LSU AgCenter forage quality specialist Kun-Jun Han calibrates new equipment for research analysis in the forage testing lab on the Baton Rouge campus. The lab closed on July 1 and will now be used for AgCenter research projects. (Photo by Johnny Morgan, LSU AgCenter) News Release Distributed 07/06/15
BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter closed the Forage Testing Laboratory on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge on July 1.
After moving the lab from the Southeast Research Station in Franklinton last year AgCenter officials determined that producers and researchers could get a more thorough analyses externally for an equivalent price, said Phil Elzer, LSU AgCenter associate vice chancellor for animal sciences and natural resources.
“LSU AgCenter looked at numerous samples, processing methods and other variables, and we determined that some of the commercial labs could provide more information with an overnight turnaround for less than $2 more per sample,” Elzer said.
The commercial labs also are able to provide more analyses, which are extremely important for dairy producers.
“We have been testing samples for many livestock producers in-state and a number of south Mississippi producers,” he said. “But we’ve found that instead of our equipment showing regional analysis, it’s actually plugged into a national database.”
Elzer said the testing equipment on campus will be used more for research projects.
Initially, some AgCenter agents were worried about the mailing costs to the various labs, thus adding more costs to the producers.
“I have been told that some of the labs provide free mailers with prepaid postage, so there should not be any additional costs with mailing the samples,” Elzer said.
The Southeast Station and the Baton Rouge lab will not be taking any samples after June 30, and all samples should be placed in the mailers at producers’ farms or at an LSU AgCenter parish office.
Questions regarding the process should be directed to Charlie Hutchison, resident coordinator for the Southeast Station, at 985-839-2322 or LSU AgCenter forage specialist Ed Twidwell at 225-578-4564.
Johnny Morgan