that FAA Group member laboratory values closely align with reference methods for maize silage analysis, confirming the robustness and reliability of their testing methodologies.

The FAA Group testing results and performance grading from the first round of whole crop silage testing is excellent! 80% of member labs earned an A grade for their overall testing performance, with the remaining 20% achieving a strong B. Accuracy was compared and closely matched with reference wet chemistry results for DM, starch, and NDF. Testing performance standards are high for the group!

The FAA Group have now released the results of their analytical performance for round one of Whole Crop Silage testing. The performance of FAA Group member laboratories testing the first round of whole crop silage was excellent. 80% of the participating laboratories scored an A grade for their overall testing performance, whilst the remaining 20% were awarded a B grade, which is also considered to be good performance. The laboratory grading shows that the laboratory results produced for dry matter (DM), starch and NDF (Neutral Detergent Fibre) were very close to the reference wet chemistry results.

The FAA Group have graded their first round of grass silage testing results. All member laboratories contributed to the new season grass silage analysis. Overall the average performance awarded to the group is good, with 20% A and 80% B grades.

The FAA Group have completed their first round of grass silage testing, as part of their membership of the Forage Analysis Assurance Group. All member laboratories contributed to the new season grass silage analysis. The average grading performance of the group testing of Dry Matter (DM), Protein (CP) and Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) was good, with 20% A and 80% B grades being awarded.

Some of the grass silage samples sent to laboratories on this occasion were found to be atypical, and therefore challenging to test. The dry matter range was 132 g/kg to 501 g/kg. Despite the challenging nature of the grass silages supplied to FAA Group members to test, participating laboratories performed well. Testing challenging samples is an effective way to evaluate laboratory capability and the robustness of applied methodologies.