Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Calculator
A worksheet for recording and comparing Relative Forage Quality from lab reports, for producers ranking hay and silage lots. Work through it top to bottom, using your own records, and revisit it when conditions change.
WorksheetForages, Pasture & GrazingFree PDF
What you fill in
- Lot and sample ID
- Forage type
- Lab report values used
- Formula source
- Calculated RFQ
- Comparison with other lots
- Intended animal group
- Notes
How to use this worksheet
Fill it out in pencil first, check the numbers against your records, then ink it. Make a fresh copy for each field, pen or enterprise.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA NRCS.
For more in this area, see the cow-calf and ranch know-how. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Dairy One Forage Lab Rates Hay “Adequate”; Farmer Rates Its Price “Catastrophic”, and farming farm stories.