Group Performance Report - Season 2023-2024

For the overall performance this testing round was mainly B grade at 62.5%. Combined A and B grades dropped slightly compared to previous maize rounds to 87% from 90%, mainly due to data not supplied.

One lab was unable to supply data due to operational reasons and received a Justifiable Reason P grade. One other lab did not supply data, resulting in a F or Fail grade for this testing round..

For the individual parameters, Dry Matter showed some variation across labs against reference chemistry with Starch and NDF fibre proving more consistent.

The overall picture is one of reliability of information for forage analysis reports which can be used for nutritional feeding plans.

Difficulties in delivery of samples for testing to some labs caused a delay in collating full results for the Group - these are now available and have been updated.

The final round of whole crop silage testing repeated the consistent performance from the previous rounds with 81% A grade and 94% combined A and B grades on the combination score of Dry Matter, Starch and Fibre.

In the individual scores, there were 3 B grades in Dry Matter and NDF and 2 C grades in Dry Matter and Starch.

These grades demonstrate that analysis across different labs and in comparison to reference wet chemistry is consistent, reflecting good practices are being followed and the results produced are reliable for use by farmers, nutritionists and feed advisers.

The final grass sample of the PT season has posed some challenges.

Difficulties in delivery of samples for testing to some labs caused a delay in collating full results for the Group - these are now available and have been updated.

The majority of overall performance grades were B grade at 63%, with 93% A or B grades achieved and one lab unable to supply data due to equipment issues. On individual parameters DM and CP were mostly A grade however, NDF fibre results were mixed B and C grades.

While still a good performance, this shows some variation between reference wet chemistry and lab performance.

Following Technical discussions within the Group, this may reflect changing climate conditions during growing and ensiling and will continue to be reviewed over the coming seasons.

The second maize sample round of the testing season maintained the level of performance of the first maize round. 94% of member labs achieved an A (44%) or B (50%) grade.

A sample delivery issue meant that one lab was unable to submit results and was given a P grade.

For the individual parameters, 2 labs had a C grade for Dry Matter - one was related to sample quality, again due to delivery issues and the other to a potential bias adjustment.

Overall the results are positive, particularly as maize is a variable material which presents challenges in handling in the laboratory to ensure good mixing and preparation of the samples for accurate measurement.

The second whole crop sample round of the Proficiency Testing Scheme improved on the performance of the first round in October 23. 94% A or B grades were achieved, with the A grade percentage increasing to 81% from 69% and B grade reducing to 12.5% from 25%. One lab was unable to submit results resulting in a Justifiable Reason grade P for this round.
This consistency in the agreement of the member labs' results with reference chemistry is very positive and gives confidence in repeatability of the analysis process and results

The second grass silage round of the season achieved 94% of A grade and 6% B grade across the combined scores from Dry Matter (DM), Crude Protein (CP) and Fibre (NDF).
This shows a very good correlation between reference wet chemistry and lab analysis methods giving confidence in use of the results as a basis for ration formulation. The regular data reviews by the Group have noted the effects of recent wet and dry seasons on the quality and nutritional content of all silages, particularly on fibre content and composition and an ongoing program of maintenance and improvement of prediction models for NIRS analysis is in place.

The initial maize sample round of the FAA Proficency Test continued the good performance of the whole crop and maize samples.
94% of labs achieved an A or B grade (44% A and 50% B) and one lab did not submit data resulting in a Justifiable Reason P grade.
On the individual parameters, there was one C grade in Dry Matter and only A and B grades on Starch and Fibre (NDF).
This is a consistent performance on a silage type which is not homogenous showing that sample handling and equipment use is following protocol and customers can be assured of the quality of results.

For the first whole crop round of the season, a very good performance was achieved by the group members. Overall, 94% achieved an A or B grade for the three key parameters of Dry Matter, Starch and Fibre (NDF). This was made up of 69% A grade and 25% B grade and indicates predicted NIRS values very close to the reference chemistry. One lab did not provide data resulting in a Justifiable Reason grade P for this round.

The new season of the FAA Group Proficiency Testing began in September with a round of grass silage samples.
An overall performance level of 94% A or B grades was achieved with just one lab unable to submit samples for the round. This is a very good start to the season with this figure being made up of 69% A grade and 25% B grade.
There were no C or F grades in either the overall performance or on the individual parameters of Dry Matter, Crude Protein and Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF).
With the importance of reliable forage analysis coming into winter feeding times, these results provide confidence to farmers and feed advisers as they prepare rations.