Methods Of Sampling -- General Procedure

01. Sample. In order to secure a representative sample, equal portions are taken from evenly distributed parts of the quantity of seed or screenings to be sampled with access to all parts of that quantity. Whe n more than one (1) trierful of seed is drawn from a bag, different paths will be followed. When more than one (1 ) handful is taken from a bag, the handfuls will be taken from well-separated points. (3-15-22) 02. Free Flowing Seed. For free-flowing seed in bags or bulk, a probe or trier is used. For small free- flowing seed in bags a probe or trier long enough to sample all portions of the bag is used. (3-15-22) 03. Non-Free Flowing Seed. Non-free-flowing seed, such as certain grass seed, uncleaned seed o r screenings difficult to sample with a probe or trier, is sampled by thrusting the hand into the bulk and withdrawin g representative portions. The hand is inserted in an open position and the fingers are held closely together while the hand is being inserted and the portion withdrawn. (3-15-22) 04. Composite Samples. Composite samples will be obtained to determine the quality of a lot of see d (i.e., percentages of pure seed, other crop seed, weed seed, inert matter and germination). Individual bag samples ma y be obtained to determine if the lot of seed is uniform. (3-15-22) a. To determine if there is an obvious lack of uniformity of seed from which a composite sample i s being obtained, each portion will be examined and the portions then combined to form a composite sample o r samples. (3-15-22) b. If the lot is found not to be uniform when obtaining a composite sample to determine its qualit y then additional individual bag samples are taken for the purpose of testing for uniformity. (3-15-22) c. Such individual bag samples may also be taken for the purpose of testing for uniformity even though a composite sample has not previously been obtained. The identity of each individual bag sample must b e maintained. (3-15-22) 05. Bulk. Bulk seed or screenings are sampled by inserting a long probe or thrusting the hand into th e bulk, as circumstances require, in at least seven (7) uniformly distributed parts of the quantity being sampled. At leas t as many trierfuls or handfuls are taken as the minimum that would be required for the same quantity of seed o r screenings in bags of a size customarily used for such seed or screenings. (3-15-22) 06. Bags. (3-15-22) a. For lots of six (6) bags or less, each bag will be sampled with a total of at least five (5) trierful s taken. (3-15-22) b. For lots of more than six (6) bags, five (5) bags plus at least ten percent (10%) of the number o f bags in the lots will be sampled. (Round off numbers with decimals to the nearest whole number, raising five tenth s (.5) to the next whole number.) Regardless of the lot size it is not necessary that more than thirty (30) bags b e sampled. (3-15-22) c. Samples are drawn from unopened bags except under circumstances where the identity of the see d has been preserved. (3-15-22) 07. Packets. In sampling seed in packets, entire unopened packets are taken. (3-15-22) 08. Size of Sample. (3-15-22) a. For composite sample to test for quality, the following are minimum weights for samples of seed t o be submitted for analysis, test or examination (3-15-22) i. Two (2) ounces (approximately fifty five (55) grams) of grass seed not otherwise mentioned, white or alsike clover, or seeds not larger than these. (3-15-22) ii. Five (5) ounces (approximately one hundred fifty (150) grams) of red or crimson clover, alfalfa, lespedezas, ryegrasses, bromegrasses, millet, flax, rape, or seeds of similar size. (3-15-22) iii. One (1) pound of Sudangrass, sorghum, proso, hemp seed, or seeds of similar size. (3-15-22) iv. Two (2) pounds (approximately one thousand (1,000) grams) of cereals, vetches, or seeds of simila r or larger size. (3-15-22) b. For individual bag samples to test for uniformity. (3-15-22) i. The size of any individual bag sample to determine uniformity in a lot of seed is not less than th e quantities set out in the “Rules and Regulations, under the Federal Seed Act” (53 Statute 1275) (Subsection 201.46). (3-15-22) ii. If the sample drawn is larger than desired, it is thoroughly mixed before it is divided to the desire d size. (3-15-22) 09. Forwarding and Receipt of Official Samples. Before being forwarded for analysis test o r examination, the containers of official samples shall be properly sealed and identified with the containers of officia l samples initialed and dated and the sample weighed by the person who breaks the seals. (3-15-22) 113. -- 119. (RESERVED)