Quality Control and Grading

Feed Central quality control and grading system are exhaustive.

We have pioneered Feed Analysis testing, Visual Assessment, Hay Grading, Web Marketing and Sale By Description. There is no system as thorough in Australia and probably in the world.

Our system is centred around describing the hay accurately so buyers can make informed decisions about what they are buying.

Feed Central only markets hay that has been through our Hay Certification Service (link). Though this service we travel to suppliers farms to inspect each lot (regardless of location). While on farm we undertake a thorough visual assessment, take photos, assist the grower complete the C.V.D and take the sample for Feed Analysis. We also tag a sample of bales to ensure that lot there is complete traceability through our system and to ensure that the right hay goes on the right truck.

This independent and on farm inspection is a critical component of our ability accurate describe the quality of the hay and is supported by our truck drivers, the majority of which are trained in our hay inspection procedures, there job is to monitor the hay as it is loaded.

Our Quality Control Procedures are extensive and include:

Visual Grades, with many of our buyers the visual characteristics of the hay are extremely important this is why we grade the hay according to visual characteristics. Hay is graded using Feed Central’s unique scoring system, which is based on 14 visual quality aspects that are important to the buyer. The minimum score is 0, the maximum score is 895.

Grading Numerical Score Description FC AAA 800 - 895 Exceptional quality hay FC AA 700 - 799 Very good quality hay FC A 500 - 699 Good Average, normal dairy and performance hay FC B 400 - 499 Below average, usually weather damaged or dew bleached, less than 50%  colour - seek guidance from Feed Analysis FC C 300 - 399 Well below average, price dependent FCD 0 - 299 Mulch or severe drought fodder only

During inspection we take the sample and submit all samples to internationally recognised laboratory Dairy One in the U.S. Through this system we find turn-around times acceptable and accuracy of results are measured to an international standard. So all lots are sampled in a similar manner (by us) and every line has a Feed Analysis test completed at the same laboratory. If you are comparing our Feed Analysis results to another party be sure to ask how the sampling was taken, and which laboratory did the testing. Our research shows that there is over 1 M.E difference between laboratories and much greater depending on sampling procedure!

The information that comes back from Dairy One is extensive and is able to be used by dairy farmers; feedlotters, graziers and nutritionists. This information can easily be viewed and sorted once logged into our website.

The visual inspection, the grade and the Feed Analysis results are summarised into a 1 page formal certificate (Hay Quality Certificate). Sellers who have their hay inspected by Feed Central can use this recognised certificate when selling hay privately and buyers are encouraged to only buy hay that has been Certified by Feed Central.

The hay quality certificate is available online.

Our inspectors take photos of each lot they inspect. The photos are posted on line after inspection and are not edited in any way. One again all photos are taken used a similar technique and designed to show case the true quality of the hay, we do not intentionally hide or show good or bad features of any lots.

Growers are asked to complete a Commodity Vendor Declaration, for each lot, at the time of inspection. These are also posted on line.

At the time of inspection samples of bales are tagged and numbered with the lot numbers. This ensures complete traceability from all the way through our system and most importantly ensures that the right lot is loaded onto the truck.

At inspection a sample of bales are weighed. This is an indicator of quality but is a major factor in determining the final delivered prices of hay. In our system good heavy bales are always much more price competitive than light bales.

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