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The first step in getting a seed test that will give information on a lot of
seed is to draw a representative sample. Often a one pound sample represents a
lot of seed in a bin, which may be several thousand bushels. Sampling is done
by probing bags or bins or by sampling seed flow when the seed is being moved or
conditioned.
When sampling bagged seed, probes should be taken from 5 bags plus 10% of
the bags in the lot to a maximum of 30 bags probed. The probes should be taken
from the entire length of the bag. The seed is then mixed well and the
appropriate sample size sent for testing. Bins need to be probed their entire
depth with several probes being taken in different parts of the bin. Because of
the difficulty of probing bins it is usually more convenient to sample the seed
as it goes into or out of the bin or during conditioning.
Sampling from a seed flow should be done at regular intervals until the flow
is complete. Again mix the seed and send the appropriate size sample for
testing.
A good sample is representative of the lot at the time of sampling. A
common mistake, is to sample seed as it goes into a bin and place the sample in
a convenient location for testing at a later date. The sample will not reflect
the changes that may have taken place in the bin such as heating or insects.
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