Many Chouteau County producers are sending samples to the new agricultural testing facility in Chinook. Because of its location, producers can get test results back in a couple of days rather than a week or 10 days. Information below came from an article published in the Blaine County Journal.
North Border Analytics opened late June at its new facility on the north side of Chinook. The business performs testing and assessment for soil, water, forage and grain samples. Dr. Brian Grebliunas, the owner, says the local lab will perform testing on site and “allow users quicker test results to make timely business decisions.” North Border Analytics is located at 1301 Montana Street.
Grebliunas started thinking about starting a testing business more than two years ago. He liked this area for a lab because the Milk River Valley and the region have a large number of forage producers as well as grain and livestock operations. All these could benefit from more access to ag testing. Testing helps ag operators quantify changes in production and connect the outcomes they see. About 25% of ag operators nationally use some lab testing. As ag profit margins narrow more reliance on data is creating a need for more testing resources. While normally only a small part of the overall cost of an ag operation, lab analysis can have major payback in terms of profitability.
North Border Analytics is a full-service ag testing lab. Dr. Grebliunas can pick up samples, has equipment to sample hay/soil year-round, or samples can be mailed directly to Box 1382, Chinook MT, 59523. He explained that quick test results can often lead to a timely solution to a problem. “An out of state lab may take from seven to 10 days to get results. I can provide most results in 48-72 hours.” He gave an example that water quality for
livestock may decline in very hot weather. Getting quick test results can determine if the water is a problem and allow for a quicker solution.
Learn more about North Border Analytics’ services and contacts at its website: northborderanalytics.com. Available for business seven days a week, Dr. Brian Grebliunas can be reached by cell phone at 406-344-0001.
Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
