Forage lab helps dairies zero in on feed nutrition, efficiency

Janelle Atyeo
Mar 24, 2025
Mar 24, 2025

Rock River Lab (12).JPG — Mike Barber, manager of Rock River Labs, formerly AgLab Express, mixes a forage sample for nutrition testing at his Sioux Falls lab. Sampling rations can help dairies and feedlots feed more efficiently and improve their bottom line.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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“It’s probably the most important thing a dairy will do,” said Mike Barber.

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Rock River Lab (26).JPG — Mike Barber puts samples into a Near Infrared Spectoscopy machine, which gives information about the particles that make up a feed sample.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Rock River Lab (32).JPG — A sample of beet pulp is ready for sample at Rock River Laboratory in Sioux Falls. Reports give information about the feed's fiber, fat, sugar and starch content.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Rock River Lab (35).JPG — Mike and Donna Barber pose at the drop box outside their new location in Sioux Falls. Rock River Laboratory is on South Minnesota Avenue, making it an easy stop for customers traveling Interstate 29 and 229.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Janelle Atyeo is a small town South Dakota girl enjoying her work as regional editor of the Midwest Messenger and Tri-State Neighbor while raising kids and no-till vegetables in central Sioux Falls. Reach her at janelle.atyeo@lee.net.