An Update From Our Field Team The 2019 growing season has been one for the ages. This is a year that we will talk about for generations to come, while the younger folks roll their eyes at repeated reminders we blurt out from time to time. From weather events, like the historic flooding that hit
Water Bottles – have you cleaned yours lately?
As the summer is heating up so are the use of reusable water bottles. Staying hydrated is key to enjoying the summer sun. But, are you washing your reusable water bottle properly? KETV News Watch 7 joined us a few weeks ago to see if staff members around the office are cleaning out their
Chilly mornings – no match for Ethylene Glycol
As the summer is heating up so are the use of reusable water bottles. Staying hydrated is key to enjoying the summer sun. But, are you washing your water bottle properly? KETV News Watch 7 joined us a few weeks ago to see if staff members around their office were cleaning out their water bottles
Driving Smart Decisions – November Update
November Update It is that time of the year. Harvest is in full swing and the fall cool breeze is back. The leaves have fully turned colors and are quickly making their descent to the ground. In addition, growers are in the field evaluating their current yields and contracts for 2019. At Midwest Laboratories, the
Driving Smart Decisions – August Update
Welcome It’s an exciting time to be at and working with Midwest Laboratories as we continue to move forward with innovative processes and initiatives to serve our customer’s needs. The business landscape is continuing to move at a vigorous pace. We are a company who believes staying innovative and ahead of the curve is essential.
Driving Smart Decisions – July Update
Welcome The Fourth of July is typically the half-way mark for summer. A time of celebration and giving thanks for our freedoms as U.S. Citizens July Announcements Stay Tuned: This month we will have some new initiatives we will be rolling out for our clients. These items are in the final stages of testing and
Driving Smart Decisions – May Update
Welcome May is here, and so are the warm temperatures. This spring we continue to see an increase in the number of new accounts and client inquiries. We have taken some steps this month to help facilitate this increase by offering clients the ability to communicate via text message. This new system is excellent for mobile
Driving Smart Decisions – March 2018
Welcome It is an exciting time of the year. We are coming out of winter and temperatures are starting to warm-up quickly. (See Graphic: Source greencastonline.com). Current Soil Temperatures in Omaha, 31 degrees F. for March 2, 2018. Many clients begin ordering their spring sampling supplies. Today, this process is a 4-step process with login on
MIDWEST LABORATORIES ANNOUNCES NEW OVERNIGHT SHIPPING PROGRAM
LaVista, NE – Midwest Laboratories announced during the 2018 Agronomy seminar, beginning March 1, 2018, they are launching a new FedEx Overnight Shipping Solution, exclusive for Midwest Laboratories clients. In order to get the data, their clients need to make critical business decisions; Midwest Laboratories will now offer $20 overnight flat rate freight for packages
Driving Smart Decisions – February 2018
Welcome One month is in the books for 2018. I look forward to the Super Bowl every year as it showcases the best teams in the NFL. It is a big event, and the buildup to the game always amazes me. An exciting time of the year. This past month it has been fascinating to
Driving Smart Decisions – January 2018
Welcome to 2018 At Midwest Laboratories, we are anticipating another exciting year of analysis. In 2017, we updated many laboratory instruments and that investment paid off nicely with the receipt of large volumes of samples in various departments. One of our goals is to identify specific analysis areas that can be updated through technology and
Time for a Fall Fertilizer Application
As summer comes to a close, it may be time for a fall application of fertilizer. With the cooler temperatures, I decided to move my fall application up a few weeks. Here are the results of my experience. Fall Pre-Emergent Fertilizer Experiment. On August 24, 2017, I did the unthinkable; I found the pre-emergent fertilizer
September Update 2017
Fall Is Around the Corner Labor Day Weekend is almost here. Schools are back in session. Temperatures are starting to cool off and the days are getting shorter. That means football activities are right around the corner too. Right now we are seeing an increased demand for stalk nitrate testing. In addition, many growers and
August Update 2017
August Newsletter For many, August 21, 2017, cannot get here soon enough. Solar Eclipse 2017 is almost upon us. Many in the science community are preparing to observe this once in a lifetime event. Fall Sampling Supplies Make sure you get your sampling supplies ordered. This past week, I took a closer look at supplies
June Update 2017
The temperatures are quite comfortable as we start the month of June, but very soon we will be moving quickly toward hotter and more humid conditions in the Midwest region. This type of weather is terrific for plants as they begin to grow. May was a wet month, so it will be interesting to see what
Mid-May Update
Soil and Plant Update The spring soil testing season continues to be strong. We are seeing a strong surge of soil samples which is a little unusual for this time of the year, but it really does show that growers and retailers are continually monitoring fields to ensure proper soil nutrients are available for proper
May Update 2017
Welcome to May This month, we celebrate 42 years of service. Our campus continues to change with the spring as we look to stay connected on our 10-building campus. May is typically the time of year for school graduations and the end of academic year activities. We are proud to have our own, original owner,
Battling Lawn Grubs
Grubs This year I am trying something new. Yesterday, (April 24, 2017) I applied a national brand, grub preventer product to my lawn. Over the last three weeks, I have done some gardening and landscaping, and every time I dug into the soil, (4-8 inches), I would see grubs. Not just one or two, but
April Update 2017
Introduction Welcome to April. The recent rainfall will soon have grass, trees and plants budding. The recent warm winter has accelerated these activities along with the current soil temperatures, (See Map) which are quite warm for this time of year. From an analysis perspective, the lab areas at Midwest Laboratories are always evaluating current instrumentation
FSMA Produce Safety Rule and Water Testing
According to a recent article in Food Safety News, (More delay for Produce Safety Rule as industry balks over water testing) by Dan Flynn, March 20, 2017 the FDA are reviewing the water requirements and that could extend the compliance date into 2018. I really think what got my attention in this article was a
March 2017 update
Spring is almost here. This past month we’ve had a slight taste of spring/summer with temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s. It has made for an exciting February. Soil sample volumes are up with the warmer temperatures. The Animal Feed Laboratory is almost completed. Once complete, the Animal Feed Laboratory will have its receiving, sample
February Lawn and Garden Test
With the above normal temperatures in the Midwest, I am seeing more and more request for the $25 Lawn and Garden Test. It is an ideal time to start planning for the spring lawn and garden. Also, a simple Google search on the topics of “lawn” and “garden” will yield you many different planning documents
February 2017 Update
In January we unveiled a whole new website look. It is our goal going forward to continue to provide visitors with as much analysis information we can provide on analysis, method, turnaround time and cost. If you are looking for a particular analysis, consider going to our test section and locating your specific analysis. Taking
New Website Update for 2017
Welcome to the new, midwestlabs.com site! This process started in May 2016 and came to fruition in January 2017. This site is the cornerstone of a new client experience. The new site will allow users the ability to find analysis information faster, with fewer clicks. One of the best parts of the site is the
Happy New Year!
About Midwest Labs Our history and our future. To learn more about Midwest Labs please visit our About Us Page.
Merry Christmas!
Some September Lawn Tips
Fall is almost here. I like to get a little bit of a head start by working on the lawn during the pre-fall maintenance period, (Late-August to Mid-September). I have found that if I invest a little time and effort during this period, I will see a return on my efforts this fall, (Late September)
Grubs are Back – Take Action Now!
They came sooner than expected. Over the last few weeks, I’ve slowly noticed some brown spots appearing in lawns adjacent to my property. I am typically proactive when it comes to maintaining my lawn, and I like to make sure weeds are in check, and if there is a cooler period in the summer, I will
Lawn Tips for May
This year my lawn looks great. Even with the lack of moisture for most of April, I have been able to create a nice, thick green lawn. Here are some tips I recommend. Get a soil test. A soil test can really help you see which nutrients are lacking in the soil and it can
Shipping Samples to Midwest Laboratories
Today I am writing you to make sure you know about all of the options you have when it comes to shipping samples to Midwest Laboratories. The informaiton here is listed on the Midwest Laboratories Shipping Page.
Growing Large Pumpkins in 2016
The last few days I have noticed some new accounts looking at soil testing for growing large pumpkins. I have worked with some pumpkin growers and I have learned it is quite an art and science. The best part, is pumpkin growers really look at their soil testing numbers and understand their nutrients quite well,
Shipping Samples Options
Midwest Laboratories offers several shipping options for its clients.
Does Your Water Contain Lead?
It is well-known of the current lead issues in drinking water in Flint Michigan. Now, a newly released article from USA Today, suggests the issues of lead in drinking water is more widespread throughout the United States than originally thought. The article states nearly 2000 water systems throughout all 50 states have tested with lead
March Lawn Care Tips
IMarch is here! Time to start thinking about your lawn. Here are five tips to consider as you look to get your lawn ready this month.
Double-Dipping and Bacteria
The weekends are typically a time when people get togehter for drinks and appetizers. Typically the appetizers are on a table with some crackers, chips and dips. Have you ever thought of this area as a breding ground for bacteria? Are there any dangers in double-dipping?
A Closer look at Fast-Food Salads
I have often wondered whether salads really are a good way to maintain a healthy diet or not. I believe salads can be a part of a healthy diet, but it is important to know the facts. The facts put the numbers quickly into perspective.
The Dangers of Lead
Check out this video clip and learn why lead is such a dangerous element and how it gets into our soil and water.
When to Stop Watering Your Lawn This Fall
The fall of 2015 has been a very unusually dry and warm one across the midwest. With high temperatures in the 60’s -70’s and lows in the 50’s, the conditions are just right for some last minute fall lawn seeding or repair with sod. Many irrigation companies are also wanting customers to winterize their lawn
Time may be right to overseed your lawn
This summer has been an unusual one on a number of fronts. I have fertilized twice this summer, (July and August) and have constantly battled weeds. Through it all the grass has remained very green and has required very little watering because of the frequent rains. Also, future forecasts for September show September to be a
Lawn Update – August
July was kind of a tough month for lawns. It was a wild month of weeds and a reemergence of grubs. In addition, the beginning of the month brought cooler temperatures and I found myself applying nitrogen to a lawn that had lost nutrients during the month of June. As we begin August, temperatures are
Fertilize Your Lawn in July?
Yes! – This year I fertilized my lawn in July I added a slow-release fertilizer with a 30% Nitrogen content. I typically use this type of fertilizer in a fall or late spring time frame. I typically do not recommend this type of application during the summer, because the temperatures in the midwest, (Omaha, Nebraska) are in the
Lawn and Garden Soil Explained
Are you considering adding soil amendments to your lawn or garden this fall, if so, you should check out this informative presentation and know your options. Consider soil testing as well
September Lawn Tip
Some tips to think about regarding your lawn this September.
August Lawn Tips
Just as kids get ready to go back to school, so to, its time to head back to the lawn to nurture it for the fall season. The best time to apply grass seed is Mid-August through the first part of October. With this being said, I think the first two weeks of August are
How should I water my lawn in the summer?
It is that time of year when homeowners are beginning to see dry spots in their lawn. Here are two tips to help your yard survive the summer heat. 1) Raise your blade. Don’t mow so short. With the direct sunlight hitting your grass, it is wise to let the grass get a little higher
Stop Grubs Now From Taking Your Lawn
Now is the time to apply your grub control product on your lawn. In the past I have forgotten to apply grub control and dearly paid the price. Now, I always put it on my calendar to put an application down before the 4th of July. If you are trying to decide if you should
Dealing with Mushrooms in your Lawn
This past Memorial Day Weekend was an absolute wet one. In the Omaha area we received 3+ inches of rain between Friday and Monday. As a result, an onslaught of mushrooms has appeared. I am really not that annoyed by these little fungi. In fact, the presence of mushrooms indicates a few things about the
New FDA Regulations for Sunscreen
The FDA has come out with new regulations with respect to sun screen. When I first saw this video, I wasn’t aware of new FDA regulations with respect to sunscreen. Each year I learn a little more about how the exposure to the sun can be beneficial, (Vitamin D) and harmful with respect to skin
How I achieved a stronger thicker lawn this spring
This year has been the best year for my lawn. It is still a bit early, but I wanted to share some of the things I did this spring to insure a nice, thick lawn. March Lawn Activity Laid sod down on former garden area 20′ x 20′ Mowed entire lawn on March 16, 2013
Take Precautions when swimming this summer
A study from the Center For Disease Control found that 58% of the pools in the United States had a presence of e.Coli in their pool water. Make sure you take precautions with your children when it comes to going to the local public pool and dealing with the issue of bacteria this summer. Make
Bath Towels and Bacteria
There has been a recent movement in our country to go green. You see signs in certain hotels encouraging you to reuse your towels. In addition, many high school and college athletes keep a towel in their locker to dry off with after practice. How safe is that towel over time? How fast can bacteria
Three Spring Lawn Care Tips for April & May
It’s late April and temperatures will be in the 60’s and 70’s over the next week. It’s time to turn on the sprinkler system and check it out to make sure its working properly. As noted, I have applied a pre-emergent and just recently over-seeded my lawn. Now I am watching my lawn get thicker
Calorie Counts – Accurate or not?
Check out this study conducted by Consumer Reports in the May 2013 Edition, “How accurate are chain restaurant calorie counts?” There is a very nice chart which lists the findings from Consumer Reports with respect to several restaurants. The study brings out some interesting information about how some calorie counts were not accurately reported for
Germs and Birthday Cakes
Are we taking this “germ” thing a bit too far? Check out this story out of Australia. A ruling is being enacted for daycares that prohibit kids from bringing in a birthday cake. They suggest individual cupcakes with candles to stop the spread of germs. Along with blowing out the candles, the law also states
Bacteria and Tanning Beds
This is really alarming! You really need to take precautions if you plan on using tanning beds. Check out this article: “How to Choose the Right Sunless Tanning Salon” It offers several good tips if you plan on using a Tanning Salon. The tips include the following topics: Clean the Tanning Booth Yourself Wear Protective
Germ Study – Restaurants
Check out this study. Germs were found on items that we typically do not think of: Chairs, Menus, Ketchup bottles and Salt & Pepper Shakers Germs can come from three places: respiratory, skin and feces To protect yourself, sit down, place the order, wash hands after touching the menu. Inspect your tableware and silverware. If
How often should you water your lawn?
With the warm conditions and earlier than normal spring, you may be asking yourself the question,” Is it time to water my lawn?” The answer is yes, but… you want to water your lawn the correct way to insure a healthy lawn. About five years ago as I was having my sprinkler system setup, a
Lawn Grub Control in 2012
I know it seems too early to start thinking about grub control. Typically grub control products are applied in June or early July time frame. However, our growing season is about 5 weeks ahead. Using that figure, we should be thinking about grub control in the May/June time frame. Let’s look at some things we
Soil Test for your lawn
Soil testing for your lawn. Right now is the perfect time to know and understand about the nutrients in your lawn. Yesterday, the topic of soil temperature was posted, and as noted the temperature is a little cool for seeding and a little early to apply your pre-emergent. This year, Midwest Laboratories has added an
Get Lawn and Garden ready this fall
I came across this article, “Fall is the time to get your lawns and gardens ready to bloom next spring” is a really good article which highlights some of the areas to look at: Weeds can be taken care of with a post-emergent herbicide ( I prefer overseeding B. Pohlman) Mid September – Mid October