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Deer hunting and soil health [Ward Laboratories Inc.’s partnership with...
Our recent partnership with GrowingDeer has introduced us to a whole new world outside of traditional agriculture, deer hunting and soil health! I am learning about the relationship between hunting...
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A new tool to measure soil health
In February 2022, Ward Laboratories, Inc. introduced a new tool to measure soil health. The Soil Health Assessment (SHA) is made up of four analyses. There are two biological, one chemical and one...
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Corn silage for beef cows [Not all corn silages are created equal]
When it comes to corn silage for beef cows, there is more to consider than the average forage. Corn silage is more like a mixed feed due to the corn grain. Therefore, some of the conventional wisdom...
View ArticleWeedy Alfalfa [4 reasons to manage weeds in your alfalfa stands]
Weedy alfalfa is often a concern when water resources are scarce. The weeds sometimes even seem to outcompete the alfalfa in extremely dry years. Weeds can impact forage quality and contribute to...
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Soil Carbon [Carbon Pools, Carbon Farming and Quality Organic Matter]
Carbon is probably one of the most well-known elements today. There is a global emphasis on carbon dioxide emissions and carbon capture. In terms of agriculture, much of this focus has centered on...
View ArticleWinter Forage Management
Winter management for forage producers looks quite different from the rest of the year. Many might feel as if there must be something they can do to get a jump on next season. Fertilizer application is...
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Why test minerals in forages
Few livestock producers are testing minerals in forages. However, the most common issue we consult on is typically a mineral issue. Proper mineral nutrition ensures healthy animals. Additionally,...
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Understanding protein fractions on a forage report
Forage analysis is the first step to understanding animal protein supplementation requirements. Most producers are familiar with crude protein and understand how this value compares with livestock...
View ArticleCalf Nutrition for Success
Cattle are most vulnerable from birth to about 3 months old. Just after birth, their immune system is underdeveloped leaving them more susceptible to infectious agents. Further, this critical period...
View ArticleBanking in agriculture [a banker’s perspective for Nebraska beef cattle...
What does a bank and a commercial laboratory have in common with your cattle operation? The answer is family values. Dr. Ray Ward founded Ward Laboratories, Inc. on honesty, integrity, and the vision...
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Fertilizer Knowledge [Understanding Fertilizer Forms]
Do you know the difference between P and P2O5 or K and K2O? Understanding fertilizer forms can be key in interpretation of the peer reviewed literature and making decisions based on your own reports....
View ArticleTheory of sampling in agriculture [Do your samples represent your field?]
One of the most common issues that arise in customer service at an agricultural testing laboratory is the dispute over different results for samples meant to represent the same whole. That whole could...
View ArticleWater in Brewing
Water in brewing is often overlooked in discussions about beer. Water is in fact the unsung hero behind every pint. Comprising up to 90% of a beer’s composition, water is the canvas upon which brewers...
View ArticleTesting for Carbon Stocks [Part 1: Understanding Carbon Stocks]
Since the turn of the century, investigating the feasibility of sequestering carbon using soil as a sink has become a prime focus and an essential part of combating climate change. Carbon programs like...
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Testing for Carbon Stocks [Part 2: Soil Sampling for Carbon]
Accurate soil carbon testing is essential for participating in carbon stock programs, and the requirements are fairly stringent and straightforward. Proper soil sampling for carbon can be achieved by...
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Testing for Carbon Stocks [Part 3: Soil Analysis for Carbon Stocks]
In soil analysis for carbon stocks, the actual analysis of the soil core is a crucial step in calculating carbon stocks. A soil’s bulk density determination can be approached one of two ways: simply or...
View ArticleSampling for Soybean Cyst Nematode
One of the most widely known nematodes to affect crops is the Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN). This nematode is very infectious to soybean crops and has big impacts on crop yields. The geographic range of...
View ArticleThe physiology of pasture bloat [7 tips for grazing alfalfa]
Bloat can cause sudden and unexpected death in cattle. When the rumen is unable to expel gases produced as by-products of rumen fermentation, the rumen expands pushing on the diaphragm. This pressure...
View ArticleWater testing for brewing
Water testing for brewing is a crucial part of the process because water is a huge (90%) and critical part of beer. It is more than just a solvent to dissolve all the pieces of the beer together, and...
View ArticleMycotoxins in stored feed [Toxic effects for poultry and pigs]
Mycotoxins in stored feed can be detrimental to animal health with swine and poultry species being especially susceptible. Livestock health issues and poor performance due to the presence of mycotoxins...
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