February 2021
Due to coronavirus restrictions affecting access to farm and collection of samples, no PT testing was carried out in February.
January 2021
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 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.
December 2020
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.
November 2020
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.
October 2020
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.
September 2020
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.