Hard work, lasting relationships: The legacy of Ken Pohlman in agriculture and life through the eyes of his son

Kristen Sindelar
Feb 20, 2025
Feb 20, 2025

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Many people may associate the name Ken Pohlman with Midwest Laboratories, a full-scale analytical laboratory in Omaha, which offers analysis of soil, plants, food, water, fuel and more.

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Ken Pohlman 1.jpg — Ken Pohlman stands on the famous spiral staircase of the main building at the Midwest Laboratories campus in Omaha, Neb., in this photo from 2001. He was well known as a pioneer in the agricultural lab and as a philanthropist.
Submitted photo

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Ken Pohlman 2.jpeg — Under Ken’s leadership, Midwest Laboratories has grown over the past 50 years to span 12 buildings and employ 285 people.
Submitted photo

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Ken Pohlman 3.JPG — In his last hours, Ken Pohlman celebrated the success of the company he started 50 years prior. This photograph was taken at the 2025 Midwest Labs Awards Banquet Jan. 17.
Submitted photo

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.