Rock River Laboratory Celebrates 50 Years of Advancing Agriculture
Rock River Laboratory in Watertown, WI, was founded in 1976 as a family-run, soil analysis laboratory.
From a small farm in Watertown, WI, to a global agriculture industry driver, Rock River Laboratory is honoring its 50 years of incorporation, looking forward. Since its inception in July 1976, the family-run laboratory network has developed a rich history, with a story rooted in serving and advancing agriculture.
“Rock River Laboratory was born out of a need for soil analysis in southern Wisconsin, and we quickly became a crucial part of the recommendations our agronomist and retailer customers were providing farmers,” shares Don Meyer, Rock River Laboratory founder. “Our local river’s name is now synonymous with quality analysis, agronomic and animal nutrition support, and a highly-advanced knowledge base, internationally.”
Spurred by local retailer requests, Don and his wife Karen, along with his parents, Bill and Marge Meyer, established the soil analysis laboratory on their family’s farm. Their focus was quality and accuracy, founded on the Meyers’ values, ethics, and desire to help others with honesty and integrity. By 1979, the laboratory expanded to include feed and forage analysis. The very first laboratory to adopt Near-Infrared (NIR) analysis technology, Rock River Laboratory helped push the envelope of incorporating innovative technologies and progressive techniques – a theme that continues today. Amidst many inaugural moments, including the first robotic systems for soil organic matter and pH testing, and the first laboratory to offer comprehensive nutrient management planning services with on-staff planners helping Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), the experienced team remains focused and steadfast on prioritizing exceptional customer service.
Under the guidance of Don Meyer, followed by the second generation of family leaders – Zachery Meyer and Lauren Ebert – the laboratory continues to grow and evolve. Rock River Laboratory’s family of brands spans North America, and associate laboratories that seek to provide the same quality and supported analysis to their regions, cover the globe. The entire Rock River Laboratory-supported network can be viewed here.
“Our customers throughout the world constantly motivate us to find universal solutions that continue the innovation and service Rock River Laboratory was founded on,” explains Zachery Meyer, Rock River Laboratory CEO. “Our experienced, expert team is paramount to empowering those customers through advancements in agricultural science while preserving the integrity and values of our brand.”
On the cusp of uniting agronomic and animal nutrition-focused sciences, the laboratory continues to bridge the gap between these sectors of the industry, fueled by ongoing, barrier-breaking research. Regular contributors to the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) Annual Meeting research abstracts, the organization supports and fuels research and development projects with industry leader partnerships – pouring time and resources into the industry. The ultimate goal remains the same as that in 1976: helping farmers reach success.
Read more about Rock River Laboratory, research, and the complete 50-year history here.
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