Delta Regional Soils Testing Laboratory

The past year was good for the Delta Regional Soils Testing Lab. Both sample numbers and revenue were up from 2002. In 2003 we processed 12,098 soil and 4,500 plant samples. Our revenue for the year was up $16,000 to $157,000. Our expenses increased by $18,000 to $166,000 leaving us with a deficit of $9,000. In 2003 we had several one-time expenses related to our new lab construction. We had to pay $11,000 in architect fees that were incurred before the USDA Rural Development grant was funded. We also purchased furniture for the lab in the amount of $800 after the grant ran out. If these two items were excluded we would be showing a small profit for 2003.

During 2003, with the help and support of the Delta Center Advisory Board, we completed the construction of the new Soils Testing Laboratory. All of the equipment purchases has been completed. Now all of our equipment is operating in the new lab. The new lab was officially opened on April 14, 2004 with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by over 50 supporters. The Delta Regional Soils Testing Lab is now a state of the art facility offering useful and timely services to the citizens from the southern half of Missouri.

In 2003 we continued to update our computer capabilities. A new window based recommendations system has been installed. Now it is possible for our customers to easily access soil test results and recommendations via the Internet. Also we can generate computer recommendations in MS Word or Word Perfect format. These recommendations can easily be sent via E-mail to our customers. This has reduced our turn around time and is much appreciated by the producers that we work with. Additionally to reduce turn around time for our customers who submit soil samples via US Mail we are picking up our mail on Saturday. This allows us to process samples on Monday that previously would not have been received by the lab until Monday. This timesaving is much appreciated by our more distant customers.

2003 was a good year and 2004 looks to be even better. Last year we worked closely with USDA-NRCS staff on several grid-sampling projects. With the designation of the Little River Ditch as a priority watershed in the Conservation Security Program (CSP) this type of project will become more common. Our quick sample turn around time, reputation for quality results, computer capabilities and good relations with USDA-NRCS personnel will allow us to capitalize on this developing market. We have also been working with watermelon growers who need timely results for plant tissue analysis to maximize produce quality. This represents a potential market for our services that previously had been directed out of state. We are looking forward to working with the staff of the Delta Center to provide the farmers and gardeners of Southeast Missouri the services that they need to succeed in this difficult economy.

2004 Field Day Report