Friday April 29, 2011

 

 

Lancaster DHIA Forage Analysis Lab

Friday, April 22

 

 

Our son Jere has been telling us about the development of Lancaster DHIA’s new forage lab for several months, so I was incredibly pleased to get a private tour by the CEO.  

 

 

This was the first week of full operation.

 

 

Jere (center) introducing us to Pam Light, the Lab Manager.

 

 

Pam at her desk

 

 

There are several illustrations and photos in the building that indicate that this lab is interested in the welfare of dairy animals.

 

 

 

 

The sweat shirt of one of the technicians.

 

 

A forage sample being checked into the lab’s testing process in the NIR (Near Infrared) room.

 

 

Jere taking a photograph of the sample and the information on the baggie.

 

 

The young woman on the right is being trained in the process of entry and testing.

 

 

Drying a sample in a microwave for an initial test.

 

 

Walk-in oven.

 

 

 

 

Drying trays

 

 

Corn Silage Processing Score

 

 

This Ro-Tap shaker takes the sample through a series of sieves – large to small.

 

 

 

 

The grinding room.

 

 

A finished sample of hay. It smelled fabulous.

 

 

A finished sample of corn. This made me feel like baking corn bread.

 

 

This room is being prepared to store the samples.

 

 

The girls preparing to test a finished sample.

 

 

 

 

After the tour Jere took Cerwin to the basement of this 200 (plus) year-old building which was originally a family dwelling, to show him the dust collector and a few other behind-the-scene things.

   

 

I was more interested in the walls and basement construction. It reminded me of the farmhouse where I grew up.

 

 

Lancaster DHIA can now test a variety of forages – as well as milk and water which they have been testing for may years.

~~~

I was incredibly impressed and pleased with Jere’s part in overseing the setup of this lab.