Agricultural testing experts Eurofins Agro UK have opened a new facility in Suffolk as farming continues to embrace data-driven systems.
Opening of the Needham Market testing station follows a sharp rise in demand for soil, slurry, compost and forage analysis, said managing director Andrew Shead. All Eurofins agricultural testing was being consolidated in Suffolk to increase capacity and future-proof the service.
Forage testing was previously offered at the company’s laboratory in Wolverhampton, which carries out other services including water analysis. But growing demand ed to the investment in a new facility to bring all agricultural testing to Suffolk.
Faster tests
“We are recruiting, and the team is growing to meet demand,” said Mr Shead. “The increased capacity will enable us to process more tests faster and also expand in the future as agriculture demands more data to farm more efficiently.”
The new testing facility will serve the whole of the UK and is located near another Eurofins laboratory which has historically carried out testing of compost, anaerobic digestate and fertiliser analysis.
“Having two sites close together in Suffolk provides a base of operations that will make managing demand for tests more efficient. All samples are now being sent to [one site] and the team has the space, facilities, and resources to react quickly.”
Eurofins says farmers and growers can use its soil tests to better understand nutrient levels at the start of the season. This is particularly important before drilling to ascertain what nutrients will be available to the crop, it adds.
Testing slurry is the only way to apply it accurately in a way that benefits both soil health and crop yield., says the compnay. Tests can be carried out using mobile testing methods, but a laboratory test is the most accurate way to calibrate slurry for soil and crop type.
