The first step in determining Yield, Vegetable Matter Base and Mean Fibre diameter is to obtain a representative sample of the lot. Each bale is weighed and the mass recorded. Core samples are taken in accordance with the IWTO Core Test regulations and supervised by WTB personnel. The core samples are sealed in plastic bags to ensure no change in moisture content occurs while they are in transit to the laboratory.

The data for each sample is uploaded into the computer system and allocated a labsheet number. The core samples are weighed and blended to ensure that the core sample of each lot is homogenously mixed to produce a representative sample.