There is something different each season and this one is no exception. <\/p>\n
Samples received for testing so far this season would seem to indicate fairly tough Agricultural times\/conditions ahead in many parts of the country. There is a trend of test results coming through that should sound alarm bells for both feed quality and the fire season. Many samples FeedTest have tested show very high moisture levels. Water Soluble Sugar levels are also higher than last season which in tandem with high moisture can lead to mouldy hay, heat damaged hay and potential shed fires. <\/p>\n
The table below can be compared directly with the First Quarter Results from Season 2013\/14 as they represent a similar time frame. Ranges of results have not been included, as the comparison of the means serve to highlight the differences of this season. Mean averages for the same period last year have been tabulated below for comparison.<\/p>\n
| \n Description<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n | \n No. of<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Samples<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n | \n <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n | \n Water Soluble Sugars (%)<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Hay, Barley <\/span><\/p>\n 15\/16<\/span><\/p>\n 14\/15<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n <\/span> <\/p>\n 101<\/span><\/p>\n 17<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n Means<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n <\/span> <\/p>\n 24.0<\/span><\/p>\n 23.5<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Hay, Oaten <\/span><\/p>\n 15\/16<\/span><\/p>\n 14\/15<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n <\/span> <\/p>\n 458<\/span><\/p>\n 124<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n Means<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n <\/span> <\/p>\n 27.1<\/span><\/p>\n 23.5<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Hay, Wheaten <\/span><\/p>\n 15\/16<\/span><\/p>\n 14\/15<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n <\/span> <\/p>\n 265<\/span><\/p>\n 26<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n Means<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n <\/span> <\/p>\n 23.6<\/span><\/p>\n 22.0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n FeedTest strongly urges anyone who has a Result with high moisture to closely monitor their hay. As suggested by AFIA, a crow bar inserted into a bale or stack, left for half an hour, taken out then checked for temperature is a good way to monitor any changes in the hay. Regular checking is important as temperatures can change in a relatively short time, early detection of heating could possibly avoid disaster.<\/p>\n Average results for previous seasons can be found on the FeedTest website; http:\/\/www.feedtest.com.au\/index.php\/about\/feedtest-information<\/a> however care must be exercised in making comparisons.<\/p>\n |